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.
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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. |
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