Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
Welcome to the #ElonEd chat! Our goals are to connect grads, current students, fac/staff, and other educators to share ideas and advice and to be inspired.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @markiewitz1 and @MsConesTweets. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic: Communicating and Collaborating with Families
I'm a parent in Connecticut (not an Elon grad), work for an education resource center and am a @ParentCamp Board member... my passion is better partnerships between families and schools. #ElonEd
A1: If teachers are not connecting with families, then they are missing out on opportunities that will make their jobs and student learning better. #ElonEd
A1) Communication and collaboration don't happen. Families often aren't in the position to initiate partnerships. Result: Less trust, tendency to communicate only when "scheduled" or for something negative. #ElonEd
A1: I think it can problematic if there’s a lack of communication between teachers and parents. Teachers need to have a level of understanding with parents so they can work best to educate ss #ElonEd
A1: Keeping clear and open lines of communication are an effective way to ensure student success. You have to know the context of a student's family, home life, etc. #ElonEd
A1: gosh so much. Everyone is missing out on something vital to the educational process. Families feel as though they don't have a stake in their child's education, educators aren't capitalizing on relationships and students are the ones missing out. #ElonEd
A1: You can't get to know a student fully until you know about where they come from and how they became the person they are today -- that often starts with the family. #ElonEd
A1: Families know their children best. You will not be able to meet all the needs of a student if you do not build a relationship with everyone that lives within their home/school learning environment #ElonEd
Reading for my class tonight and was reminded that Falk & Dirking argue that only 5% of learning happens formally. So,connections beyond school are important #ElonEd
A1: If teachers are not connecting with families, then they are missing out on opportunities that will make their jobs and student learning better. #ElonEd
A1: Without communication with families we cannot fully understand our students' past and prior experiences that affect our relationships and their learning #ElonEd
A1: You miss out on chances to learn and grow as a person. The families of students have unique experiences and wisdom to share. You could benefit personally. I learned a lot about parenting, love, and grace from families of my students. #ElonEd
A1: If educators do not communicate and collaborate with families, they miss out on the opportunity to create a stronger bond with those they educate. Transparency and communication with families help both students and educators. #ElonEd
A1: I typically believe that parents are integral to the student's success. But I wonder if there would ever be a time that the parents hold back student success? #ElonEd
A1: I also feel like if they don't communicate with families, teachers are often blamed for student struggle. By collaborating with families, we are showing that we are on the same team and that struggle is natural in order for growth to occur. #ElonEd
A1: A lack of communication limits the amount of growth and positive change you can foster in your students. It disconnects you from a part of their world. #eloned
A1: You miss out on chances to learn and grow as a person. The families of students have unique experiences and wisdom to share. You could benefit personally. I learned a lot about parenting, love, and grace from families of my students. #ElonEd
A1: I also feel like if they don't communicate with families, teachers are often blamed for student struggle. By collaborating with families, we are showing that we are on the same team and that struggle is natural in order for growth to occur. #ElonEd
A1: Valuable knowledge and insight is lost on both sides. Educators could better understand the strengths of the child and ways the family could contribute to the classroom to benefit all students. What do you think the families then lose out on? #ElonEd
Actually the read article was about Funds of Knowledge (Obs relevant), but wasn’t Falk & Dirking. You might like their book if you haven’t seen abt informal ed. #ElonEd
A1: Collaborating with families can also lead to family learning, especially when working with Special Education and EL strategies (at home and at school practice is more impactful). #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
A1: Parents know the entire academic (and other) history of their children, and they know them better than anyone else. Ps provide a context that no one else have. #ElonEd
A1: You miss out on chances to learn and grow as a person. The families of students have unique experiences and wisdom to share. You could benefit personally. I learned a lot about parenting, love, and grace from families of my students. #ElonEd
A1: Parents know the entire academic (and other) history of their children, and they know them better than anyone else. Ps provide a context that no one else have. #ElonEd
One of the best suggestions a principal gave us was to assign a "Million Words," allowing parents to share about their student at the begining of the school year. #ElonEd
A2. Need to find equally ground with families. Literally. Often times school has been a place that has caused trauma and people don't want to come back in a school building. Meet families outside of school. #eloned
A2: Making sure you reach out to families with good and bad news. Call them to tell them good things often and focus on student's strengths. This way if something does go wrong, you have built already a positive relationship. #ElonEd
A2. Need to find equal ground with families. Literally. Often times school has been a place that has caused trauma and people don't want to come back in a school building. Meet families outside of school. #eloned
A2 Ask for what the parents' expectations are for their child this year and come back to that at the first parent conference... build relationships early because education is a partnership FOR the child!
#ElonEd
A2: Reach out to all families & ask Ps what is important to know about their kid. Ask Ps what they want to see their child get better in or what they need help in #ElonEd
A2: Encouraging parents to talk about their students early on. make sure you're reaching out to parents and that you don't only have negative things to say -- show them that you care about their childs growth as much as they do! #ElonEd
A2: I think it's SO important to meet families in person at least once a year. I think there's tremendous benefit to face to face conversation and it allows families to see that there's more to Mr. Rogers than the way I type or speak over the phone. #ElonEd
A2: A tool we discussed in @jeffpcarpenter 's class was having a classroom website that's updated regularly. Let parents have a peek into what an average day is like and post updates about upcoming assignments all while building camaraderie! #ElonEd
Yep. @AnnasClass does #homevisits before the start of every year. Almost all appreciate and welcome her for doing so. Sets the stage for good communication the rest of the year. #ElonEd
A2. Need to find equal ground with families. Literally. Often times school has been a place that has caused trauma and people don't want to come back in a school building. Meet families outside of school. #eloned
A2) Establish permanent lines of communication between schools and communities thru tech (esp. social media), presence in the community, and treating the school as a community center. Families are part of the community and will already feel more like a part of the school. #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
A1: total disconnect between the family, students, and educators which ultimately ends up hurting the student because needs, wants, desires, etc. aren’t known, met, or fulfilled #ElonEd
A2: Positive phone-calls - to every single family within the first few days. Notes, surveys & goal convos, continued positives. We had 'scholar signings' and every family got a photo of their middle school child in cap and gown. Growth mindset and goals from the start! #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
Home visits can be so beneficial for the student and the family! I did my first home visit this year - great relationship builder! Thanks @DennyFerguson2#ElonEd
Yep. @AnnasClass does #homevisits before the start of every year. Almost all appreciate and welcome her for doing so. Sets the stage for good communication the rest of the year. #ElonEd
A2. Need to find equal ground with families. Literally. Often times school has been a place that has caused trauma and people don't want to come back in a school building. Meet families outside of school. #eloned
Yep! Many teachers use Twitter do to this, too. It's a good window into the classroom. I also know teachers who have a class blog, and one student per day writes a summary of what they did and learned. #ElonEd
A2: A tool we discussed in @jeffpcarpenter 's class was having a classroom website that's updated regularly. Let parents have a peek into what an average day is like and post updates about upcoming assignments all while building camaraderie! #ElonEd
A2: My CT @AWE5thgrade does a great job communicating with families by sending weekly emails with reminders and updates on the content for the week #eloned
A2) Establish permanent lines of communication between schools and communities thru tech (esp. social media), presence in the community, and treating the school as a community center. Families are part of the community and will already feel more like a part of the school. #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
Class websites are an awesome way to communicate, but be sure to have a plan for reaching families without reliable access to the internet...a multi-pronged approach, if you will. #ElonEd
Also realize what SM your parents are on. If sharing only on Twitter then probably missing part of your audience. Cross-post across multiple platforms and recap at the end of week with curation tool and share out. #ElonEd
Yep! Many teachers use Twitter do to this, too. It's a good window into the classroom. I also know teachers who have a class blog, and one student per day writes a summary of what they did and learned. #ElonEd
A2: A tool we discussed in @jeffpcarpenter 's class was having a classroom website that's updated regularly. Let parents have a peek into what an average day is like and post updates about upcoming assignments all while building camaraderie! #ElonEd
As a parent, I would love that. It would make me feel apart of their day and give me a way to ask more specifically about their school day. It would overall improve communication within our own home. #ElonEd
A2: A tool we discussed in @jeffpcarpenter 's class was having a classroom website that's updated regularly. Let parents have a peek into what an average day is like and post updates about upcoming assignments all while building camaraderie! #ElonEd
A2. This is an observation as a husband of a teacher for the past 9 years. All the things shared of what you cant do are great, but it's also important to recognize when the parent is just not going to be an ally and find other avenues to connect with the child #ElonEd
A2) Establish permanent lines of communication between schools and communities thru tech (esp. social media), presence in the community, and treating the school as a community center. Families are part of the community and will already feel more like a part of the school. #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
Yes!! Home visits, games, meeting at the library, taking the time to chat at the grocery store - being visible in areas other than school is so important! #ElonEd
A2. Need to find equal ground with families. Literally. Often times school has been a place that has caused trauma and people don't want to come back in a school building. Meet families outside of school. #eloned
I'm intrigued by the idea of establishing parent goals, student goals, and teacher goals, talking about how they are similar and differ, and follow along on all of them along the way. #ElonEd
That's a very insightful thought!! Maybe sending home a biweekly, class newsletter could help mitigate this obstacle. We could even get students involved with writing summaries/little articles! #ElonEd
A3. School Facebook pages, school websites, school Twitter and Instagram accounts can be great ways to get the word out about events and excite both students and parents about events going on at the school. #ElonEd
A3: More schools have started using twitter to post pictures and send out reminders, however you need to be mindful that not all families have a twitter account or even reliable access to technology/internet #ElonEd
I would like to add that the website should be updated regularly and LOOK GOOD. It represents you in so many ways! (I've seen a lot of underwhelming or outdated teacher websites, unfortunately.) #ElonEd
Class websites are an awesome way to communicate, but be sure to have a plan for reaching families without reliable access to the internet...a multi-pronged approach, if you will. #ElonEd
Q3: I think taking advantage of videochat may be a great way to conference with parents whose work schedules don't allow them to come in. Or, having open hours at a coffee shop/other place in the community during "off hours" on the weekend #ElonEd
A2: Start with a positive attitude. Positivity goes a long way! As I stated in my first response, communication is key to keeping relationships strong! #ElonEd
A2) if you don’t communicate with a students family, you can’t really understand the whole child. Family insight can put some of the pieces together - positive or negative- for seeing a child in a more complete way. #ElonEd
A3: I personally love websites. Though not all families have this access, there are still ways to get their input and incorporate them into the process, making them feel included. #ElonEd
Especially if the goals are NOT all tied to a computerized measure or AR - don't get me started (please for the love...) As a parent, let me know you KNOW my child... from elementary age to high school age... #ElonEd
A3: Depending on the guidelines of your district - Remind, Google Voice Numbers, FB/Twitter/Insta, Google +, Kik - blogs, websites, LMS parent account notices can all be put to use! #ElonEd
A3: each of my students has a weekend where they can pose a FlipGrid question to the class. I respond as well to show how I have buy in to the kiddos....#ElonEd
A2. This is an observation as a husband of a teacher for the past 9 years. All the things shared of what you cant do are great, but it's also important to recognize when the parent is just not going to be an ally and find other avenues to connect with the child #ElonEd
YES! THIS! You don't have to use the platform that's district provided. Most will let you link to an external site. That will look better than a webpage built Myspace (if you don't know what that is, you're better for it). #ElonEd
I would like to add that the website should be updated regularly and LOOK GOOD. It represents you in so many ways! (I've seen a lot of underwhelming or outdated teacher websites, unfortunately.) #ElonEd
Class websites are an awesome way to communicate, but be sure to have a plan for reaching families without reliable access to the internet...a multi-pronged approach, if you will. #ElonEd
A3: As we've mentioned but website/SM or newsletter for those who don't have reliable access. Also getting out in the community. Go to sporting events & meet the Ps. it shows them that you are there outside of the classroom #ElonEd
A3. Utilize the phones--texting services (although not new anymore) are super convenient for getting ahold of busy parents/students/community members. You can respond/read anytime. Scheduling ANYTHING can be cumbersome/limiting. #eloned
A3 cont: Last year I did a much better job than this year of posting pictures of different instructional strategies we do in the classroom. Especially with addition and decoding strategies, it helped parents understand what we are doing. #ElonEd
Sending students home with weekly updates, or encouraging them to come into the school/meet outside of the school to get together and chat! Face to face interactions might be more beneficial since you can get a better sense of how parents are feeling about certain things #ElonEd
Especially if it's a phone call to share something positive or something to have a parent ask their child about (something besides "how was your day?")
#ElonEd
We did this when I was teaching. The teacher, student, and family all signed an agreement that outlined our roles and expectations. It was fine in theory... maybe a bit too formal (just more paperwork). I probably could have done more with it. #ElonEd
I'm intrigued by the idea of establishing parent goals, student goals, and teacher goals, talking about how they are similar and differ, and follow along on all of them along the way. #ElonEd
A3) my experience - start with positive as soon as possible, add positive as often as you can, send a positive note home or phone call. when u need to make a negative withdrawal , u have a positive balance to draw upon #ElonEd
Q2: What are the first steps to building effective relationships with the families of students in your classroom and school? How can those relationships be strengthened and maintained throughout the year? #ElonEd
A3: Using social media sites to communicate about upcoming events or important information is a non-traditional way to communicate with families! Technology has made this a lot easier! #ElonEd
A3: I knew a teacher who had Ss whose Ps had negative experiences w/ schools in their pasts, so Ps didn't come to school events. The T held conferences at Walmart because the Ps shopped & felt comfortable there. Meet Ps in their own space. #ElonEd
Dr. Anne Roycroft signing in. Parent, Teacher, A1: Without communication and collaboration with families we are ignoring the strongest ally we have in the classroom. I have never met a parent who did not want the very best for their children. #ElonEd
Sign up genius is awesome for scheduling/reminders... class dojo has potential...
Whatever the method, be clear, concise, and consistent so parents know what to expect... #ElonEd
My favorite part about @AnnasClass newsletters is the "Questions to Ask Your Child" section to foster dialogue about (and reinforce) student learning. #ElonEd
Tweeting updates about your classroom may seem a bit untraditional but I think it could be a great way for parents to keep up with what their kids are learning on a regular basis #ElonEd
Yeah, funny thing: Educators may want parents to be less focused on scores, but if you didn't ask us about any other goals, we don't know that you';re interested. #ElonEd
Q2: Start out the year or semester by reaching out to parents with news of something good their student did, even it is a small thing. Then you break the cycle of calling home when there is a problem. It does wonders. #ElonEd
Tweeting updates about your classroom may seem a bit untraditional but I think it could be a great way for parents to keep up with what their kids are learning on a regular basis #ElonEd
Some of the questions: What was school like last year for your child? What are your child's strengths? What should I know about your child that will help me work with them better? #ElonEd
On the other hand, I've had parents whose only concern was what letter grade their child received, not concerned with learning, but playing the game of school. So how do we bridge this gap of feedback/assessment vs grades? #eloned
A2: Positive parent contact the first week, but don't stop there! Each week, touch base with a few families whether it is to share a strength of their child's, ask a question, share a story, etc. Continue this all year long. Parents appreciate that more than you know. #ElonEd
A4: Just inferring here... but perhaps parallel to the difference between compliance and engagement in our classrooms? I may be compliant, but am I engaged in something meaningful and authentic to me? #ElonEd
"I used to think #FamilyEngagement was the same as parent involvement, and I learned recently that that is not the case." What the difference looks like for T @2017FLTOY:
A4 Teachers can’t measure parent involvement b/c so much happens from the home. We must respect that not all parents will be able to come to school, but they may still be involved. #eloned
A4: I view parent involvement as the "fluff." Parents coming in to volunteer, saying they are reading with their kid, etc. are all wonderful things, but true engagement is when the parent is learning alongside their student and truly has a stake in the learning. #ElonEd
some parents aren't the best communicators when it comes to their children, so sending reminders to students as well ensures that everyone is up to date and well informed #ElonEd
In reply to
@readwritethrive, @markiewitz1, @CanvasLMS
A4 Parent involvement can be positive or negative. Parents can often get in the way of their child's learning or what's best for the child. Family engagement, to me, is a positive symbiotic relationship designed to help the parents and teacher help the student. #ElonEd
"I used to think #FamilyEngagement was the same as parent involvement, and I learned recently that that is not the case." What the difference looks like for T @2017FLTOY:
A4 Very similar to students being compliant, not engaged. Designing opportunities for parents to truly be engaged stakeholders in the multiple facets of a school takes time, effort, and energy - all of which pay huge dividends for the kids...
#ElonEd
A4: I view parent involvement as the "fluff." Parents coming in to volunteer, saying they are reading with their kid, etc. are all wonderful things, but true engagement is when the parent is learning alongside their student and truly has a stake in the learning. #ElonEd
That's a whole other chat (there have been plenty of them!) Mindsets don't change easily but it's helpful to have allies across the board (teachers, admin, actively engaged parents). You also don't have to change everyone but at least establish momentum. #ElonEd
Q3: Technology helps build transparency. You can create a living record of what you are doing in class. Let your students help you. Allow parents a chance to see what is happening. #ElonEd
A4: I view parent involvement as the "fluff." Parents coming in to volunteer, saying they are reading with their kid, etc. are all wonderful things, but true engagement is when the parent is learning alongside their student and truly has a stake in the learning. #ElonEd
A4: I view parent involvement as the "fluff." Parents coming in to volunteer, saying they are reading with their kid, etc. are all wonderful things, but true engagement is when the parent is learning alongside their student and truly has a stake in the learning. #ElonEd
A number of schools have academic boosters clubs like athletic boosters to support academic activities....gives parents who are not comfortable with interacting with teachers a place to start. #ElonEd
A4: parent involvement can be seen in multiple different ways -- participating on the class website/twitter page, asking students questions about their day, or reaching out to teachers #ElonEd
Remember:
Most of the time, you & the family have the same ultimate goal for the student. You may just have differing opinions of how to get there.
#ElonEd
I agree Allie. Parent involvement can be calling a principal or district office to complain, demanding a child be moved, or it could be sitting down and teaching the child themselves, or teaching a method not taught at school. Lots of potential there good and bad. #ElonEd
A4: I view parent involvement as the "fluff." Parents coming in to volunteer, saying they are reading with their kid, etc. are all wonderful things, but true engagement is when the parent is learning alongside their student and truly has a stake in the learning. #ElonEd
Remember:
Most of the time, you & the family have the same ultimate goal for the student. You may just have differing opinions of how to get there.
#ElonEd
this is similar to the fact that students learn in different ways (you can't always tell by looking at a student how smart they are or at a parent how involved they are) #ElonEd
A4: parent involvement can be seen in multiple different ways -- participating on the class website/twitter page, asking students questions about their day, or reaching out to teachers #ElonEd
One challenge to interaction with parents is the lack of transportation to the school. I have seen successful programs where the schools go out to the neighborhoods with conferences in community centers. #ElonEd
A4: To me engagement is a deep relationship; involvement is surface level. I love when Ts want me (as a P) engaged rather than just involved. It requires a bigger commitment on the parts of the T and P, but it is so worth it to see the S grow. #ElonEd
It means the proudest moments you'll ever have in your career. When a parent trusts you, fully, to join them in caring for the heart, hopes, and dreams for their child- this is why we do what we do. #ElonEd
Q3: Technology helps build transparency. You can create a living record of what you are doing in class. Let your students help you. Allow parents a chance to see what is happening. #ElonEd
Q5: Parents can be a great asset to helping achieve a goal you probably both share: success for their child. Keeping open lines of communication can only help! #ElonEd
A4: Engaged families are on the team. To engage families, they have to be included in the discussion and you have to build trust. Work with your principal, teachers and school resources to make this happen- you don't have to do it alone. #ElonEd
A5. I believe in best effort myself. A lot of unique avenues can be pursued. I've seen teachers go off their rockers trying to help a kid but a school counselor connected with the kid and was able to make a huge difference. Sometimes the right person is the difference. #ElonEd
A5: Parents can help you reach the goal you and the parent have for the student. Parents who are involved and engaged trust teachers with what is most likely their pride and joy, and getting them to where they need to be #ElonEd
Another reminder that not all parents and families are easy to work with. In fact, I was not prepared for this when I started teaching. I was focused on the kids, but there is a lot about the job that involves working with adults! #ElonEd
I agree Allie. Parent involvement can be calling a principal or district office to complain, demanding a child be moved, or it could be sitting down and teaching the child themselves, or teaching a method not taught at school. Lots of potential there good and bad. #ElonEd
Absolutely agree! Many times students that may be coined as "lazy" really just have not been engaged. That is the challenge and joy of teaching! Maybe with parents we should have the same mindset...what are their interests? How can we engage them to meet their interests? #ElonEd
A3) This has been well-answered, but another hands-up for social media accounts. I know parents aren't necessarily everywhere; e.g., maybe some can get texts of tweets. Social media also serve an important PR purpose in general and family engagement fits right into that. #ElonEd
A5 "willingly cooperate" for the student... if parents truly know you have the best interest of their child at heart and want their child to succeed, they will be willing to partner... don't break that trust... find a way to connect for the student - especially in MS/HS
#ElonEd
Not sure which A1-5, but Q5 made me remember uncomfortable conversations with teachers. Remember to find out things about the parents too - I remember one conference with a foster child's teacher who wanted to lecture me about school. #ElonEd
A5: Collaborating means the tough phonecalls, it means 11PM "I didn't finish my application but it's due," so c'mon over and we'll get it done. It means the joy of breaking records together - It means doing our small part to make the world a little bit better for everyone #ElonEd
A5. This is such a tricky question because collaboration is a two way street. If the parents are amenable, then you can talk, share experiences, and find solutions. If they aren't open to speaking with you, maybe another teacher or a counselor, or something else. #ElonEd
Q6: What are strategies for de-escalating situations when you and/or a family member are experiencing some intense emotions (e.g., fear, frustration, self-doubt, defensiveness) about a situation with the family’s student? #ElonEd
We did that on one of our conference days and the community center provided free child care for siblings so the parent(s) could concentrate on the conference the student led... it was awesome... #ElonEd
Social media serves a larger and important purpose in addition to communicating with families, but agreed that it shouldn't be the only outlet for that purpose. #ElonEd
A6: This is tough. I worked with a lot of difficult, "high maintenance" parents this summer and found it was always best to make sure they know that their voice is being heard. Remind them that you are on the same side. #ElonEd
We did that on one of our conference days and the community center provided free child care for siblings so the parent(s) could concentrate on the conference the student led... it was awesome... #ElonEd
A5: Collaborating looks like parents and family members on field trips, reading books to the class, sharing expertise. It is when teachers communicate, "We are together in this." #ElonEd
A6 My team never goes into a tense parent meeting alone. We pull in teammates, other teachers, or administrators who can hear both sides in the meeting and work to take pressure off everyone. #eloned
A6. I believe that one of the best techniques to de-escalate a situation is mirroring and listening. This is hard because one, it's just a difficult thing to do, especially for some people. Second, it's time consuming. But listening and empathy are so critical #ElonEd
A6 If you know a conversation is going to be challenging (you don't always know), don't do it by yourself... bring in a colleague, counselor, someone to be the neutral party or negotiator... and always listen more than you talk... and you can always have a follow up...
#ElonEd
A6: Reminding Ps and Ss that you're all on the same side, and being ok with them not seeing that at first. You all have the same goal but might have different ways to get to that goal, and thats ok, it just might take some a while to realize the end goal is the same #ElonEd
Sure, I was actually thinking of that as I typed it. I was more adding to the scenario to demonstrate that negative involvement doesn't always suggest negative behavior by the parents. #ElonEd
A6: As much as tech makes communication easier... there are guidelines in place for a reason. Folow the lead of your team and don't be afraid to ask for advice or for someone else to step in for a minute. #ElonEd
Q6: What are strategies for de-escalating situations when you and/or a family member are experiencing some intense emotions (e.g., fear, frustration, self-doubt, defensiveness) about a situation with the family’s student? #ElonEd
A6: Have a colleague be there for support. Ask questions and listen. Find points of common ground and build a bridge from there. If it is really bad, ask for some time to process their concern and get back to them. #ElonEd
To go along with your challenge, time of day matters. What if families work 7-4 every day? It may not mean parents don't want to conference or don't care. This may mean they need to put food on the table. Offer various times or even alternate ways to conference. #ElonEd
A6: I think it is okay to sit on it for night and come back and try again the next day. Time gives you and the family a chance to reflect and gain new perspectives. #ElonEd
A6. Another technique, if you have a good guess that this situation could get heated, is to have another teacher in there with you who can back you up, or mediate kind of. Having a second voice there can often lend validity to your concerns or perspective. #ElonEd
I think it is important to take a step back. You can recognize your emotions and evaluate why you feel that way, but ultimately do what's best for the student, not what makes you the happiest. #ElonEd
A6: As much as tech makes communication easier... there are guidelines in place for a reason. Folow the lead of your team and don't be afraid to ask for advice or for someone else to step in for a minute. #ElonEd
Q6: What are strategies for de-escalating situations when you and/or a family member are experiencing some intense emotions (e.g., fear, frustration, self-doubt, defensiveness) about a situation with the family’s student? #ElonEd
A6: I think it is important to take a step back. You can recognize your emotions and evaluate why you feel that way, but ultimately do what's best for the student, not what makes you the happiest. #ElonEd
Confession not relevant to a question in the chat: I am not super involved at my kids' schools. I do my best at home and help as I can, but getting in the building is tough. I wish I knew this when I was teaching. #ElonEd
Hey, since this is the #ElonEd chat, maybe something can be said for the higher ed cycle that perpetuates the importance of grades? They're still such a high factor for college admission and this trickles all the way down to high school and below. #ElonEd
In reply to
@zoegrove16, @MrDpasion, @KristyPitts_ABC
A6: After the difficult conversation I always try to make a positive phone call home or send home a positive note some time during the same week #ElonEd
A3: I use Remind to communicate every day. It's easier for all of us, keeps conversations recorded, is searchable, and can be used on a phone or computer. Also good for sending whole-class announcements. #ElonEd
College acceptances & standards definitely influence a persons perspective on grades but what a lot don't realize is that it's not always about what school you go to, it's about what you do with the experiences you have and the connections you make along the way #ElonEd
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @MrDpasion, @KristyPitts_ABC
My name is Becky and I am a future Elem ed educator currently studying at NCSU! How do teachers encourage parents to become involved in their childs' education when they are not very invested? #eci201#eloned
A4: That teachers should only contact parents to deal with behavior issues. Family involvement means parents hear from you a lot, and you earn their trust in that you're doing right by and want the best for their child. #ElonEd
Good questions. My first thought is to communicate often, even if it is not acknowledged. Stay positive no matter what. Realize that involvement looks different for many people. Your expectations might be what needs to change. #ElonEd
A7: We have a parent council that planned a multicultural event this Friday. I will try to reach out and form relationships will at least 5 families at this event. #ElonEd
