"Back to School Tip" Link-Up

My "Back to School" tip is based on setting yourself up for a great year with parents. The first week, Open House, Curriculum Night, etc. are very important events for getting off on the right foot with the parents you'll be with for the next 9-12 months.  I have a top 10 list of great ways to facilitate positive family communication, so when you must address tricky issues, you already have a great relationship going!

Top 10 Ways to Communicate Positively With Parents

1. Class Newsletter- Email a newsletter (or send a hard copy) home each week with lots of pictures and brief descriptions of the ongoings of the week.  Kids can write the articles too!  
2. Class Blog- Set it up, add pictures and short captions, and have kids write the posts. :) 
3. Friday Folder- Send home all papers on the same day.  Cut yourself some slack on grading homework immediately and save time at the end of each school day.
4. Class Twitter Account- Have your kiddos tweet and share your handle with parents.  They love connecting throughout the day! (Follow all school policies and get permission from parents.)
5. Send home notes before the year starts.  S"nail Mail" a little postcard sharing how excited you are to meet/see each and every student!
6. Create take-home information brochures for Open House/Curriculum Night.  It's a lot to take in during those nights, so share all the important stuff in a little take-home for parents to look over later.
7. Homeroom App- This is like a private Twitter with members being invite-only.  You can send out reminders and send out photos knowing parents will get a notification.  You can also set it up with kids!
8. Conference Form- Send home a form asking for questions or concerns prior to the conference.  Request kids bring back the forms before the conference, so you are prepared and can dodge surprises.
9. Mystery Readers- Each week, have a mystery reader (parent) visit class and surprise the students.  Have a sign-up for this ongoing event at your Open House/Curriculum Night.  Be specific on the timing, so parents know when to arrive and when to leave.
10. Be open, be reachable, be kind. Be a person who parents feel happy to leave their children with for the majority of their year.  Stand outside before school, chat after school on the playground, make the positive phone call home, join the PTA.  You in person are the best form of positive communication.  Show up with a smile. :)

    

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    Thanks for checking out my "Back to School Tip" through PopIntoPrimary!  Click on the link below to head back to the link-up!