Building Bridges between Home and School

Parent Teacher Communication is Critical

by Claudia Koota B.S.M.Ed.

While the first month of school is an exciting time for most children as they settle into their new environment, it may also bring challenges. By mid-October, for many, the back to school honeymoon phase is over. Often parents are hearing about their child’s behavior and/or social struggles in parent teacher conferences for the first time. This can be unsettling and worrisome because of the uncertainty that lies ahead. The good news is there are resources and strategies to support you and your child.

Establishing a partnership between home and school is an important first step. When parents and teachers work closely together children are more likely to succeed. 

Tips for Parent - Teacher Communication

● Schedule an initial meeting with your child's teachers to begin ongoing communication as early as possible, including weekly check-ins.
● Be transparent. The more observations and anecdotes you share, the better equipped the teachers will be to help your child navigate the classroom and peer relationships. Teachers appreciate your ongoing input and feedback.
● Talk about the developmental issues that you would like to address. Discuss your child’s behaviors at home and how you respond to them. Be prepared to share concrete examples and the language you use to encourage appropriate behaviors.
● Start a daily parent- teacher journal to share between home and school. This will serve as a helpful tool for you and the teachers to communicate important issues and events that are relevant to your child. For example, for parents, your child had a sibling conflict before coming to school or came to school without a good night's sleep. For teachers, there was an altercation during recess or your child didn't eat lunch.
● When the teachers provide feedback, ask for the specific language they use to redirect and support your child in the classroom. This will ensure consistency and carry over at home.

Tips for Parent – Child Communication

● Provide choices for your child as often as possible.
● Pick and choose your battles. No one wins in a struggle.
● Walk away from negative behaviors and praise the positive behaviors when you see them. You might say, “Thank you for being flexible” or “Thank you for listening the first time”. Instead of focusing on what not to do, share and model what you would like your child to do.
● Be consistent and follow through. Mixed signals and inconsistent expectations can lead to confusion and heightened anxiety. With repetition and constant reminders desirable behaviors are reinforced.
● Practice and model appropriate social emotional intelligence such as patience, active listening, and flexibility. Also remember, walls are thin and our children are always listening.

The benefits of a parent teacher partnership are numerous and can be life changing. Trust the process!

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Claudia Koota is a Child and Family Specialist and member of The Meeting House Advisory Board. She has over 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education and an extensive background in child and family studies. Claudia is the founder of SPEC, a social skills program in New York City which serves a diverse population. With a focus on behavioral challenges, Claudia’s hands-on approach includes home visits to model for and provide parents the tools they need to create a healthy environment for the whole family. Her website is www.claudiakoota.com.