Communication with parents can feel daunting to many educators. However, if we are to successfully meet the Social Emotional Learning needs of our students, it is a challenge we need to meet.  There are many strategies that educators can employ to make this needed component fruitful. Chiefly among those strategies is to create an open and regular line of communication.  It is important that teachers invest in building a rapport with their students' families that goes beyond the occasional parent teacher meeting.  Some ways to establish this is to make it a routine to check in weekly, via text, email, or the old-fashioned, but highly effective, note home. Be sure to share both the successes and the struggles. Ask parents for their feedback...what is working for them at home? What things does their child find difficult? What are their interests? (Second Step Team, 2024, sect. 3) Additionally, supporting opportunities to include the diversity that is represented within your classroom builds a level of trust and respect. It also helps to build a sense of community and empathy among students when they experience cultures different from their own.  Diversity in literacy is a great place to start! Organizing a community service project is another promising way to bring families together and support the Social Emotional Learning needs among your students. Reach out, reach out, reach out! 

 

• Open lines of regular communication
• Celebrate diversity within the classroom
• Create opportunities for SEL growth through community service projects or family nights at school

 

Building Bridges: The Power of Parent-Teacher Collaboration to Strengthen Social-Emotional Learning

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right | Edutopia

 

Second Step Team, 2024, Building Bridges: The Power of Parent-Teacher Collaboration to Strengthen Social-Emotional Learning. (n.d.). Second Step. https://www.secondstep.org/blog/building-bridges