The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Didn’t know this was going to be in French but I’ll do my best. 😉 I’m a parent who just got through another snow day here in Connecticut and looking forward to this discussion! #2PencilChat
Good evening, everyone! Priscilla here from Maryland. I'm the one who works at the all male juvenile detention center. I also taught 5th grade for 7 years before this. #2PencilChat
A1. I think the more often we can bring them into school, the more comfortable they will feel. PT conferences aren't necessarily the most comfortable for them. #2pencilchat
A1: More interaction with what their students are learning. Asking how we can improve communication and/or structure to ensure their Ss gets the most out of school. #2pencilchat
Many parents hate school ... many kids hate school ... they don't have to hate me. I don't have to call parents to introduce myself ... the kids will do that for me if I am doing right by the kids #2pencilchat
A1: I invite them in for something fun or find out if they have a talent or story they want to share. Make them feel welcome and appreciated. #2PencilChat
A1 For me, it was always a matter of telegraphing that this wasn't the same school that they went to, and trying to build the narrative that I'm here to make your kid fantastic (or fantastic-er)
#2PencilChat
Make it super clear from day 1 that your mission is to do your absolute best for their child. Never, ever, ever even think or suggest that it is the child's job to change to "fit" school even if it's bad for the child. #2PencilChat#lurker
A1 As a grandparent, I’m comfortable introducing myself to a teacher and getting things going. As a parent, a complimentary, personal note or call would get me in the game. #2PencilChat
Yes! I teach primary and I always start the year by telling parents that I need them because they are their child’s first teacher and we are a team with the same goal. #2pencilchat
A1: Have a dedicate space (if possible) available for parents to gather. Classroom for them to work on projects, volunteer activities, or just sit and chat. #2pencilchat
A1 Kill them with kindness and try to keep it positive. I can attest to so much negativity that happens in our district on social media. There are some angry peeps out there 😕 #2pencilchat
A1: Talk to them! We have a parent info night for just them & S teacher. We talk about our class & expectations. It opens the lane for conversation. Make them feel welcome. #2pencilchat#IHMarchMadness
A1) Acknowledge. Don’t dismiss them as “thinking they’re experts because they went to school.” They’re experts on their own experience. Listen and help them learn how you’re making their children’s experience better than their own... and learn from them how you can. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A1 Just be kind, no matter what Ts tell you from previous years, start fresh, smile, take pictures of them with their kids & send them home!
A1: In our rural community, being interested in what parents do (farming, animals, etc) helps to build some bridges! And I learn so much about the nature of the area. #2pencilchat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
One of our daughters’ teachers over the years told parents how he hadn’t liked school and chose to be a teacher to make it better. Really loved that. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@iteachsprouts, @MagicPantsJones, @DennisDill
A1.Our Parents forget most of what we teach their children.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good,kind and respectful to them .A kind word lasts forever #2pencilchat
A1.1 We need to show parents that we are fun, cool, real people too. Invite them to fun, non-accademic things where they can develop a raport with you and bond with their child. #2PencilChat
Don’t think it’s as bad here in West Hartford as last week’s storm. Lost part of a tree in the backyard then. (I heard it fall during a Twitter chat!) #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A2 call them with th great news about something awesome their child did!! More than once. When a relationship is established & they know you love their kid, hit them with the truth, but model it—even with them, first. 💯
A2: Positive feedback about their S. Show them how much we believe in their S and what they are capable of. Eventually they will see all the good positive things we are seeing. Provide support for the P thru outreach programs. #IHMarchMadness#2pencilchat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
Q2: If the result is a maladaptive behavior by student, what has worked is framing the discussion around changes in parent behavior to impact student behavior. Likely if there are challenges at school, there are challenges at home. #2pencilchat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat just like we focus on the whole child, and meet the child where they are - the same needs to happen with families. Maybe they need a call for info for support.
A2: Like so many have said: We need to showcase their abilities (regardless of level) My Wife is PreK and she has Ss who can barely write and others who could write a mile a minute. #2pencilchat
A2. I've tried role playing with this type of parent to offer alternate points of view. It is a bit awkward, because you don't want to step on the parent's toes or impugn their parenting skills. #2PencilChat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
A2 With those parents I try to focus mostly on the positive things happening with their child because the kids have enough negativity to deal with at home as it is. #2PencilChat
A1 As a grandparent, I’m comfortable introducing myself to a teacher and getting things going. As a parent, a complimentary, personal note or call would get me in the game. #2PencilChat
A2. The proof is in the pudding. Invite them to a school event or to visit the class and show them artificts of their child's progress, strengths and hard work. #2PencilChat
A2 #2pencilchat we can’t assume parents know what a possible future is like, just like they don’t have an understanding of today’s classroom. Talk about jobs of the future - so many materials under #stem
YES! I love the ideas of just random phone calls to tell about something a Ss has been working hard on or a great thing they did in the class (academic OR as a human) #spreadthepositive#2pencilchat
A2 I try to make multiple positive phone calls/emails/messages each week. I can't even tell you how many times a parent has said something along the lines of "this is so awesome to hear something good about my kid" #2pencilchat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
A2: Show then how awesome their kid is. Point out the positive. Maybe if they aren’t great readers, they are great friends or a leader. Maybe not great at Math, but insightful in Science. #2PencilChat
A2 Model positive talk to and about the child. Positive phone calls home to brag on their child. Focus on the positive and all their child have accomplished. Believe in the child. #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
Suckers?
Families like to keep their dinner schedule
When I stayed late for activities it could mess up my schedule for the week
It helps take one item off of caretakers to offer food
#2PencilChat
A2 Be positive always kindness helps. At times I’ve shown parents the curriculum so they can see its rigorous! When they don’t understand the curriculum themselves their kinder to their kids #2PencilChat
A2 Parent Camp is a great way for families and caregivers to bond and ask questions in a comfortable setting. It opens the door for valuable relationships with teachers. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A2 sometimes we Parents don’t even know that we are being a-holes!! But if someone we trust with a proven record shows us the truth, it’s easier to accept and desire to change for our kids’ sakes—we have to remember parents love their kids, even a-hole ones.
I think even sharing positive calls to AIG kids parents are important too. Sometimes they get lost in the mix. Giving them quality extension projects can help showcase their talent and creativity #2pencilchat
A2.I ve been a school leader for many https://t.co/8lfbzULJRn a teacher and I'm a parent.I always see things from a parents point of view first #2pencilchat
A1: Building relationships is the foundation for a successful year with parents and children. Be honest and let them see you really care about their child. #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
Schools find ways to reach parents and it creates a stronger connection for students' learning. Here's a clip of a bilingual reading program that connects families at Omaha Public Schools ' Chandler View Elementary. 🎥❤️📚
A1: Break down the walls of our classrooms and schools and be transparent. Allow many opportunities for Ps to be comfortable even on the campus. #2PencilChat
A2 this is where I break from the trend ... not my job to convince the parents to support their child ... if they won't do it, I WILL ... I will be their fan #2pencilchat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
As a parent reach out early in the year , not just when you need something
Build relationships during drop off & pick up
Engage families without judging their family or class structure
Call families when their student does well
#2PencilChat
A2: Opening communication is important in building a relationship with the family. Supporting and building up the parents will carry over to praising the child. #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
Jo for Wednesday. Just letting you know I haven't got the time wrong thx to @GruntledChalkie but am stuck at IKEA 😂not enough hands I'll check in nxt week #2PencilChat
A3 I connect with parents via Class Dojo, Seesaw, Buncee Newsletters and I write to them via S agendas daily for those not into technology #2PencilChat
A3 #2PencilChat I think we should try reaching parents as teachers first, admin and even via social worker if need. Some do not want to be involved. Then critical child has supports without the burden of that reality.
#2PencilChat A3 just keep trying...call, @ClassDojo them, send a letter, or worse, show up at their house or a kid’s game...how badly do you want them??? That’s the question that will drive your cause for this!
A3: Show up at a school or community event. I see many parents at soccer or baseball games. Send Home a photograph of their child with a note attached. #2PencilChat
Q3: Provide low-level engagement options. There are many that schools already do that can be tweaked a bit in content to make them more interesting/engaging. Sample: https://t.co/aYDt02yRVU#2PencilChat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
A3: I try to send home newsletters each week telling about upcoming lessons/events. I use @ClassDojo as well. Sometimes, it is just hard to reach them. Trying to figure it out myself. #2pencilchat
A3: Phone calls, emails, fb, texts, find ways to reach out and express your desire for them to be involved. INVITE them to functions & Field trips, & Just to hang out for a little bit in the classroom. #IHMarchMadness#2pencilchat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
A2: Make positive parent contact about the particular student. When offering opportunities for parent engagement, intentionally include a little info or mini-PD for all parents. I think it’s important to make it low-risk so the P doesn’t feel attacked. #2PencilChat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
A3. Don't make the assumption they don't care. They could be working 2 or 3 jobs to provide for their family. Think outside the box. Ask how you can help them stay involved. It could be communicating by email or text. Or phoning before school or later at night. #2PencilChat
A3: That’s a tough one. Some of our parents want to be more engaged, but then life happens. Keep reaching out, communicate positive news, and let them know they’re missed and always welcome. #2PencilChat
A3 use @RemindHQ or @Seesaw Any application that communicates what is happening. Keep sharing. Tweet pics. Post videos. Keep sharing in multiple venues #2PencilChat
A3 So many family are struggling make it financially - working 2-3 jobs - I am happy to have at least seen them once but know email calls and letter can help keep connection #2PencilChat
Follow up Q - how many survey families to see if (followed by how) those tools are working? I love the surveying that some classrooms/buildings/districts employ in that pursuit #2PencilChat
A3: Consider different types of parents. Some parents might be anti-social, or have a crazy work schedule, so offer multiple opportunites and different ways of helping them feel connected besides just in person. #2PencilChat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
A3.1 I've known teachers to meet with parents on the weekend because of busy schedules. Meet them at the kid's soccer game if you have to. #2PencilChat
A3: Reaching out to them anyway you can make contact. See what you can do to help. Get their story and let them see you care. #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
A3 #2PencilChat need to remind them they are needed and wanted as a partner through graduation. They may not know how much to be involved as they push kids to be responsible or as work gets harder.
A3 I wish I had a way to get to know all my parents like what I do to get to know my kids. I use @Buncee as an icebreaker activity with kids. Wish I could do the same for the families 😕#2pencilchat
Right? I feel like sometimes we have to recognize that people have almost no spare time, so it's a matter of giving them options that work for them, and help them see how you're adding to their life.
#2PencilChat
A3 Offer to come to them if you feel safe enough to, call them, go out of your way to touch base with them....letting them know you care. #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
As a new teacher, I make sure I follow up with any home issues, send messages to make sure Ss are ok when they are out. The things you don't learn in college about teaching. You do take it all home with you mentally. As a parent, I always can sympathize. #2pencilchat
A3 As a parent, I’ve worked on parent engagement. It can be a process and sometimes you just have to accept the fact that you’re not going to reach everyone but it doesn’t mean they don’t care about their child.#2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A3 maybe learn their language? Maybe they don’t speak English? Find out what’s holding them back if possible, then make a plan for outreach.
Agreed. We want Ss to be brave and take thought risks yet many don’t support the same in adults (who, arguably, should have better filters to do so professionally) - a little backwards, n’est pas? #2PencilChat
A3. Customized email lists can help me reach groups of parents whose children share characteristics. It helps me somewhat customize messages. #2pencilchat
Q4 How do you engage the parents who are over-engaged? They mean well, but their smothering keeps their kids from ever trying anything for themselves? #2PencilChat
Our students forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime #2PencilChat
I also want to show students how to control their story. It may be silly in nature in what I post but I control what is out there. They need to to the same #2PencilChat
A4: The HONEST truth! Some P need help cutting the cord. Explain the impact that it has on their S with independence and peer relationships. #IHMarchMadness#2pencilchat
Q4 How do you engage the parents who are over-engaged? They mean well, but their smothering keeps their kids from ever trying anything for themselves? #2PencilChat
Q3: Looked at our demographics & determined that an email “newsletter” was best option. Email sent out any time there were at least 5 things to communicate with families. Any family member could receive. Emphasized that email was 2-way comm & encouraged Q’s. #2PencilChat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
A teacher friend saw a parent in a bar and they decided to have a conference right then and there. I give teachers a lot of credit for always being “on.” I hope accessible tech can sometimes make it easier for everyone. #2PencilChat
A4...I'll say it again. Kill them with kindness. In the most positive way you can, tell them to back off! Show them how awesome their kid is, and how that can be that awesome INDEPENDENTLY! Cut the cord! #2pencilchat
A4. Try getting the over-involved parents involved in classrooms other than the one(s) their child(ren) are in. Build it up as support for the whole school. Get them involved in PTA and SAC. Pick their brains about what can draw other parents in. #2PencilChat
I also want to show students how to control their story. It may be silly in nature in what I post but I control what is out there. They need to to the same #2PencilChat
A4. Try getting the over-involved parents involved in classrooms other than the one(s) their child(ren) are in. Build it up as support for the whole school. Get them involved in PTA and SAC. Pick their brains about what can draw other parents in. #2PencilChat
A4: A little SEL wouldn’t hurt! Also keeping the emphasis on ALL students. This has to be an intentional school-community culture created in the first days of school. #2PencilChat
Q4 How do you engage the parents who are over-engaged? They mean well, but their smothering keeps their kids from ever trying anything for themselves? #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A4 boundaries aren’t just for maps or counseling! Establish a relationship based on positive interaction with them & child & then hit them with the truth! Sometimes truth is hard to hear, but needs to be said. #firsttimeparents
true ... i can't give parents the gift of time and I won't judge them based on their inability to communicate with me ... just because they cut the apron strings doesn't mean they don't care. #2pencilchat
A4. I'm a loud, boisterous Italian. But, when I saw this happening at the elem. school, I would use my golf announcer voice and kindly, but honestly tell the parent to step back and watch. Your child will get it. Learning is in the struggle. Allow your child to grow.#2PencilChat
A4 Junior Achievement is nice for parents who have the time and want deeper level of involvement. It’s the hilight of our 3rd graders year and the parent teaching it is loved by them.#2PencilChat
A3) Ok, here’s the thing: After elementary school, our parent experience is that after open house night, it’s the teachers who are MIA. We need a setup and structure that support Ts & Ps in maintaining relationships. The system is too often happy to limit follow-up. #2PencilChat
Q3 How can we engage and support the parents who seem to be missing in action? MAYBE you met them at meet the teacher, and since, they've disappeared... #2PencilChat
A4: Parents mean well. I encourage them to let their child fail now, before they drive! They learn how to work through disappointments and consequences on their own.
#IHMarchMadness#2pencilchat
I hear the argument about tech not being accessible to all, but this should be Step One anyway. Tech is ready-made for mutual engagement. Adjust as needed to reach all parents, but at least set up the structure to begin with. #2PencilChat
A3 use @RemindHQ or @Seesaw Any application that communicates what is happening. Keep sharing. Tweet pics. Post videos. Keep sharing in multiple venues #2PencilChat
Q5 There's been a lot of talk tonight about the parents who need guidance. What do we do to celebrate the AWESOME parents who make our school year better? #2PencilChat
Quite honestly, kids tell me a lot ... I chat with them ... I know when they are dealing with heavy shiznit at home ... it is hard being a middle school kid #2pencilchat
A2: Make positive parent contact about the particular student. When offering opportunities for parent engagement, intentionally include a little info or mini-PD for all parents. I think it’s important to make it low-risk so the P doesn’t feel attacked. #2PencilChat
Q2 How can we mentor the parents who don't believe in their child, or the parents whose dialogue and outlook is harmful to their child's educational process? #2PencilChat
MS is when Ss begin building responsibility for themselves and can't lean on Ps as much any more. I think if we let Ps know what skills we're developing in their Ss, they won't be as disappointed that their role in their child's education is changing. #2PencilChat
A5 We Have a volunteer appreciation tea and assembly for the parents, grandparents & community members to thank them for helping with trips, special days etc. #2PencilChat
A5: I have a parent that KILLS it everyday! I gave her a @Bojangles1977 gift card wrapped with a note telling her how much I appreciate her. Not just with her own kid, but our whole grade level and school. #2pencilchat
My previous school - @OPS_Castelar - had event that gave parents prizes for their parent involvement hours - zoo passes grocery and other prizes #2PencilChat
A5 My previous school - @OPS_Castelar - had event that gave parents prizes for their parent involvement hours - zoo passes grocery and other prizes #2PencilChat
Q5 There's been a lot of talk tonight about the parents who need guidance. What do we do to celebrate the AWESOME parents who make our school year better? #2PencilChat
A5. Make sure to Tweet what they are doing, if you have a way to share at the district level make sure you do it there. Parent awards are also great! #2PencilChat
A4 Encourage parents to back off a little bit. We learn best from mistakes. Better to make mistakes now (Kinder) rather than later (HS). Encourage them to take a step back and watch what their child can truly do. They'll be amazed! #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
Thank you for that information, Paula! @MagicPantsJones sent a link to the website. I was just looking at the site, and I bookmarked it. I like how there is a focus on staying in school. #2pencilchat
A5 As a parent, the best thing you can do for me is make me feel welcome in your classroom and be honest and transparent. The relationship and love you pour on my Student is more than enough. #2PencilChat
A5 I like to celebrate parents like I do kids. Talk about them when they're doing something good, and I like to make it fun for them to be there. That's on a case by case basis. Food, again, is always nice, and thank you letters from your students.
#2PencilChat
A5. My former elem. School would have awards night for parent volunteers. With so much tech now-days, I like a personal, hand written note/card. It's a lost art, and shows you care to take the time to do it. #2PencilChat
Yes, but I want to dispel the notion that family engagement is limited to helping their child. Families should be welcomed into schools any time and be part of the whole-school conversation—and not just silo’d into PTOs. #2PencilChat
MS is when Ss begin building responsibility for themselves and can't lean on Ps as much any more. I think if we let Ps know what skills we're developing in their Ss, they won't be as disappointed that their role in their child's education is changing. #2PencilChat
Q5 There's been a lot of talk tonight about the parents who need guidance. What do we do to celebrate the AWESOME parents who make our school year better? #2PencilChat
A5: We’ve had school admin & teachers be the BBQ cooks for year-end appreciation. Parents felt more valued as a result of the visible extra effort and personal touch of staff cooking for them over any catered food. #2PencilChat
Q5 There's been a lot of talk tonight about the parents who need guidance. What do we do to celebrate the AWESOME parents who make our school year better? #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining in tonight. Be kind to those parents, even when they're wrong, most are doing their best! I'll see you next week when we're talking about which teachers to pick a fight with. #2PencilChat
