Tips for Better Communication with Parents

Structure + Mindsets for Communication With Parents

• First, figure out which parent/guardian is most reliable/responsive and start with them. Also find out what mode of communication works best for them.
• Second, set boundaries around when and how you communicate (email, phone, handwritten note, etc.) Pray also for grace when parents might have forgotten to update emails or missed communication from you.
• Third, try different ways of sharing. For instance, share digital copies along with physical copies of things like forms or spelling lists. Walk a student (elementary is best for this) to the car when they get picked up and introduce yourself to the parent, and share a form that needs filled out. 
• Fourth, share a skill each week you are working on in your class and invite your student’s parents and family to help them work on that skill at home as well. An example for younger students might be following directions. For older students, it might be asking open-ended questions. 
• Lastly, don’t wait until conferences to address issues, especially if conferences are later in the semester. Be up front along the way with parents about behavior and academic issues. Your goal is to honor God and help these students, so be proactive in that. Frame issues as something you and the parent and the student are working on together.

3 Mindsets to Embrace 

One thing to keep in mind is that teachers are responsible for intentionally building a relationship with parents. Simply relying on conferences and orientation is not enough. That can be challenging, so we gathered more advice on the problems we face when communicating better with parents below. Pray for each of your students, as well, so that God can give you strength to engage with parents and students meaningfully. 

Another thing to consider is that sometimes a family member’s communication can come across negatively. What can be helpful in these situations is to start by assuming the parent has a positive intention, which is hopefully to help their child. Then you can respond also seeking the best for the student. Keep the mindset that you are on "team student", and so is the parent. You are one of their advocates, and that helps to remove the focus from you and put it on the student when trying to communicate better. 

The last thing to consider is finding a good mentor teacher. Look for someone who treats students, parents, and other teachers well. Then learn from that teacher. Ask questions, mirror the way they interact with people, so you can catch the mindset they embody toward students. 

Challenges to Communicating + Ideas to Do it Better

Challenge: parents are busy

Try Loom Videos (from team member Beki)

Regularly include Loom videos (easy-to-record and share videos) as part of your communication (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/whatever newsletters, etc.). There are a number of families who may not read an email, but who may watch a video.  These can also add to the connection/relationship you have with them because they see your face and hear your voice. Plus, as we all know, there can be misunderstandings when tone of voice is absent, so this helps with that as well!

Keep in mind that some videos should probably be fresh each year, but if you really want to cut back on your workload and make the most of your time, make some that are generic and can be used year after year.  Here are a few ideas: initial introduction, how to use tools in Google Classroom, how to get to and use a homework tool like Khan Academy, reminder to keep brains fresh during holiday breaks by reading, homework expectations, the list could go on and on… which means you’ll only have to make those videos once!

Try Sharing Photos Along the Way (from podcast guest Adrienne)

Share pictures of fun things that are happening in class or school. For example, field days, experiments, speeches, games, etc. can snag a parent’s attention and help them to see into your classroom a little more. 

Challenge: Teachers are busy

Try Status Updates (from team member Sarah)

Have the students write a monthly “status” update.  You provide simple sentence starters like, I have been doing really well with________________, I have enjoyed learning about _________________, I want to get better at ____________.  Then there can be a small section for a few teacher remarks.  

“Those who are working are learning,” is something Linda says often, and this is a great way to embody that and to take some of the reflection/work off of the teacher. It is really valuable to have the kids reflect on their progress.

Challenge: It Can Be Hard to Prioritize Positive Communication with Parents

Try A Beginning-of-the-Year Letter (from team member Karly)

Write one letter at the beginning of the year to introduce yourself and invite parents to write a letter/email back introducing their student. Include questions like: What do I need to know about your student to help them be successful? How has your student experienced (my subject) in the past? Can you share what motivates your student? What are you hoping for your student this year? 

Even though not many parents may write back, some will. That will mean your relationship with them has started off on a positive note. And those who don’t reply might share later how much easier it is to send their kid to school because they have a better idea of who you are and what you hope for their student. 

Try Positive Postcards (from team member Alexx)

Send home positive postcards in the mail when a child does something well. Keep it simple and concrete.  A positive message home doesn’t take much time for the teachers and becomes a keepsake for the child.

Parent communication doesn't always come easy, but it is always worth it. Students learn better when their teacher and parent are on the same page, both supporting them.