Sunday, August 29, 2010

5 Ways to Launch a New Parent-Teacher Partnership

Teachers

1.) Send home a detailed welcome letter containing information about yourself, your policies, your expectations, and your curriculum. Most importantly, include your contact information.

2.) Deliver a thorough presentation at parent orientation. In addition to discussing your curriculum, tell parents about yourself, including your background, your teaching style, and your philosophy on homework and tests. Be receptive to questions and come across as approachable.

3.) Welcome parents to get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns throughout the year.

4.) Gather valuable information through written surveys. Ask parents about their child’s strengths and weaknesses, their interests outside of school, their attitude toward school, and their study habits. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to share information about their children that will help you get to know them.

5.) Contact parents to report good news. Call each of the parents in your class to offer some positive feedback about their child. This exercise ensures your first personal connection with each parent takes place under positive circumstances.

Parents

1.) Introduce yourself at parent orientation and let the teacher know you’re looking forward to a successful school year.

2.) Give the teacher your contact information and welcome the teacher to contact you for any reason. If you don’t have a chance to meet the teacher at parent orientation, send a brief note or e-mail.

3.) Find out how the teacher prefers to communicate, whether by written note, e-mail or phone, so you can ensure a quick response to your future questions and concerns.

4.) Volunteer your time. Offer to come into the class to share information about your culture, career or interests if they are relevant to the curriculum. Offer to assist the teacher with administrative duties, project preparation or other useful tasks.

5.) Support your child. Ask your child if they studied for their test, completed their homework, or handed in their assignments. Make sure they're on track to complete long-term projects.