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Improving communication between schools and parents is key to the student's success. It is not a lie to say that parents and teachers have significant roles to play in a child's education. Children get the best when the two major stakeholders work hand in hand. However, there are so many things that hinder the establishment of proper channels. Parents lead busy lives, and the teachers also have many pupils to look after. Schools can greatly improve their means of communication with parents in order to better support the students.
This article will cover the different avenues for school-to-parent communication and how vital that is for student welfare. It will have some practical hints and examples that parents can use to contribute positively to their child's education.
Effective communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress and behaviour, including any concerns the school may have. It also ensures that teachers find out any relevant information about a child’s home life, interests, and what they believe works best for that child. This kind of communication creates a partnership whereby parents and teachers are pursuing the same kind of goals: academic success and emotional well-being for that child.
With good communication:
These allow both parties to work together in helping a child overcome learning difficulties or behavioural issues.
Different avenues exist for parents to communicate with schools, with some methods taken as very common:
These meetings are among the most important communication methods. These meetings provide opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss a child's academic status, challenges, and social development. They may occur at least once or twice a year on a scheduled basis. Teachers have an opportunity to honour parents, while parents have an opportunity to appreciate and understand the goals for their child's learning.
But meetings should not only occur during these times; whenever any issues arise, or when there is a success to communicate, the meeting must be organized.
Through good days, to maintain parental contact, parents can be kept informed of happenings at the school. Teachers can update parents with the school newsletter on events, a child's progress, or some important reminders. This method avails of closure in written communication as a reference point by the parents at any given time.
In some cases, a phone call is more personal and effective than emailing. If a teacher has genuine concerns regarding a student's progress or behaviour, calling the parent, for instance, would make the conversation appear more direct and supportive. Similarly, parents with a concern, for example, could call up the school and talk about their child.
Most of the current schools have a website or an online portal through which parents can access significant information, such as timetable information, event calendars, opinions and policies, newsletters, and, of course, progress reports. These online resources also enable parents to follow up on school activities and the academic performance of their child.
Text messages sent by schools may serve as reminders about events or deadlines, or may address urgent situations. Text messaging can be a quick and effective way to grab the attention of parents, especially with any time-bound message.
Many schools use social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to communicate with parents. School apps may also be employed for such communication, giving parents instant access to schedules, updates, and notifications. These apps can be very handy for busy parents who can find information on their smartphones.
An excellent way of furthering the cooperation between schools and parents is by getting parent volunteers to help during school functions. This could be anything from working at the school fair to coming along on trips, to perhaps assisting in the classroom. In this way, they can personally engage with the school community.
Effective communication is not just about the right platform; it should always be clear, consistent, and beneficial. Here are the communication practices schools should embrace to build a useful communication channel with the parents:
Parents are often busy; therefore, the communications should be straightforward and to the point. Whether a letter, email, or phone call, the teachers should aim to clearly establish what they are communicating about. Avoid jargon, opt for using simple language that parents will easily comprehend.
Schools should keep parents informed about their child's progress, socially and academically. Regular updates help parents feel involved and aware of their child's development. Reports and grades should not only be reserved for parent-teacher meetings; they should be given out on a regular basis so that there are no surprises.
Simply sending messages is not good communication; it is also important to listen. Teachers and school staff need to listen to parents' concerns and input. Parents often provide valuable information about their child that can help a teacher make more informed decisions regarding the child.
Teachers should provide a platform on which they will make parents feel free to ask questions whenever concerned. Putting on a warm and available disposition is one major way to win the first step of building trust. When a parent feels that his concerns will be taken into consideration, he or she is more likely to bring him into school.
Schools are the organizations that can give helpful resources to parents to empower them in the education of their children. Examples of resources could be tips for helping with homework, information about learning disabilities, or workshops regarding social-emotional learning. These resources allow schools to empower parents in the effective support of their children at home.
Communication should not be limited to problem discussion; it should also include the child's accomplishments. Sometimes there are children excelling in a subject, good at improving their behaviour, or improving in working together with others; teachers should be quick to report such good news to parents. This prompts parents to be involved and gives them a reason to celebrate their child's successes.
The first one is that while schools are obliged to relate properly to parents, parents also have to get it with the schools. Here are some ways that parents can improve their communication with schools:
Parents should never hesitate to communicate with the teachers and school staff whenever the need arises; this can be concerning an issue or requiring more clarification on anything. Do not wait to receive first contact from them; be proactive.
Parents will show their contribution to the education of the student by attending events such as parent-teacher conferences, school plays, or sports events. Such types of attendance also give parents a chance to meet with teachers and school staff in person.
Constructive feedback should be given by the parents to the school on the communication methods of the school. If they found certain methods useful or difficult to use, such feedback can help schools improve communication strategies.
Most schools have applications, websites, and other digital channels for communication. Every parent should utilize these sources to know his or her child’s progress in regular school activities.
Teachers are often saddled with large classes and much responsibility. A supportive, patient, and understanding parent will make the teacher-parent relationship much smoother and more effective in communication.
For more information on ways to strengthen communication between schools and parents, you can visit Skoodos. Skoodos offers a range of resources and advice to help parents engage in their children's education.
Effective communication between schools and parents can ensure the successful performance of the children. It can be said that when both of these parties come together for any purpose, many benefits accrue to them. In schools, effective communication would be clearness, consistency, and approachability. In return, parents can become active in attending functions in schools and provide feedback to make the relationship even stronger. Together, the two would then help create a more enriching and positive environment for every child.
It depends on the child's needs; however, parents should strive to talk with teachers at least once each term. More reporting might be needed for other specific reasons that would require more contact between the two.
You will need to reach out to the teacher or principal and politely give your concern, asking perhaps for an update on your child's progress.
The teacher may have suggestions for how you can contribute. Teachers can offer helpful hints and resource support for the child. You might also encourage your child to ask questions and establish good study habits.
Ask the teacher what your child is like at school. The teacher might know something about the situation, and you and the teacher could be prima facie able to develop some strategies.
One way you can stay engaged is by attending events or volunteering whenever possible, while making sure you have a comprehensive communication line with the teacher. Always respect the teacher's professional role and build collaboration within the role he/she play in supporting your child's education.
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