As a teacher, you know how beneficial it can be to build strong relationships with your students’ families. Here are two simple steps I use at the beginning of each year to help foster positive communication and create a foundation for a strong partnership with the families of my Gifted students.
- Learn what their expectations are
- Make a positive phone call home in the first few weeks of school
1. First, understand their expectations
I think it is key to give families an opportunity to share their expectations with you. It has benefits in two ways. First, it allows families to really think through exactly what they want from the school year. It gives them a chance to develop realistic and specific expectations so they are fully aware of their goals for the school year. Secondly, it allows you as the teacher to understand what each family values. It can give you a reference point you can use during phone calls, conferences, emails, or check-ins so you know what type of information they’d like to hear.
My favorite way to collect information is to send home a Google Form to all my families. In it, I collect family expectations and important information. I actually created an editable version of it that you can click here and grab on my TPT shop!
This resource includes an editable Google Form that collects…
- Parent email addresses & best way to contact families
- Expectations parents have for your class this year
- Area of growth they want to see in their student
- Important information about students
- Anything else they think the teacher should know
2. Make a Positive Phone Call Home in the First Few Weeks of School
A simple yet powerful way to establish positive relationships with families is by making a phone call home within the first few weeks of school. This initial outreach sets a positive tone and shows that you appreciate and value their partnership. Consider the following tips:
- Prepare a few talking points: Before making the call, prepare a brief script to guide your conversation. Express your enthusiasm for having their child in your class and share something specific that you have observed about their child’s positive behavior, effort, or academic progress.
- Keep it short and genuine: Keep the phone call short and to the point, but ensure that your appreciation and positivity shine through. Emphasize the strengths and unique qualities of their child while conveying your commitment to their success.
- Reference something they said in their Google Form: By referencing a specific point that the family has shared with you, you are showing them that you read what they shared, and that you care about what they have to say!
These two simple steps will put any teacher on a path to build strong relationships with their students’ families from day one! Happy back to school season!
