7 BE-s for Developing Successful Parent-Teacher Relationships

Strong, positive partnerships between home and school are important for children’s learning. Of course, given the nature of human relationships, these partnerships take time to develop and require regular, two-way communication. Parents and teachers share responsibility for making the time to build trust and shared understanding, an investment well worth the effort when you consider that the potential benefits to children include;

• Academic success as parents and teachers work together to share information and support the learning of the individual child,
• Increased self confidence and positive self esteem as a result of the greater sense of security that comes from knowing the key adults in their lives are working in partnership, and
• Social skill development stemming from the positive model of effective communication and observation of a real working relationship.

Here are seven simple strategies for parents (and teachers) to keep top of mind as they work to build this all-important relationship between home and school;

1. Be informed
Stay in touch with what is happening at the school. Take time to read information that is shared about your child, the individual class and the broader school community. Similarly attend school meetings and information sessions wherever possible.

{Teachers – regularly evaluate the mode, quality and effectiveness of the information you are providing to parents.}

2. Be available
You and your family are unique. Recognise that diversity of families is a good thing. Look for opportunities to contribute to the program – help with supervision of an excursion, offer to assist with a club or other extra curricular activity or loan resources from home that relate to the learning program.

{Teachers – look for opportunities to involve parents authentically in the class program or routine.}

3. Be responsive
When your child’s teacher asks for information or feedback take the time to tell them about your child, family and home. Participate in parent-teacher conferences, even if you are confident that your child is doing well.

{Teachers – value the knowledge parents have of their individual child, the insight can be invaluable to understanding the learning needs of that student.}

4. Be interested
How well do you understand your school’s philosophy, program and routines? Do you understand why things happen the way they do? This information can help you to support your child within the school environment. Use the appropriate avenues to ask questions about the class, the educational program or the workings of the school’s community.

{Teachers – consider developing a parent resource library of materials (books, periodicals, articles, website links) that can help parents to understand current educational theory and provide them with practical ideas for supporting their children’s learning.}

5. Be realistic
Teachers are busy people and have many responsibilities (and personal lives) outside of face-to-face teaching. When conversations are likely to require more time be sure to request an appointment at a mutually convenient time rather than bailing them up unexpectedly.

{Teachers – consider how available and approachable you are – for both parents with quick questions or requests and those requiring more time.}

6. Be constructive
When you have concerns do your best to maintain a solution-focused approach in difficult conversations. While you are undoubtedly your child’s #1 most important advocate sometimes the emotions a parent feels when things go wrong can act to hinder the resolution process. Resist the urge to vent on social media or to participate in school yard gossip. Face the situation calmly and directly with the teacher (or other appropriate school personnel) and look for ways to be part of the solution.

{Teachers – difficult conversations are uncomfortable for everyone involved but really are inevitable. Recognise that parents are acting out of love and concern for their child and look for ways to work together to reach a resolution that is in the best interest of the child or children involved.}

7. Be kind
Shake off the busyness of the morning routine and school drop off chaos and take a second to smile and greet your child’s teacher each day. Be open and friendly, show gratitude regularly and be interested in your child’s teacher as a person, not just a teacher. Your child is watching and learning from these simple, positive gestures – often much more than you realise!

{Teachers – take a moment to greet each child and parent (preferably by name) each day. A small, simple action that can make a big impact within your class community.}

What would you add to this list of BE-s?

Related Posts

• Is Your Child’s Teacher a Pirate?
• Creating Learning Communities
• Revisiting the Hundred Languages of Children