Home Introduction Open House Parent Conferences Written and Electronic Communication Telephone Tips When There's A Problem How to Increase Family Participation Creative Connections with Families Stories from the Field



How much time have you spent mastering the skills you need to work effectively with the families of your students? Do the words "Open House,". "Parent-Teacher Conferences" or "Telephoning Parents" make you feel nervous? There is no need to panic or lose sleep worrying about how you will handle these and other situations involving the parents of your students. This is the place to learn the skills you need right now. Read through this section with tips, samples, checklists and advice on how you can gain confidence communicating with your students' families.

In fact, if you remember these four simple guidelines, you are well on your way to success.

  1. Take the initiative
  2. Begin and end on a positive note
  3. Monitor yourself for professionalism
  4. Demonstrate listening skills as well as speaking skills