Tips for communicating with parents

Posted by teacher on January 27, 2007

1. Be certain that anything you distribute to parents in writing is accurately and professionally done.
2. Keep your own record of everything you put on paper to parents or school personnel. The easiest thing is to keep a copy.
3. For notes, permission slips, reports, requests, and explanations of school activities, use a form of reproduction that is easy to read (watch out for worn out originals and bad copy equipment!).
4. Avoid grammar or spelling errors.
5. Write clearly and concisely so parents will understand your message. Be accurate on times, dates, and locations.
6. Avoid education jargon.
7. Type your message neatly or write it clearly in longhand.
8. Send your communication home far enough in advance so that parents can act if you expect a response.
9. Ask a colleague to read your communication before it goes home to see if it can be improved.
10. Give a copy to your administrator.
11. Set up a system for getting responses back on items like field trip permission slips.

Source: www.vtnea.org