This post originally appeared on our ParentSquare Learning Network on August 28, 2020.
Curated by Elizabeth Garcia at ParentSquare
As we prepare for an unprecedented school year, staying connected is more important than ever before. Educators have to think outside the box to make sure communication is seamless and families are engaged.
How do we form connections with parents and students when they aren’t in person? How do we create a successful classroom environment remotely? How do we keep students and parents engaged?
On August 26th, we hosted a Twitter Chat to help with these concerns. We talked about how educators can best communicate with families this year and keep families connected during a very unusual school year.
Thank you to Rachelle Dene Poth, Director of Community for the ParentSquare Learning Network (@Rdene915), for moderating this Twitter Chat. Participants joined with the hashtag #PSquareLN. You can view the highlights below, and the full chat is available here!
Q1: What Are Your Top Ideas/Resources for Learning More About Parent Engagement?
“Enjoy reading the blog posts on @ParentSquare #PSquareLN and joining in webinars focused on family engagement” — Rachelle Dene Poth, @Rdene915
“I get my ideas from co-workers, other schools, @ParentSquare and #3rdchat” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
Response to Amy: “So important to be connected!” — Rachelle Dene Poth, @Rdene915
“I enjoy learning tips from staff as well as from PLN.” — Paul O’Neill, @PaulONeill1972
“I read blogs, tweets, Instagram posts, and saw that, Hattie, Frey, & Fisher’s #DistanceLearningHandbook for Parents will be out soon.”— Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura
Q2: What Are Some Things To Avoid When It Comes To Communicating With Parents?
“Over-communication and the obvious, failed communication. Be clear, be concise, and maybe even be regimented by designating when that communication will come out.” — Andrew Easton, @EastonA1
“Things to avoid when it comes to communicating with parents: *Don’t put out documents on the internet that are program/platform specific *Communicate in multiple ways, places, and times” — Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura
“Avoid educational jargon or vocabulary that won’t make sense to your educational community. Avoid long or unclear communication.” — Anna Muessig, @MrsMues
“Over communication because they quit listening and not enough communication because they don’t know enough. It’s all about balance.” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
“One thing to avoid is communicating with parents while emotional. Your message can be lost if your emotions are still running hot.” — Paul O’Neill, @PaulONeill1972
Q3: What Challenges Have You Had When It Comes To Communicating With Families? How Have You Worked Through Them?
“Finding a way to accommodate EVERYONE!” — Melisa Hayes, @hayes_melisa
“Not being able to get ahold of families, language barriers, and families not responding” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
“It can be challenging to find the balance of enough clear info without overwhelming. Also, in some communities where I’ve worked, I don’t speak the home language fluently. (Working on that, but it’s a long process!) — Anna Muessig, @MrsMues
“Buying in to me being intentional In WANTING to build authentic relationships at home, that my concern for the @well-being is their child is real and doesn’t end at the school bell’s final ring” — Jamie Brown, @VP_JBrown
Response to Jamie: “Love this answer and so important to make sure that families understand how much we do care” — Rachelle Dene Poth, @Rdene915
“Seems we need to always be zooming out. What I mean is it seems like whatever level we are trying to communicate on, there is often a broader convo that should happened 1st. So it’s not that we will use a tech tool but it’s how to use it & honestly starts w WHY…” — Andrew Easton, @EastonA1
Q4: What Advice Do You Have for Educators When It Comes To School Communication and Family Engagement for This Year?
“Separate the behavior from the student. The language we use to communicate is crucial to the next steps in the relationship.” — Paul O’Neill, @PaulONeill1972
“Remember that students, families, staff, and communities are all facing a school year unlike any other. Patience and grace continues to be my mantra. (Thank you, @whalen)” — Anna Muessig, @MrsMues
“Have an open communication policy. Be honest and polite as well as being positive.” — Cardboard High-Five Teacher, @cardboardteach
“Build a relationship with families that can trust you and you can trust them. Be helpful because this is new to them. Be open minded because new ideas are sometimes what we need.” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
“When it comes to school communication and family engagement for this year, we need to meet families where they are, find ways to communicate that work for them, and be intentionally with what we communicate.” — Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura
Thank you to everyone who joined in on this Twitter Chat and shared their advice and insights!
