What Message Are We Sending With Our First Contact With Parents?
cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Peter Gerdes: http://flickr.com/photos/petergerdes/2905280530/
As we start a new school year, one of the key aspects to consider is our relationships with the parents and families of our students.
In the past year, not only have I had reflective conversations with parents and educators about moving to a focus oncommunication WITH parents (rather than communication TO parents), but I have also discussed preschool and kindergarten beginnings with close friends as well as people in my family. I have heard personal stories of parents being told by the school that their child is “not ready for school” or is “a constant problem”. I have also heard of wonderful school:family relationships being built from the first moment they meet – teachers that have made that effort to focus on the positives, empathize, and truly listen to families as they share stories about their child. The experiences of those that have been there and those that are nervous about getting there all say the same thing: the first contact that is made from teachers and the school to the families is crucial to developing a positive relationship.
These conversations lead me to reflect on the question, “What message are we sending in our first contact with parents?”
Are we:
- sending a list of forms to be signed