New students and their families are introduced to teachers at the beginning of each new school year. Thinking about good communication is a great way to get ready for the new school year.
Families are an integral part of the educational process, and they are eager to get involved when given the opportunity. Families were given the opportunity to gain great insight into their children’s education this year, and it’s safe to assume that many would like to keep it up!
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to preparing for communication. To get things off to a good start, consider using the following categories to group related parts of communication:
Refresh
In order to re-energize communication, take a look back at the year that’s just passed. What was successful? What was the most difficult part? To get a new perspective on how to go in the new year, it is helpful to reflect on the past. If feasible, write a welcoming letter and distribute it to families prior to the start of the school year.
A welcome video that may be published to various platforms is one option for spreading this message. Describe your background, your motivations for becoming a teacher, and any hobbies or interests you may have. This is a chance for you to show your family members who you are and get to know them better.
What new tactics or adjustments to the curriculum you’re planning on implementing can be used to raise excitement and alleviate fears by giving “sneak peeks”? Make it possible for families to respond to your message or video so that you can learn about their experiences as well.
Recharge
You don’t have to be consumed by communication as the school year unfolds; there are methods to maintain it regular and continuing. Early in the year, set up regular office hours and make them available on many platforms, such as your school’s Google Site or Google Classroom or Class Dojo.
Messages will be checked and answered to during other accessible periods of the day if you set the precedent that you value instructional time and respect it. Share communication responsibilities with your co-teacher if you have one to reduce the volume of communications that need to be responded to.
Take the time to meet with your instructional team to figure out how to delegate the responsibility of interacting with families. Students’ families will have a better relationship with their teachers if they receive continuous and coordinated communication from their teachers. When you have time, write an email and schedule it to be sent at a convenient time.
In order to save time, it’s a good idea to put together weekly newsletters that include information about school events, academics, and other interesting or required topics. Students can choose what material they wish to include in their family’s weekly newsletters, which makes them excellent writing assignments for the classroom. What’s in it for me? It eliminates a lot of the guesswork! Maintain open lines of contact, but also give yourself time to rest and recuperate.
Restart
Attending Back-to-School Night is a waste of time. As far as is practical, arrange a time to talk with them in person (in person or virtually.) It’s the best time of year to take risks and try new things, and there’s no better way to start the year. Keep in mind that students aren’t the only ones learning in your classroom. Hosting “family nights” provides a wide range of options.
Participate in panel discussions, exchange hobbies and cultures, as well as learn how to improve their children’s literacy skills. Find out ahead of time when the optimum times and days are for families by conducting surveys (using a simple Google Form). If you want to communicate more effectively, think about using video courses, virtual conferencing, and other tools. Consider the following options:
Sign-up Genius: Families can sign up for conferences and check which time slots are taken while keeping their names confidential.
Class Dojo: Send family messages, post notices, schedule events, and exhibit student work in portfolios. Students and/or members of their families can also record movies using Class Dojo.
Google Keep: A place where you can write notes and share them with your co-teachers in order to keep them informed.
Canva: Make beautiful presentations, newsletters, and more! All of Canva’s features are available to teachers with a school email address.
There are a variety of interactive options for presenting information, playing games, and having fun at family gatherings, such as Back to School Night or Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Flipgrid: Students and family can share videos on this platform to communicate. This is a way for children and their families to get to know each other before the school year begins. An extension for Google Chrome that lets you record movies and screenshots.
Family members may be the best allies, and communication is the best way to stay in touch. Prepare for a new beginning in the new year!
