For Teachers: Different Ways to Communicate With Parents – 25 Suggestions

For Teachers: Different Ways to Communicate With Parents -
25 Suggestions

If you were a fly on my classroom wall you would see me using a variety of methods/means to communicate with parents on a regular basis … even before Day #1!

I believe strongly in establishing strong ties/bonds between home and school … after all, we are all here for the child.

Together we can make a great team!

I hope that you find this list to be of some use …

Cheers,
Ally

27 Suggestions

1. Class Blogs/Websites – to be updated regularly
2. Class Parents – volunteers who communicate regularly with all parents on your behalf
3. Class Celebrations – Thanksgiving Pot Luck, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Winter Festival, Carnival, Remembrance Day, Earth Day, Mother’s Day Tea, Year End Party, etc.
4. Curriculum Share -  After school events during which students lead parents through various curriculum related centres
5. Email personal notes/updates- anytime / anywhere
6. Email Newsletters
7. Information “Easel” outside the classroom – posted information
8. Face-to-Face Meetings
9. Fundraisers – student driven & parent/teacher supported
10. Home Journals – Students write a weekly letter home to parents describing their week & parents respond (see: http://bit.ly/odoxG2)
11. Homework agendas – a very effective means of communication between home and school
12. Interviews – parent-teacher interviews
13. Learning Logs to be shared with parents by students on a regular basis (see: http://bit.ly/odoxG2)
14. Newsletters / notices – save a tree: keep these to a minimum
15. Open Door Policy – create a welcoming environment
16. Parent Bulletin Board – in the hall – post a monthly calendar, weekly timetable, special notices, examples of student work, etc.
17. Parent Night – early in September in order to introduce yourself & your program
18. Parent Volunteers for activities, special days/activities, field trips, etc.
19. Personal Notes/Letters home
20. Post signs & notices on your front door
21. Report Cards
22. Stage a Poetry Slam
23. Start the year off – prior to Day #1 – with a phone call & a postcard/letter home
24. Telephone – makes calls regularly – report on strengths as well as needs; both good news and issues that need to be addressed
25. Test Binder – include tests, quizzes, reports, etc. to be reviewed and signed by parents (includes student, parent & teacher reflections)