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Parent communication is essential.
It is important to communicate and collaborate with home, school, and the community. This supports student learning because it demonstrates caring for the students. The students, family, and community are more likely to participate in the learning process when the teacher shows that it is important and makes the times and takes the effort to reach out.
As an example of a time when I fostered collaboration and communication with the home is the letter I wrote to the students' parents/caregivers when I began my internship. In this letter, I invited the parents and caregivers to view my e-portfolio to get to know me. I also invited them to call or write to me to discuss their student and how they could learn more.
One of the ways I convey high expectations is by a letter of introduction. On the first day of instruction, I shake the hand of each student and address them by name as they enter and have them read and sign the letter of introduction/expectation. By signing the paper, they realize I will hold them accountable for its contents and they acknowledge they understand and consent by signing.
Another way I make the expectations of high performance clear to the students is through the use of the 100% right and no-opt out techniques. When I call on a student I don't accept "I don't know" or less than 100% correct answers. I may say, "Almost there" to encourage a student to add more. If a student doesn't have a near correct answer or none at all I will allow them to "phone a friend." This allows the student to ask a classmate for a hint. If the hint isn't enough, they can ask for direct instruction. Then, once the correct answer has been discovered, they are asked to repeat it back. I will go back to the same student and ask the same question later to reinforce their learning.
The first time I used it with a particular young man it took three full minutes for him to understand that I wasn't leaving him until I knew that he knew the answer. From that point on, it never took him or any of the other student more than a few seconds to go through the protocol because they know know the expectation.
Students and Colleagues Communicating with Me!
Students and Colleagues Communicating with Me!
What an awesome feeling! My students and mentor teacher created a giant going away card with short notes on it for me. They each took a turn to stand up and tell me something special about how I helped them learn and how much they will miss me. I miss them already!
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