Home-School Communication

Home-School Communication

Home/school communication is an essential and effective strategy for supporting all students. School events, class activities, and other school information can be shared in a school agenda. However, for students who present with behaviour concerns, developing an individualized home-school communication journal is often important. Initiating communication between home and school can allow for the exchange of direct and accurate information concerning student behavior. Early and regular communication will help build rapport, trust, and an open dialogue. It provides opportunity to share and discuss changes in circumstances, situations or issues which may be affecting a student, classroom or school community.

When?

An individualized home-school communication books needs to be developed when:

You notice unusual or challenging behaviour
You notice inappropriate social behaviour
A student is having challenges with academics
A student academic or behavior concerns are being monitored daily, weekly or monthly

How?

School-home communication books should be developed by both the teacher and parents/guardians
Communication books can provide parents/guardians with an overview of the students day
Communication books can focus on specific target behaviours
In an information sharing meeting with the parents/guardian
- describe the behavior clearly and with detail
- explain the strategies/supports being used to address challenging behavior
- share strategies that are successful
- listen to parent concerns
- ask for parent input regarding how they address similar behaviours at home
- use positive reinforcing language
All information in a home-school communication book should be stated in the positive. For example, instead of saying "would not sit in seat during math," say "working on sitting during math."
Many home-school communication journals have 2 sections - one for the teacher to complete and one for the parent/guardian

Note: The communication book must be signed by the teacher.

Note: Caregivers should be reminded to speak directly to the teacher when seeking information concerning their child.

If there is confusion and concern about why the student received the low score, let your student know that appropriate behaviour is expected regardless of the circumstances. It is important that we communicate this expectation with parents/guardians so that adults in the child's life send a consistent message.

Samples/Templates

Weekly Communication Log

Home-School Communication Book Strategy

A Communication Book is one of many possible strategies to help the student learn appropriate behavioural skills.
The Communication Book can be suggested by the classroom teacher, a member of the program planning team or a parent.
The Communication Book may be a duo-tang with pages to track student progress. The book goes home each day and is signed by the parent.
Praise from a special adult is a powerful reinforcer when a student has displayed appropriate behaviours (ex: High 5, phone grandmother, special time with adult). Low key discussion is all that should occur regarding a poor rating (ex: "Oh well. Tomorrow you can try again.")

Apps/Websites

Books, Articles, and Additional Resources

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