Positive impact on social emotional development

As a new teacher embarking on your career journey, you understand the profound impact of parent-teacher communication on student success. Recent studies underscore the pivotal role effective communication plays in fostering academic growth and overall well-being among students.

According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (2023) and American Psychological association (2019), students whose parents are actively engaged in their education exhibit higher levels of academic achievement and motivation. Additionally, research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (2022) highlights the correlation between strong parent-teacher partnerships and improved classroom behavior and social-emotional development in young learners.

Prioritizing channels

In light of these findings, prioritizing robust communication channels with parents emerges as a cornerstone of effective teaching practices. This guide offers five actionable tips to help you establish and nurture meaningful connections with parents, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts to support student learning and growth.

Let’s delve into strategies informed by research-backed insights to elevate your parent-teacher communication skills and set the stage for a successful teaching career.

Parent-teacher communication skills strategies 

Here are five essential tips for new teachers to enhance your parent-teacher communication skills:

1. Establish Consistent Communication Channels: Set up regular communication via emails, newsletters, or dedicated apps. Consistency helps parents know when and how to reach out.
2. Be Approachable and Open: Make sure parents feel comfortable reaching out to you. Encourage them to ask questions and share any concerns they may have about their child’s progress or well-being. Let them know you’re there to support both the child and the family.
3. Provide Timely Updates: Keep parents informed about academic performance, behavior, and upcoming events promptly. Timely communication keeps parents engaged in their child’s education.
4. Invest some effort in Parent Teacher conferences: Prepare the parent teacher conference and have notes available on each student. Cover the child’s development and study habits. But also be prepared to discuss navigating the school system. Empowering parents with knowledge can strengthen their partnership with you in supporting their child’s learning journey.
5. Listen Actively and Empathetically: Practice Active Listening and Empathy: Listen attentively to parents’ concerns and show empathy. Collaboratively find solutions that benefit the child’s learning journey.

Implementing these strategies will help you establish a positive and collaborative relationship with parents, enriching the educational experience for your students. Start your teaching journey on the right foot by prioritizing effective parent-teacher communication.

Effective tools for teachers

Questi for parents helps to establish consistent communication with parents. You can also prepare the parent teacher conference easily in the student file, schedule the conferences, have parents sign up for time slots, share the report card in advance and easily and keep notes of the parent meeting.

Join one of our online trainings and learn more about how Q-Ed helps with effective parent teacher communication.

New York, June 6 2024, by: Kurt Vandebroek