Scenario 8. Assignment is incomplete without the self reflection

To create an agenda for the first open house that outlines your strategies for frequent informal communication between yourself and families and to evaluate your agenda.

Scenario: One of your main goals as a first-year preschool teacher is to keep the lines of communication open with parents in several different ways. One of the methods you find to be effective is to have brief check-ins during drop-off in the morning and/or pick-up after school. However, you soon realize that some parents are not available during these times. You watch the video Parent–Teacher Communication: Two Informal Methods of Communication and are struck by the way the teacher in the video stays in touch by sending text messages to parents and calling them on the phone. You decide to begin the first open house of the year by outlining the benefits of frequent informal communication between home and school, drawing from the advice of the teacher in the video. Next, you describe in detail the specific communication options you would like to promote with families throughout the school year as part of building a strong partnership (e.g., text messages). Last, create an agenda item that invites families to give feedback on the benefits of frequent communication and the styles that would fit best with their daily routines (e.g., right after school).

Focus Assignment

1. Create an agenda to outline the topics you plan to discuss at the first open house of the school year. For item 1, include three to four key points to summarize the benefits of frequent informal communication between home and school. Next, for item 2, write three to four specific informal communication options you would like families to engage in with you. Last, for item 3, add a few sentences inviting families to offer their views on the benefits of daily communication and the styles that would work best for them (e.g., e-mail updates).

Self-Evaluation

1. For each item on your agenda: a. Explain how this item addresses the issues in the scenario.

Agenda:

Benefits of frequent informal communication between home and school:
Builds trust and strong partnerships between families and the teacher.
Provides an opportunity for parents to stay informed about their child’s progress in school and any issues that may arise.
Helps to create a sense of community within the classroom and school.
Explanation: This item directly addresses the scenario by outlining the benefits of frequent informal communication between home and school. The teacher has recognized that some parents are not available during drop-off and pick-up times and has sought alternative ways to communicate with them. By emphasizing the importance of communication, the teacher is establishing a foundation for building strong partnerships with families.

Specific informal communication options:
Text messages: quick updates and reminders about school events or their child’s progress.
Phone calls: a more personal way to communicate and discuss any concerns or issues.
E-mails: a convenient way to communicate and share information, such as class newsletters or homework assignments.
Explanation: This item addresses the scenario by offering specific communication options that families can engage in with the teacher. By providing multiple options, the teacher is accommodating different preferences and schedules of the families.

Inviting feedback from families:
Please share your thoughts on the benefits of daily communication and the communication styles that would work best for you.
Are there any barriers to communication that we can work together to overcome?
Explanation: This item addresses the scenario by inviting families to offer their views on the benefits of communication and the styles that would fit best with their daily routines. By seeking feedback, the teacher is demonstrating a willingness to work collaboratively with families and adjust their communication approach accordingly. This also helps to identify any barriers to communication and finding solutions to overcome them.