In my last blog post I opened up the discussion about parent-teacher-child communication. Over the next few weeks parents and teachers are meeting to discuss their children and students’ progress. What I truly believe is while it is wonderful to have these formal, scheduled parent-teacher exchanges two or three times a year, parents and teachers need to have an ongoing flow of communication about the child throughout the year. We are all busy with the day-to-day routines and responsibilities - I get it! Nevertheless, we need to look at the structure that is already in place and build communication from there. I have a few simple suggestions.
One thing I really like to keep in mind when communicating with parents and with my own children’s teachers is that everyone is seeking connection and the way that we connect is unique to each of us. How can we connect and remain connected? Starting by sharing the good of what the child is doing in your class will make the parent more open to you. As well, initiating communication with your child’s teacher with positive feedback further fosters the parent-teacher-child connection.
Often the first call to a parent or a parent to a teacher can be uncomfortable. As a result, we tend to avoid making it. The longer we wait to make the move to reach out, the harder it is. When teachers and parents connect, children also feel more connected. The other day a teacher shared with me that after speaking with a parent she began connecting more with their child and in turn the child began communicating with her more. All in one day! Small connections can make a huge difference.
When communicating with teachers or parents, I really remind myself to assume the best about the other person’s intentions. As I mentioned in my last post, always remember that we are all on the same team, working towards the child’s success.
I recommend that parents use the systems that their child’s teacher has set up as a springboard for communicating. At our school and many others, teachers use online platforms to communicate such as Seesaw Journal, Homeroom, Class Dojo, and Google Classroom. I receive weekly updates along with photos and videos of my younger children through the Seesaw app which gives me a glimpse into what they are learning in English and math. I use this information to ask teachers questions about how I can support their learning, comment on what I see, and simply to be a part of their learning.
As a busy mom and a professional I need to have practical ways for keeping in touch with my children’s teachers. Most of all it just needs to be part of what I do. The more connected we are the more our children will feel a sense of security that the adults in their life are guiding them and helping them reach their full potential. It won’t be long before these adorable little people will grow into adults (not that I’m in a rush for it to happen!) so we need to be models for them of what good communication looks like.
Shabbat Shalom,
Beth
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