It can be easy for communication with families to become one-way: teachers send updates, reminders, and announcements while parents receive them. A true partnership goes further. It creates opportunities for families to share what they know, ask questions, and contribute to decisions about how their child is supported.
Start by getting to know families and asking questions about their child. What does the child enjoy? What are they working on at home? What helps when they are upset? What are they excited about right now?
Look for opportunities to invite family input throughout the year—not only when there is a problem.
Try this:
Ask a family, “What is something your child really enjoys doing at home right now?” Use their answer to help build a connection with the child in the classroom.