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Setting Up a Discipline System   |   Conducting Classroom Meetings   |   Getting Parents on Your Side   |   Cooperative Learning in Action   |   Adding ADD/ADHD to the Mix   |   Dealing with the Aggressive Student
Getting Parents on Your Side
Lee Canter's Parents On Your Side is an excellent resource for learning how to bridge the gap between home and school.  Children must know that parents and teachers are working together for their good.

How to get Parents on Your Side
1.  Have the attitude, "I have the right to parental support."
2.  You must demonstrate concern, professionalism, and confidence in every interaction with parents.
3.  Always be nice.
4.  Do not challenge the parents.
5.  Remain calm at all times.

Adapted from Canter's Parents On Your Side


TIPS FROM A TEACHER

I have always believed that parents are the most important part of having successful discipline in the classroom.  If you have parents "on your side," you have the very best foundation for making the school year a successful one.  Ideas for staying in touch with parents that I have used:
•   weekly newsletter - the time it takes to create and print this is well worth it!
•   "happy calls" and "happy notes" - make sure the parents aren't hearing from you ONLY when there is a problem.
•   phone calls BEFORE school starts (or the first week) - just to introduce yourself and establish the first positive communication.
•   interest questionnaires (for parents and/or students) - this helps you find out about your students so you know where their values are.
•   cards - birthday (parent and student), thank you (for donating items to classroom, volunteering, etc.), get-well cards, anniversary,  any occasion . . . just to let parents know you care about them AND their child.
•   parent conferences - many schools require parent conferences to pick up the first report card.  This is a fabulous idea!  It gives you the chance to review work, ability, effort, and explain the report card thoroughly.  It builds a great foundation for the rest of the year.