Relationship Building: Parent/Teacher Communication

Main ideas / lessons conveyed

• Parent-teacher relationships are foundational: Multiple speakers emphasize that building trust with parents is crucial because teachers will be working directly with families to support the child.
• Communication should be frequent, positive, and responsive: Teachers describe regular contact with parents—often daily—and stress quick turnaround times for responding to concerns.
• Use structured channels for communication: The speakers reference newsletters, emails, phone calls, progress reports, agendas, notes, and communication apps to keep families informed.
• Make the classroom welcoming and collaborative: Teachers mention keeping classrooms open for parent involvement, such as assisting with classroom tasks or grading if parents want to participate.
• Ensure concerns are addressed before they escalate: A recurring theme is that timely responses validate the child and reassure parents, preventing misunderstandings from growing.
• Involve parents proactively: Some teachers prepare early (e.g., summer newsletters) and encourage/enable parents to connect with the teacher before the school year begins.

Methodology / instructional approach

• Build the parent relationship first

  • Prioritize establishing rapport with parents early, because parents are key partners in helping support their child.

• Start communicating on the first day (and continue actively)

  • Tell students and families that you will contact home frequently.
  • Use phone calls to highlight strengths and positive progress (not only problems).
  • Example pattern mentioned: making numerous positive call home check-ins (e.g., “ten students a night”).

• Prepare early with a “welcome” information packet

  • During the summer (after class assignments are known), create and/or send a newsletter that includes:
    • Information about the teacher
    • Classroom procedures
    • Rules and expectations
    • Key information parents need to know

• Respond quickly to parent concerns

  • Aim to reply as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
  • If using email connected to a phone, respond immediately when possible (example given: reply within minutes).
  • Follow up by scheduling a meeting when needed to address concerns and resolve issues calmly before they escalate.

• Keep multiple communication routes open

  • Maintain classroom openness for parents who want to participate.
  • Offer structured daily communication (see below).
  • Use a communication app, inviting/signing up parents in advance if possible.

• Daily communication routine (example described)

  • Mon–Fri: exchange quick notes with parents.
    • Many days, parents simply sign to acknowledge they read the note.
    • The teacher includes context/signals only when something specific happened (e.g., behavior/situation).
  • Use the agenda as a daily communication conduit via the child.
  • Encourage ongoing updates through a consistent system rather than ad-hoc messages.

• Weekly communication routine

  • Send home a weekly progress report.

• Meet parents early when possible

  • Encourage parents to sign up for communication tools/app ahead of time so the teacher can connect with them before the first in-person meeting.

• Make parental partnership feel meaningful to children

  • Teach the idea that if the relationship with parents is strong, parents understand that the child is also highly valued by the teacher.

Speakers / sources featured

• Ms. Mondragon
• Ms. Gapp
• Ms. Becker
• Ms. Amberson