TEN STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING PARENT/TEACHER PARTNERSHIPS

1. Know your child
   1. Be observant and objective. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
   2. What is their learning style? How do they learn best?
   3. Each child is unique. Even within a family, different children have different needs.


2. Be committed to your child's success
   1. Let them know what they are doing right and that you believe in their ability to succeed.
   2. Focus on doing their best rather than trying to achieve a letter grade
   3. Support your child in turning their failures into successes.


3. Don't wait to become involved
   1. There doesn't have to be a problem. Tell the teacher what you know about your child even if they don't ask!
   2. Communicate early and as often as necessary. Let the teacher know what you observe and hear from your child.
   3. Let teachers know if there are family events that might distract your child from learning.
   4. Let the teacher know if you want them to provide feedback, a response or an acknowledgement


4. Focus on Finding Solutions
   1. Find the common ground. Reach an agreement on what you both want for the child and then work to find the best method for meeting that need.
   2. Avoid blame and criticism; it sets up a win-lose dynamic between the parent and the teacher, which takes the focus off your child
   3. When discussing any problem or situation, remove the words "I", "You" and "Why" from your vocabulary. Substitute "We", "Your Child's Name", "How" and "What".


5. Know your objective in every communication
   1. Plan your communication. Script and practice it if necessary.
   2. Clearly state the situation and what you want to happen. Know which alternatives are acceptable and which you cannot abide
   3. Have a "check list" of key points to guide the conversation


6. Be Willing to "Hear It All"
   1. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Your child may behave differently at school.
   2. Listen fully without interrupting, planning a rebuttal, or getting upset
   3. Clarify any points by asking "what" and "how" questions.


7. Be willing to go outside the system
   1. Some times you may have to search for support or diagnostics outside the system. Do it for your child's sake.
   2. If you do go outside the system, share what you learn with the teacher.
   3. Encourage cooperation. The more the teacher knows about your child, the easier it will be for the teacher to work with your child in the most beneficial way.


8. Listen to your child
   1. Give your child your undivided attention when talking about school.
   2. What are they really saying? Look beyond the words.
   3. Put it in context based on your knowledge about your child.


9. Help your child develop self-advocacy skills
   1. Encourage children to speak for themselves whenever appropriate
   2. Help your children plan conversations with their teacher. Use role playing to build confidence.
   3. Facilitate the communication and, if your child needs physical support, go with them but step back and let them handle it directly with the teacher as far as they can.


10. Acknowledge efforts made by the teacher
    1. Say "Thank you" and show sincere appreciation.
    2. Recognize the positive outcomes. Be specific.
    3. Catch the teacher doing things right and let them know you noticed!

Sharon Kratochvil, Ph.D.
Organization & Personal Development Coaching
(203) 359-9408
Sharon@CoachSharon.com

Home - Purpose-Filled Living - Family Dynamics - School Dynamics - About - Contact

Copyright © 2004 Sharon Kratochvil
Website design by Rake Consulting