Communication

It is incredibly important to establish consistent and positive communication with the families and caretakers of the students in your classroom. The first week of school, I will be sending out a letter introducing myself as the child's teacher, along with a questionnaire designed to allow me to get to know the student and their families better. The introduction letter gives my contact information and the questionnaire asks guardians what the best way to get in contact with them is to ensure that continuous communication throughout the year will take place after these forms are sent out.

I chose these two communication methods because they allow me to learn more about what students and their families' lives are like outside of the classroom and they get to know the person who is going to be with their child every day better. Keeping caretakers involved with their child's education benefits both the students' learning and the teachers' instructional delivery. Substantial evidence exists showing that the advantages for students when parents become involved include raising their academic achievement, increased motivation for learning, improved behavior, more regular attendance, and a more positive attitude about homework and school in general. In addition, by having more contact with parents, teachers learn more about students' needs and home environment, which is information they can apply toward better meeting those needs inside and outside the classroom. The more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically.

This approach supports the positive communication and setting behavior expectations aspects of my classroom management philosophy. The letter of introduction and questionnaire strengthen the connection between school and home through getting to know the families using positive communication. Communicating positively and consistently with families fosters a comfortable environment where guardians feel at ease asking questions and discussing concerns with their child's teacher. Two-way communication is in place and caretakers are encouraged to reach out. I want to be very transparent and available to the families in my classroom and allow room for their feedback and input in their child's learning process. This open communication builds relationships and trust between myself and the families of my students. According to Haim Ginott, teachers can and should create and provide a safe environment for learning where students are not ashamed or judged to speak their mind. This is exactly how I want to create my classroom as well, with open and non-intimidating communication.