Parent communication is essential in any classroom. It is especially important in an urban environment. Parents need to know that you are on the same team, and you want their child to succeed to their full potential. Throughout the years, I have had many struggles, and obstacles when it comes to parent communication. Because of these struggles, I have had to come up with creative, and innovative ways to communicate with parents. Here are some tips and tricks that I have learned over the years to ensure you have successful parent communication!
1. FaceBook Page
One of the easiest ways to have successful communication with parents is to create a classroom Facebook page. Now a days, social media is a huge part of everyone's lives. Almost everyone has a Facebook. This is an easy way for you to post updates, pictures, or important information. Parents will get a notification on their phones and hopefully read it instantly. I have learned that this is an easier way to connect with parents rather than sending home notes or trying to make a ton of phone calls! It is also a great way for parents to see what their children are doing and learning in class!
2. Open Communication
Having open communication with parents is crucial in any classroom. When you have open communication, parents will be more willing to have conversations, express their concerns, and be more involved.
Now you may be thinking, what does OPEN communication mean? I know many people may have different opinions, and may not agree with me, but this is just what works for me and what I have found to be most successful.
I give ALL of my parents my work email AND my cell phone number. (I'm not crazy I promise lol) I have to communicate with different parents AT LEAST 3 times a day, if not more. Sometimes they see the school phone number and refuse to answer, or send it straight to voicemail. There are also certain situations where I will not be in the classroom when I need to contact a parent. Sending them a quick text, or calling them from my cell phone is just easier. It is more personal, so parents feel more comfortable responding and communicating.
3. Remind APP
This app is AMAZING! If you do not have it, you need to download it ASAP! It is super easy to use, and extremely convenient! All you have to do is send parents an invite to join the class group. Once they have accepted, you can send messages, and updates to everyone all at once. It is kind of like a group text! However, parents will not be able to see anyone else responses besides yours! It is a great way to send reminders, and updates. I have learned over the years that many parents do not check their child's folder, so when I send home papers with important information or reminders, it almost ALWAYS does not get seen, and I end up just wasting a bunch of paper!
4. Behavior Log
Next is a behavior log! I usually keep this in the students take home folder, and switch it out weekly, or monthly! This not only keeps parents in the loop on their child's behavior, but also keeps the students accountable for their actions and choices. I use a monthly log in my classroom just to make my life easier. So I only have to make copies once a month instead of once a week! But it is completely up to you how you choose do it!
Here is the one I use with my kiddos!
5. Progress Reports
Last but not least! Progress Reports. I send home progress reports every 2-3 weeks! I always have the parent sign and send them back so I can put it in the students data folder. Even if they do not sign, I still put it in the folder, to have as proof that I sent it home. This may seem like a lot of work, but trust me it is worth it! It is crucial that you do your part to make sure that you have communicated in every way possible to parents. By sending progress reports home, you are ensuring that the parents are aware of their child's grades and therefore there will be surprised when it is time for report cards to be sent home.
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