A child’s life is the foundational developmental phase of an adult. When a child becomes an adult, they act and behave in a manner they have learned during their early life. Most of an adult’s childhood is significantly influenced by the adults around them; the parent-teacher partnership often covers the majority of this influence. At home, children are under the care of their parents, and in school, they are under the supervision of teachers. Parents and teachers are two figures who have a huge impact on a child’s development. It is essential for a school leader to ensure that the parent-teacher partnership remains positive and mutually beneficial.
How to build a relationship between school and parents?
Strong school-parent relationships are the cornerstone of a child’s success. They aren’t just a feel-good extra; they create a powerful team that supports a child’s academic, social, and emotional well-being. When schools and parents work together as partners, children benefit from a unified front that fosters a love of learning and a smooth transition through educational milestones.
Building this connection requires a two-way street built on open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. Here’s how both sides can contribute:
Schools can take the lead by:
- Establishing clear and frequent communication channels: Utilize online portals, social media platforms (carefully!), and text message alerts.
- Keep parents informed about curriculum changes, upcoming events, and student successes.
- Moving beyond just reporting issues: Highlight student progress on challenging assignments or participation in class projects.
- Create a more positive atmosphere by celebrating achievements.
Parents can be active participants by:
- Attending school events: Open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and even school plays demonstrate their commitment.
- Volunteering their time: Provide additional support for teachers and students (in classrooms or after-school programs).
- Gain a deeper understanding of the school environment.
- Keeping teachers informed: Share any challenges their child faces at home, such as changes in routine, family issues, or emotional struggles.
Ultimately, valuing each other’s viewpoints is key.
- Schools should actively solicit feedback from parents about curriculum, events, and their experience with the school community.
- Parents should trust teachers and approach communication with a spirit of collaboration.
Schools and parents can create a positive and productive learning environment where students can reach their full potential by working together to understand a child’s strengths, weaknesses, and individual needs. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility, leading to a more fulfilling educational experience for everyone involved.
Benefits of parent-teacher partnership
A positive partnership between parents and teachers has been proven to significantly improve children’s academic and social competencies. When parents and teachers come together to support the growth and development of a child, it not only provides children the opportunity to do better in school, but also at home.
Research suggests that when parents and teachers work together, children show better interpersonal and social skills, with fewer behavioural and attitude problems. Effective and regular communication between teachers and parents allows them to have a better understanding of the child, and this leads to stronger relationships between parents, teachers and the child.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the importance of parent-teacher relationships has become even more evident, as it has helped schools to manage more efficiently.
The three Cs to form a constructive Parent-Teacher Partnership in school:
1. Communication
Communication is the key for any relationship and partnership to move forward, and parent-teachers must have good communication.
- Teachers can communicate with parents at the beginning of the academic session about their child’s traits to know the kid better.
- Parents get confidence in communication between parents and teachers about their kids’ traits, and parent’s belief in school strengthens more.
- The best communication is open and transparent communication which is more constructive and should be done on a timely basis.
- Parents can strengthen the school and their relationship by attending monthly parent-teacher meetings. Parents attending such conferences and participating in school management activities develop a sense of belongingness with the school.
2. Consistency
In parent-teacher partnerships, consistency is another main factor. It involves experiences and opportunities which a parent provides to their kids at home.
- Parents and teachers should consult with each other about the kid’s daily routine at home, homework schedule, environment, and habits they exhibit daily. Accordingly, a parent can plan their daily home activities with their kids and give importance to gray areas suggested by teachers.
In a parent-teacher partnership, both parties must be on the same page regarding plans, expectations and execution. This sends a message of inclusiveness and consistency to the parties involved.
3. Collaboration
The third component of the parent-teacher partnership is collaboration. The communication between both parties should be frequent to the point that all the parties are aware of every change of the kid involved.
- Parents and teachers can collaborate and discuss their personal goals. They can discuss their personal and professional goals and the overall development of the child’s future. This collaboration needs good communication and alignment of the end goal.
- By collaborating planning with teachers, a parent can learn about concerns and their work styles. If any misinterpretation or miscommunication arises, the parties can resolve it on their terms.
Also Read: Simple guidelines to improve teaching quality and effectiveness in the classroom
How you, as school leader make parent and teacher relationship better
School leaders must be influential in their communication with parents and teachers.
- Initiator– A school leader should be a prompt initiator as soon as they get information about any grievances from parents or teachers and try to solve them immediately.
- Timelines– Timely solutions to grievances and problems are necessary for any business and organisation. A school leader should remember that there is no delay in any solution delivery.
- Consistency and frequency– A school leader should give constant and frequent feedback to the teachers about their performance. School leaders should update parents about school activities in monthly parent-teacher meetings.
- Follow-through– It is also essential to follow through with teachers and parents about the responsibilities given to them as a stakeholder.
- Clear and helpful communication– School leaders should communicate clearly with parents and teachers about crucial things without any communication errors to avoid misinterpretation.
Conclusion
We have discussed how all the three Cs can help school leaders improve their school environment, management and planning decisions concerning academics. The involvement of parents and teachers is most important for the school leaders to ensure the consistency of the learning environment, which students should always continue.
FAQs:
1. How can parents be encouraged to participate in school activities?
- Make it welcoming: Hold open houses and events early in the year.
- Communicate clearly: Offer information in multiple languages and formats (online, paper) about activities and how parents can get involved.
- Variety is key: Provide options for participation – volunteering, attending events, joining committees – to fit busy schedules and interests.
- Highlight the benefits: Show how involvement helps student achievement and creates a positive school community.
2. How can parents help teachers in school?
- Support at home: Create a quiet study space, encourage reading, and discuss schoolwork to reinforce learning.
- Open communication: Stay informed by checking school websites and newsletters. Talk to teachers about concerns or questions.
- Volunteer in the classroom: Help with projects, listen to students read, or assist with administrative tasks (when available).
- Become part of the PTA/PTO: These organizations support schools through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy.
3. How can parents help to strengthen the school system?
- Be involved in decision-making: Attend school board meetings and voice your opinions on policies and programs.
- Advocate for resources: Support initiatives that provide funding for teachers, counsellors, and technology.
- Collaborate with other parents: Work together to address common concerns and create a stronger parent voice.
- Volunteer your skills: Offer expertise in areas like finance, technology, or curriculum development.
4. How can teachers better communicate with parents?
- Utilize multiple channels: Use a combination of email, online platforms, phone calls, and newsletters to reach all parents.
- Focus on positive communication: Regularly share student achievements and progress alongside areas for improvement.
- Be clear and concise: Use language that is easy for parents to understand and avoid educational jargon.
- Be open and approachable: Encourage parents to contact you with questions or concerns, and offer multiple ways to connect (e.g., email, phone calls, conferences).
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