A very important aspect in a child's growth and development is the communication between the school and home. Unfortunately, at the preschool level, often times it is the most overlooked aspect.
Parents need to know how their child is functioning at every level of school even in preschool. The truth is the interaction and development at the preschool level will have an effect on his entire school life. It is important for parents to be aware of progress, socialization and communication.
Most parents want to know about their child, but just do not know the right questions to ask or how to broach the subject. Most teachers clam up when it comes to talking with parents. After a long day of conversing with a child, it can be difficult to transition back to talking with an adult.
Other reasons teachers have a difficult time may be simply the child is acting out or uncontrollable. The teacher may feel awkward or wrong in saying anything to the parent for fear of making the parent angry.
It is important and necessary for teachers to open up these lines of communication with a parent. Here are some helpful tips to give the teacher the ability to work and talk with the parent.
Make contact-As soon as you get your list of students for the year, make contact with the parents. This can be done by simply placing a phone call or writing a letter to introduce you to the parents. Some teachers even try and schedule home visits at the preschool level to get to know the child before the first day. This will ease the child's anxiety and open communication with the parent.
Praise the good. When talking with a parent, always state a positive before a negative. Remember to tell them what their child does well. I try to think of one positive thing each child did to tell the parent at the end of the day. Every parent likes to hear good things about their child. Then, when something not good happens, the parent will not feel that their child is being targeted. They know that you notice the good and are a balanced teacher.
Put yourself in their position. No one likes to hear that their child is struggling, hurting someone, or misbehaving. Therefore, realize that this may be the first time the parent has ever received news like this before so tell in kindness and show compassion.
Approach it as a team. Parents and teachers have to work together for a child to be successful. When informing the parent of an area the child needs to work on, word it from a teamwork standpoint. "We are working together to help your child be successful." What can I do as his/her teacher to make sure this does not happen again?" or "At home, how do you discipline, so I can be consistent with the guidelines you want followed?"
Be compassionate and kind. I can not stress that enough. Most preschool parents have never had to deal with teachers before. Be kind and thoughtful when dealing with the parent. Let them know you care and only want their child to be successful. There should be no anger ever.
Parent communication is essential in your class running smoothly. Start early and build relationships with your parents. Good classrooms always have involved parents.
