Keep your communication style transparent
Transparency is essential to all kinds of open communication, and the same is true when speaking with parents and caregivers. In fact, it's essential for building trust. Keeping them updated on classroom activities and expectations helps keep them involved in their child's learning experience, both when things are going well and when there are concerns. This transparency not only helps reduce any worries they may have about their child's progress, but also sets clear expectations for what lies ahead.
Every parent wants to understand how their child is performing and what topics they will be exploring throughout the year. Keeping parents informed and involved can help to strengthen the support system surrounding the child, contributing to a more positive learning environment. It's all about working together to create a nurturing and supportive space for growth!
Prioritise taking a clear and positive approach
When you provide simple and direct feedback and take care to avoid complex terms, it’s easier for parents to quickly grasp what's most important. This transparent communication style helps prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page, making it simpler to address any issues.
If issues do arise in the classroom and you need to speak with a student's parents, it helps to focus on positive solutions rather than just concerns - you might be surprised at how much that can strengthen the relationship between you and the parents. Supportive conversations invite parents to get involved in their child's education while reducing any anxieties; it also encourages them to help address the situation from home.
Make communication as accessible as possible
Accessibility is perhaps one of the most fundamental factors of effective communication between a student's parents and you as a teacher. Accessible communication is key to helping all parents engage in their child's education, whatever their background or language abilities. Parents are more likely to engage actively in their child's education when communication channels are open and friendly, regardless of their backgrounds or language capabilities. When information is clear and easy to understand, parents feel included and valued, strengthening their connection with you as the teacher, too.
What's more, recognising families' diverse needs creates a welcoming school community where everyone can feel comfortable, whether it's language differences or disabilities. When parents are actively engaged, they’re more likely to support their children's learning at home and reinforce school values.
Always try to be flexible
Parents have different schedules and commitments, and recognising that will go a long way in scoring you some valuable brownie points. A good way to do this is to ensure that you’re adapting your communication methods to meet various needs, so that you can help parents stay engaged without added stress. Parents with busy jobs may not be able to meet face to face, but a phone call often goes a long way. Alternatively, an email or a letter home can also do the job - just don’t forget that it can be quite nerve wracking for parents to get a letter from the school unannounced!
When parents see that you're willing to be flexible, they'll feel more comfortable reaching out and keeping communication lines open. It also reduces pressure on them to readjust a busy schedule, which might not be possible for them. Either way, it makes it easier for them to stay informed and will increase their participation in their child's education tenfold outside of just parents' evening.
As a teacher, you have the power to make a real impact on your students' lives by keeping their parents involved and informed about their progress. And when it comes to supporting your students in the classroom, however, that's where we can help here at EPSL!
We provide a fantastic range of lined exercise books, plain express exercise books and personalised exercise books. With almost 50 years of experience behind us, we're top-of-the-class when it comes to producing resources and learning solutions for schools. If you've got any questions, you can count on us to provide answers in as much or as little detail as you need. Feel free to give us a call on 01254 686 500!
