Making families feel welcome in the first month

 Over the years, I have noticed a stark difference in the perceived interest of my students' parents based on their attendance at school events or responses to my emails. I have come to realize that their absence does not necessarily equate to disinterest. Often the families may simply be unable to attend another meeting due to already full family schedules or work commitments. Before jumping to conclusions, I need to have confirmed a preferred method of  contact for the parent and have made alternative meeting options a stated possibility. 

I may not enjoy a phone call when the benefits of seeing facial expressions are so dear to me. However, if a phone call is the only time a parent has available, I need to start dialing. If a family is struggling to pay for gas, I shouldn't require their attendance at another event. I could send home a note or video message. The first contact opportunity should be as soon as possible with a genuine interest shared in the way their child will be treated in your classroom. This first positive interaction softens a blow, if needed later on, for the student who may be in need of some home-discipline or support 

Opportunities for participation should be offered in a variety of ways for them to become involved. They might monitor a lunchroom, organize/make copies, talk to me (teacher) during a planning period or after classes.  A great time to survey families about preferred communication method, time etc. is at the Meet the Teacher event before school begins. Parents could sign in on a clipboard to confirm the school's record of their info is accurate. They could view a prerecorded tutorial on how to navigate the school's chosen computer program for communication. Perhaps new families, could even join a help class to see a live demonstration and respond through the various methods in a role-play experience.

When open house dates are being set, families could be able to opt out of in-person, in-class meetings as the only choice. They may be willing for a home visit or a phone call or video meeting on a platform such as Zoom or Google Meet. New families would benefit from the training, to be sure, but all families would likely appreciate the ability to replay a brief instructional video that answers their immediate questions.

A goal of personal contact with each new family within the first three days of school is a worthy one! Returning families should receive their check in within the first two weeks. A great idea is to offer an incentive to the student for parents to respond within a given time frame. Perhaps a homework pass could be earned by the completion of a survey or visit with the teacher.

Once the family has shared their preferred contact method, teachers should not overuse  it. Frequent communication is desirable, but it should also be meaningful and relevant for the student. Ideas for involvement could be shared in a welcome packet that is given at the open house or with a student on the first day of school. These ideas for engagement might include  planning parties, speaking at the career day, judging STEM fair, speaking on an area of expertise in a particular classroom, volunteer at school or games, prayer warrior, etc. When parents can see their input as being valued and valuable by the teacher, they will rise to the challenge. They should be able to sense from Day 1 that you wish to be a team member in educating their child rather than the boss.

Offering flexibility in presentation of information and response from families will likely endear yourself to them even more. This positive relationship should be nurtured so that if a negative circumstance arose, they would not wish to skip that phone call. Jesus was the Master communicator. He made others feel welcomed but never burdensome. How will you plan to engage your families in the first month of school? Remember the ultimate goal of teaching is to do so as unto the Master that students and their families will be drawn to a closer relationship with Jesus.