Ideas For Working With Parents

Establishing Good Communications

+ Send introduction letter to parents.
+ Send parent questionnaire.
+ Write monthly newsletter or letter.
+ Give positive notes, cards, stickers, etc.
+ Invite parents to view collection of    work.
+ Work on good discipline as hard as you work at good teaching.

Ways of Dealing with Problems

+ Time Out
+ Denial of privileges
+ Send copies of infraction notices home on Thursday so they will arrive on Friday.
+ Call to parent at home.
+ Call at work (let student talk, as well)
+ Call to emergency number
+ Mailgram/registered letter
+ Visit to the office

 

+ Listen to everything said.
+ Let the parent(s) talk.
+ Watch body language (yours and theirs).
+ Don't overwhelm the parent(s).
+ Avoid physical barriers.
+ Address the parent(s) by name.
+ Look parent(s) in the eye.
+ State the problem in specific terms.
+ Offer ideas for help.
+ Ask for their help.
+ Summarize the conversation.
+ If possible, end on a positive note.
+ Send follow-up note.
+ Do not downgrade the consequences.

If the Conference Beomes Hostile

+ Ask for an end to the meeting.
+ Move the conference to the office.
+ Watch what you say.
+ Ask for a break (go to the restroom).
+ Stay calm, speak slowly, and don't become angry.
+ Ask that complaints against you be put in writing.
+ Stay there.  Do not end the conference unless you have been given permission to leave.