The Teacher's Role in Home/School Communication: Everybody Wins!
Successful, responsive, and productive schools share one common trait: they solicit, encourage, facilitate, and promote parental communication. Study after study has shown this. Special educators have long been aware that a child's success and progress depend on the quality and frequency of parent/teacher communication
The Teacher's Role in Home/School Communication: Everybody Wins tells teachers how to avoid the pitfalls and keep the promise of a true partnership with parents. Rick Lavoie wrote this article exclusively for LD OnLine. Here are some tips from his list of 21 "do's and don'ts" that teachers may find helpful:
- Do be positive. Make "sunshine calls" on occasion. Drop parents a note or give them a call when a child pleases or surprises you with positive behavior or progress.
- Do remember that parents need to know that you know their child well. Always begin your communication with a quick anecdote that reflects your knowledge of the child as an individual.
- Do encourage dialogue. When you send a note home with a child, include a space for parents to make a comment.
- Do handle conflicts effectively. When a conflict has been resolved, wipe the slate clean. Let it go.
- Do create a welcoming environment in your classroom and throughout the school. Some schools have created "Parent Waiting Rooms" for visitors with coffee, soft drinks, and a lending library.
- Don't hesitate to provide special education parents with occasional guidance and advice on home issues — if they request it. Encourage parents to: read books when their child is watching; speak positively about schools and teachers; encourage independence in their child; and avoid multi-concept phrases when talking with their child.
- Do encourage parents to be a "coach" and "step aside" to allow the child to attempt a task independently. Remind parents that a good coach never steps on the playing field, rather the coach stays on the sidelines and encourages and supports the player.
Positive Side of LD and ADD
This year, swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games. He and his mother, Debbie Phelps, were open about his diagnosis of ADHD when he was nine. They showed the world the positive side of LD and ADD. LD OnLine brings you stories about the strengths of people with LD.
read more >>
Link In with LD OnLine
Join our LinkedIn group to find out the latest news and to join with other people who use LD OnLine.
link in here >>
Do You Want a Scholarship to College?
Are you a person with a learning disability who is willing to be a role model? Then go ahead and enter the Ann Ford Scholarship Competition, awarded each year by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. The deadline is December 31, 2008.
read more >>
Send Us Holiday Tips
The author may be revising and updating How to Help Your Child Have a Happy Holiday. If you have any tips, please send them to us. Use our contact us form and select the subject line "Suggestions for LD OnLine."
read more >>
A Must-Have Resource from LearningStore:Introduction: Recognizing, Understanding and Overcoming Learning Disabilities  This video will help teachers recognize learning disabilities. It explains learning problems and demonstrates practical teaching strategies. Ideal for the general classroom teacher with mainstreamed LD students and as a concise preview for the entire series. |
Featured Articles
For All of Our Readers
- Dissecting Dyslexia
According to Dissecting Dyslexia, people with dyslexia may have a difference in their DCDC2 gene. Science is proving that dyslexic brains are "wired" differently. Learn more about the science and the studies surrounding the brains of people who have dyslexia.
read more >>
For Parents
- Resolution Meetings: A Guide for Parents
IDEA 2004, the special education law, provided a new way to resolve differences and prevent due process hearings. Read about the benefits and problems of resolution meetings. And if you decide to hold one, this article will help you prepare.
read more >>
For Teachers
- Finding Funds for Assistive Technology
Technology can be the key that unlocks the door to learning for people with learning disabilities. But how do you pay for it? Get ideas by reading Finding Alternative Sources of Funding for Assistive Technology.
read more >>
For Adults with Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia: Point of Pride or Flaw to Hide?
Should you talk about your dyslexia or keep the information private? Use this article to decide if dyslexia is a Point of Pride or Flaw to Hide. Read pointers on disclosure in the workplace, among your friends, and to students and clients.
read more >>
In the News
- Injuries Link to ADHD Diagnosis
- Biking South of the Border: A Dyslexic Perspective
- U of W Student Conquering Dyslexia
View more headlines in LD News >>
LD OnLine Yellow Pages
Each month, over 500,000 parents and professionals visit LD OnLine seeking information and resources. LD OnLine Yellow Pages gathers in one place the services and products parents and professionals are searching for. It's a fast and easy way to find what you are looking for — simply search by location, specialty, or service. Browse the LD OnLine Yellow Pages for products and services geared towards your needs.
go now >>
Advertise in the LD OnLine Yellow Pages
Reach more than 200,000 parents and professionals each month. Since 1996, LD OnLine has been the number one source of trusted information for parents and professionals.
read more >>
All the Best from LD OnLine!
- Noel Gunther, Executive Director
- Shalini Anand, Technical Web Manager
- Dale S. Brown, Senior Manager
- Katie Chase, Associate Editor
- Kelly Deckert, Associate Manager, Online Media
- Laurie Fry, Publicist
- Sun Kim, Web Associate
- Christian Lindstrom, Director, Learning Media
- Alan Lundy–Ponce, Director, Learning Media Websites
- Victoria McDonough, Associate Editor, Brainline
- Joanne Meier, Ph.D., Research Consultant
- Laura Schreiber, Project Associate
- Rachael Walker, Outreach Consultant
Newsletter Editor: Dale S. Brown
