Categories: Uncategorized

Avoiding the Top Teacher-Parent Communication Mistake

As a new teacher, communicating with families can be intimidating. I made a crucial mistake in my parent-teacher communication that led to a flop. In this blog post, I’ll share the #1 teacher-parent communication mistake I made and the key strategy to ensure strong teacher-parent communication from day one.

https://youtu.be/U-8VmjzZaBg

The Mistake: Having the Wrong Mindset

One of the biggest culprits of communication breakdown is having a “parent” versus “teacher” mindset. I found myself constantly expecting my families to be upset with me, dreading phone calls that might turn into confrontations. During parent-teacher conferences, I focused solely on what I was doing to help their child, without involving the families or providing them with ideas to support learning at home. That’s why it is essential to avoid the teacher-parent communication mistake.

The Fix: Shifting from “Me” to “We”

The solution is simple but powerful: shift your mindset from “Me” to “We.” This change in perspective can make all the difference in your parent-teacher interactions. Instead of seeing yourself as the sole authority, involve families as partners in their child’s education.

Practical Strategies:

  • Initiate conversations with families, presenting challenges as shared problems and seeking their input and ideas for solutions.
  • During parent-teacher conferences, discuss what “we” can do together to support the student’s progress, involving families in the process.
  • Be proactive in positive communication, reaching out to share successes and celebrate student achievements.
  • Approach challenges by explaining the situation and collaborating with families on strategies to support the student both in the classroom and at home.

Conclusion:

By shifting your mindset from “Me” to “We,” you can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for teacher-parent communication. This simple change in perspective can significantly impact your relationships with families and enhance your overall teaching experience. If you found this blog post helpful, don’t forget to check out the Ultimate New Elementary Teacher Guide, a free resource answering the top 10 questions about teaching at the elementary level.

Parent Night Series:

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Categories: Uncategorized

This one thing I did before parent night was a game-changer!

Let’s face it, talking to families can be intimidating. As educators, we spend a lot of time honing our skills to communicate effectively with students. However, engaging with adults is a whole different ball game. With parent night approaching, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. You want to make a good impression and ensure that you and the families are working together as a team for the success of your students. That’s why today, I’m going to share the one thing I did before parent night that was a complete game-changer! Let’s dive in!

So, you want to make a good impression? There’s only one way to do that—make a call.

https://youtu.be/ikOC2Qtqpao

The Call

But what do you say? I understand that phone calls may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but trust me, it’s worth it. Start by introducing yourself and letting them know that you will be their child’s teacher. Share a little about yourself and three things you love about teaching. Make it personal and relatable. Then, ask if they have any questions or concerns ahead of time. This gives them an opportunity to talk with you privately, especially if parent night is an open-door event. Don’t forget to ask if you can introduce yourself to their child as well. One Fab Teacher, for example, reads stories to her students, which adds a great personal touch.

The Benefits

Making this phone call has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows parents to speak privately with you, creating a comfortable space for open communication. It breaks the ice before the big night, making the parent-teacher interaction smoother. Moreover, it shows that you genuinely care about the well-being of the students and are willing to take the initiative. Families often receive phone calls for negative reasons, so a positive call like this sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

Wrap Up

I hope you found this tip useful! If you did, be sure to like and subscribe for more valuable insights. To make things easier for you, I’ve created a handy checklist that you can use before parent night. Download it now to ensure a successful and productive evening. Thank you for being an amazing teacher bestie! Bye for now!

Parent Night Series:

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