Teachers should be positive when communicating with parents. According to ReadingRockets, teachers that communicate negative news about student performance are more likely to discourage parent involvement. Teachers should talk about classroom learning activities, the child's accomplishments and how parents can improve their child's learning at home.
Most parents would appreciate the convenience of receiving short class updates via email on a regular basis. Email may cover current curriculum topics and dates of tests or class projects for the week. Teachers should check their email daily and respond promptly. According to Family Matters Parenting Magazine, parents can improve communication by sending an email that tells how much they appreciate all the work their child's teacher has accomplished during the year.
A parent portal is a Web-based tool that allows parents to access their child's school schedule, grades and assignments, and to communicate with teachers. Parents must have an email address in order to access the system. Once signed in, they can view their child’s progress. Parents may also register to receive text notifications when their child is absent. Additionally, they will be able to communicate directly with their child’s teachers, enhancing the opportunity for parent-teacher interaction.
PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) members organize meetings that include parents, teachers and students. During a parent–teacher conference, parents ask questions about the class, their child's progress and behavior at school. They may also talk to the teacher about their child's home life, personality, habits and concerns. It is a time when teachers and parents work to discuss ways to help a child succeed in class.
Many parents meet their child's teacher and principal during an open house or the first day of school. This gives teachers a chance to get parents to support their program and to establish ways for communication throughout the school year. During open house, many teachers explain their expectations for children’s work and classroom behavior.