I have asked the other two middle school teachers, and they were less than helpful. On top of the “First-year jitters,” our school year got off to a rocky start. It sets an example of respect for students when they hear teachers address parents by their surnames. For a situation so particular, the best I can offer is personal coaching (see menu bar). Sometimes the parent may not observe this behavior at home, which is a great opportunity to invite the parent to class. Thanks so much! You can and should say, “This is the behavior I’m seeing, and any behavior, like this, that interferes with learning is not allowed in this classroom.” Don’t hold back in this regard. I just wanted to let you know that Maria is really working hard this week, and I appreciate how she helped our new student in class today. Cooperative play: Children plan, discuss, and implement their play together (two or three children build a highway out of blocks). Create a list of goals for the student in regards to misbehaviour. In fact, they’ll come away from your talk impressed with you and more willing than ever to support your classroom. One more thing for all of us to be reminded of, as much as our words and tones can play for or against us, body language can do the same. Check out what real parents had to say about some of their proudest moments. How To Get Students To Turn On Their Zoom Camera, Is Waiting An Effective Strategy When Students Talk…. A teacher may contact parents to celebrate a child’s successful school ex-perience. It is important to be careful and tactful in any conversation with a parent. She is practically ruining my self esteem to teach my class, and to top it all off she complains about everything. Parents are human, and everyone appreciates a pat on the back some days.Â, Next: Talking to Teachers: What Every Parent Needs to Know. So if a parent doesn’t get a form signed right away or calls you the wrong name at some point, relax. Many parents may not know the educational jargon you use but may be afraid to ask for clarification. TM ® & © 2020 Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved. Parents care. Educate the parent. Parents know what moves their kids and stalls them, what scares them and frees them. Call me or come see me if you have any questions.” Then hang up the phone or lead the parent to the classroom door. What do you think is important to remember when communicating with kids’ teachers and parents? If you are still responsible for children during this time, ask another adult to supervise them. Participants emphasized that parents need to be involved in their child’s education, but many are not—and it’s not because they don’t care. This is a critical topic and one we’ll cover in detail in a future article. Indeed, teachers spend a large part of each day with our children, but when it comes down to it, parents know their children best. It’s my pleasure, Lee Ann. Some parents get the feeling that the school is passing judgment on their parenting when they receive a phone call asking to sit down and talk about their child. Look out for a confirmation email from us.