Wanted:A Great Year! Teachers and Parents Working Toward the Same Goal!

Every year, at the beginning of the school year, I send this form home. I ask my parents to fill it out in ther interest of learning what they want from their child's teacher. What can make this a great year for their child? I always get a handful back, read them, and try to be conscious of living up to reasonable requests throughout the school year.

A student returned her form to me today, it had been living in her bookbag for the past two days. I read it, and found that I really enjoyed reading this parent's insights on what she wants, from me, for her daughter.

One teacher who cares about G.'s educational needs and making sure all resources are applied.

The person must like love there (sic) job, and want all students to succeed. and must be willing to make sure every student under their instruction gets the best education offered. 

This teacher must know that all students learn at a different pace and should be patient, understanding,, and determined.

She/He must love helping children grow and hate failure and excuses. 

Her/His favorite comments to parents should be, "Your child is doing great!"

She/He would love saying, "It's a pleasure having your child and teaching to the students.

Must also be good job.

In return the teacher will receive all positive feedback and support.

While I may not agree with everything this parent wrote,  I appreciate the gist of her message. The great part is, I want what she wants for her child. As a matter of fact, I believe most teachers want what parents want for their child.

I would settle for constructive feedback, and I will gladly take all the support a parent can give! Working together, I know I can give my parents what they want, a great year!

Top Three Popular Posts of October 2012!

Top Three Popular Post from October 2012! Enjoy!

Ain't Too Proud to Beg? Parent/Teacher Communication!

I attend the same church as one of  my students' parents. I know her mom very well.  After service she made, I guess what she thought was a joke, and said, "I have never had a teacher email the parents as much as you do! I asked my mom if you have a life?"
I didn't think it was funny...

Morning Meeting Moments Create Critical Thinkers!

I use two sites that promote critical thinking: BrainPop andWonderopolis. 

Every morning we begin our day with Morning Meeting. I have really come to enjoy Morning Meeting, it gives me a chance to bond with my students...

Some "Truths" About Teaching!

Since I'm not at work because of Hurricane Sandy, it gave me some time to peruse Pinterest, and I came across this poster. I think it's funny.:)
It also made me think about some of the "truths" about teaching, especially if someone is choosing to go into this profession now. So, here are my "truths." ...

Fabulous Phone Call!: Go Ahead, Make Their Day!

While attending the 2011 PLC summit, one of the presenters told us about an experience he had while watching Family Feud. The question was, “What is the reason your child’s teacher is calling your house?” Not one of the “right” answers were positive, not one! Two of the answers were, “Your kid is failing” and "Your kid skipped school”. These answers only served to reinforce the stereotype of parent/teacher communication; we’re the bearers of bad news. 

About two years ago, we had an idea forced on us by our former principal. An idea I actually grew to like. We were required, every Friday, to call a parent or two, and let them know something fabulous about their child. It was called "Fabulous Phone Call". It wasn't time-consuming, and there was no out-of pocket expense.

It’s exactly what the title implies,  a phone call to a parent, telling them how wonderful their child had been at some point during the week. I always tried to choose a child who was always fabulous, they deserved praise too, and a child who might have been struggling to be fabulous. The great part is that it’s not only about academics. Maybe the student showed improvement in behavior, grasped a concept, or helped a friend. There are so many benefits to the Fabulous Phone call, the most important being that it provides teachers a chance to positively communicate with our parents.

I usually began my phone calls like this, “Hello, this is Mrs.M; your child is not in trouble.” I try to get that in before, “What did he/she do?” Afterwards, we have an enjoyable conversation about their child, and it usually ends with many, many, thanks from the parent. I kept the phone call positive at all times. 

On Monday Morning, I would place a “Fabulous Phone Call” coupon on the child’s desk. The coupon stated, “Congratulations, you have received a Fabulous Phone Call!” Who knew a simple phone call could bring such joy?

I have to admit that since I first wrote this post in March 2011, later in the school year, I had become remiss in making my phone calls. However, last week, while digging in my desk, I found my Fabulous Phone Call Coupons. I am going to make sure, starting this week, that I begin making  my Fabulous Phone Calls again. We make time for so many other things, why not something with such a positive impact on our parents and students?

Pick a day, any day, and make a Fabulous Phone call to one of your students’ parents, and make their day! 


Scan to get file of coupon, or create your own!

Great article! : Power of Positivity: The Friday 5 - A principal documents the power of a positive phone call!