Tips, Strategies, and Plans for Caregivers and Teachers CHAPTER 8
their family.
· Remember to ask parents their perspectives on their children’s strengths or challenges; don’t just lecture to them.
· Begin and end every meeting with something positive (the “bread” in the communication “sandwich”).
Other types of communication:
Formal parent–teacher meetings should include both positive and constructive feedback. Why might this be important to home–school interactions?
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· Quick e-mail communications reporting on a day’s activities can help parents ask their children appropriate questions and feel a part of their lives.
· Make occasional phone calls of a positive nature so parents learn that hearing from you doesn’t mean something is wrong.
· If children have transferred from another school or district, seek permission to reach out to this prior place for information.
· Parents whose schedules don’t permit them to participate or volunteer when their children are on-site can contribute in creative ways such as recording books on tape, inviting the class to their workplace, or illustrating posters.
· Keep a family calendar on the classroom wall where children can write in special events they are looking forward to such as family birthdays and events.