COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS, COLLEAGUES, AND STUDENTS

Rhonda Jackson

Kingdom Kids Development Center

COMMUNICATION

The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or

signs (www.dictionary.com) Ways we communicate: written, verbal and non-

verbal Audiences we communicate with:

Colleagues: fellow educators

Students: main audience

Parents : supporting audience

COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

WHEN SPEAKING WITH STUDENTS… Bend to their level. Look them in the eye. Speak calmly. Make sure they understand what has

happened and the directions.

ALWAYS ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS Open –ended questions allow the student

to think of different ways to solve a problem.

Keep yes/no questions to a minimum. Never ask why.

FAMILY MEETING

Family meeting allows students to have input on ways we can improve our classroom.

Family meeting is also the time we discuss Classroom Rules and events in their lives, if they want to share.

Not for every age group (usually 4 and up).

COMMUNICATING WITH COLLEAGUES

EDUCATOR’S ROUND TABLE

Mutual respect Appreciate diverse

talents Share the knowledge

you obtain with others. Celebrate each other’s

success. Remember, the school

or center is only as strong as its teachers.

COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS

Drop off Pick up Parent Teacher

Conferences Special events

Face to face Phone (text) Email Journals/Daily

reports

ARE YOU LISTENING?

Make sure LISTEN and not just HEAR what a parent is saying: tone, facial expression, and demeanor.

Ask questions to clarify, if you do not understand.

PNP (POSITIVE NEGATIVE POSITIVE) OR THE SANDWICH METHOD

If you must deliver unsavory news, use PNP (Positive Negative Positive).

Always start on a positive note, sandwich the negative in the middle, and end with a positive note.

TECHNOLOGY

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn are all good resources for communicating and marketing.

Be sure you have permission from parents as far as photos.

CELLULAR PHONES

Many teachers use cell phones to send out mass text messages.

Make sure parents knows they are for this use only. Set hours for parents to call.

Please adhere to your center or school’s policies concerning cell phone use.

EMAILS

Make sure grammar and spelling are correct when sending emails.

Use colors for important announcements such as : school closings and field trips.

Make a schedule for emailing. Try to email at least twice a week.

Send pictures. Parents like seeing what is going on during the day.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

Make sure of grammar Appealing to the eye Use color paper to catch attention Clipart

BODY LANGUAGE

Try to avoid defensive postures; such as crossing your arms.

Speak with confidence. Inform the parent if you do not have an

answer, you will get one or refer to center director or school principal.

CONCLUSION

Communication is important. As teachers, we must make sure our communications are professional, and accurate.

Remember, teachers are judged on their communication skills.

THANK YOU FOR COMING !

EMAIL: jacksonrhonda@hotmail.com jacksonrhonda746@gmail.com