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Strengthening Parent-Teacher Relations
November 16, 2006
With age comes the inner, the higher life. Who would be forever young, to dwell always in externals?
-Elizabeth Cady Stanton
-Elizabeth Cady Stanton
"As we thought about rearranging our classroom, we came up with an idea of putting adult size chairs around the different play areas. They are used to invite parents in to sit and talk with teachers or to observe children in their play. Parents are encouraged to give us feedback about their observations or any suggestions about the room. Interaction with parents and other children also happens during this time, allowing for families to form new relationships and community.
"When enrolled in the center, new parents are introduced to all staff from the director to the kitchen manager. Each staff member plays a key role in how well the center is maintained. Parents become familiar with all of those who come in contact with their child as well as those who spend a major portion of their day with that child. Parents can utilize any staff person to gain resources and information �" even when their child's teacher is not present. This establishes a commitment to work together and with their child so that all transitions to the next level go well.
"Parents are taken in to talk with the lead teacher of the class where they get to see just how parents are represented. They begin their conversations once again around the child and talk about what their values and goals are. There is a specific requirement we have of parents on the first day their child begins and that is to spend one hour of class time with us. We want parents to feel comfortable in their choice and utilize this time to ask questions and start a connection with teachers and other staff."
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A popular Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit is based on Hilliard's article, "Making Families Welcome." This Out of the Box Training Kit is on sale this week at a 20% discount.
Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsSt.Anne Lubov Nursery
Winnipeg, Manitoba, United States
What wonderful ideas! I like the suggestions of making the parents feel more involved by having them spend time with their child, get to know the teacher, and other workers.
I also like the idea to have the teacher meet the parent and child at the doorway of the classroom. I think positive interaction between all helps to 'set the tone' for the day. It also sets the foundation for trust and an openness in communication between everyone. I'm certainly going to put these to practice. Thanks!
St.Anne Lubov Nursery
Winnipeg, Manitoba, United States
What a wonderful idea! I think the parent/teacher relationship is an important one at all levels and ages. The idea of making the environment with the parents involvement in mind, so that they can sit right there and feel more a part of their child's education and play, is what is needed today. Especially when parents often are feeling rushed in our fast paced environments. If they make a point to set time aside to spend the day with the teacher and see just what is happening and who is involved in each area, that sets a foundation of trust and more communication with all involved. I also like the idea of the teacher meeting children and parents at the door by the previous email. A parent, teacher, and child need connection with each other. It also certainly can 'set the tone' for the day-and it'll probably be a positive one! I'm certainly going to take these suggestions and utilize them. Thanks!
Wheelock College
Lincoln, NA, United States
I HOPE exchange will develop a good collection on this topic, which is critical to how children develop, and especially some tips on how teachers cannot achieve their goals for children without developing positive relationships with parents. I think of Peggy Pizzo, who once told me how she learned the importance of parents as a new teacher. She observed a teacher in the next classroom whose children seemed to be doing much better, and she asked that teacher how she had achieved that in such a short time.
The teacher said, "It's easy. I stand in the doorway, and when the parent brings the child, I say something welcoming. I do this every day, and I notice that the child is happy at the start of the day. Then I say to the parent, " I notice that Cindy is really doing well, and enjoying her activities here. Can you think about it and tell me what you are doing that is different?" That starts a dialogue that reinforces the parent's positive relationship with me and with the child, a benign circle. What could be simpler?"
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
I have shared this important perspective with the second year doctoral students in the Educational Leadership Program. The course I am teaching is Family and Community Engagement. They are all elementary/middleschool or high school faculty or administrators.
It is important to share information from the Early Childhood perspective to demonstrate what effective practices can look like. "emerging family and community engagement"! Bravo!
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