I'M NEW (How Do I Make Connections with the Parents!?)


1.     MAKE A LIST of all the children with the parent's name beside child.  We usually get to know the children’s names very quickly so it’s easier to associate the parent with the child.  Keep the list handy; on your sign in/out attendance so you can refer to it during drop-off and pick-up times when you can use the parents' names in greeting the most.



2.     SMILE at parents when they arrive, even if you are engaged in another activity, make eye contact and smile.  Always acknowledge each child when they arrive and greet both the drop off person and child.  You can draw the child and the parent into the program by telling them what they'll be doing during the day, for example, "Good morning, Jamal. Come and see our water table.  We're going to be racing boats today."



3.     SET ASIDE TIME, EVERY DAY to speak to a parent about something positive that has happened with their child.  Use an example of something small but fun the child has done.  This makes it easier, if the time ever comes for a more serious or involved talk.  Practice small discussions to build a familiar connection



4.     ASK PARENTS ABOUT THEIR DAY.  It's a nice way to learn about what parents do; are they students, working full time, job hunting.  Take a few moments to listen.  The knowledge will help you make connections between parents too.  If you know one parent job hunting and another is hiring in a similar field, you can suggest an introduction if both parents agree.


5.     ADDRESS PARENTS' CONCERNS or questions in a timely manner.  Don’t put off calling a parent back.  Make contact and reassurance a priority.  Convey the message that you hear and understand their concern.  If you have to, let parents know that you will follow up – and make sure you do, without delay.


6.      LISTEN TO PARENTS when they are speaking to their child.  You will pick up on the nature of their relationship and their child management style.  It's the little things that help.  If you notice a parent consistently arranges their child's cubby space, you know cleanliness and order are important, and can guide the child's day accordingly.


7.     LET THE PARENTS GET TO KNOW YOU.  Parents don’t need to know everything, but remove the mystery about yourself; where you're from, where you went to school, how long you've worked in child care; get comfortable talking about the things you'd include in a social media bio.


8.     HOST A MINI DISPLAY.  Imagine, pick up time, say 5:00 – 6:00 pm, a long table with a programming display of the children's art work or panel of learning stories. 

If there is enough staff, parents can peruse and enjoy the display while their children get slowly dressed. 


The display will present some nice talking points between parents and the staff about the children.

____________________________________

For more articles about communication check English Communication for ECEs TALL TALK newsletter here.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

LEARNING STORIES – Observation and documentation the New Zealand Te Whāriki Way

Image
  WHAT IS A LEARNING STORY? Learning Stories are a widely used technique to assess children’s learning in New Zealand's, Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum, child care centers . The technique requires teachers to observe children and write narrative ‘stories’ to interpret the learning that is occurring in particular situations. A 'Learning Story' is a record of what an educator has seen a child, or what a group of children do in the program.   The written story can be as short as one paragraph, one page or longer, but usually focuses on a specific incident or episode (like an anecdotal), or a snapshot of time(e.g. 10 minutes at the art table), or a group activity (a nature walk or visit to a fire station). It becomes a 'learning' story when the educator adds their interpretation of the child's competencies and attitude toward learning (courage, curiosity, perseverance). New Zealand educators match up the strands of their ear...
Read more

PROVOCATIONS

Image
WHAT IS PROVOCATION?   Put simply, provocations provoke ! They provoke thoughts, discussions, questions, interests, creativity and ideas. They can also expand on a thought, project, idea and interest. Provocations can come in many forms: ·          An interesting photo, picture or book , ·           Nature (e.g. specimens) ·          Conceptual (e.g. changing seasons, light) ·          Old materials displayed in a new way, ·          An interest that a child or children have , ·          An object (e.g. magnets , maps) ·          New creative mediums , ·          Questions (from any source – i.e. What is gravity?) ·     ...
Read more

MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN'S BOOK DAY

Image
  Books and Bricks: How a School Rebuilt the Community By Sindiwe Magona Salmina Arenda's school was a scary place. The fence had holes, the walls needed paint, and the yard was full of weeds and rubbish. But things started to look up when the school received new computers. Then disaster struck the school! Now parents, teachers, and students alike must rally together to revive their school and community. I loved this book for children. It's wonderful to read out loud. It's informative and includes a little bit of mystery that keeps the reader engaged. As the story unfolds it's heartwarming to see the transformation of the main characters from hopeless to hopeful about what a thriving school can do for the community. Salmina is a very realistic and endearing lead character that children can relate to.   I give this book a 5 star rating because it's appealing, informative, and easy to read to schoolagers. It may take place across the world, but the emotions it...
Read more