Title: Importance of Parent-Teacher Communications | The Compass School
Headings: The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication
The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication
Why is it important for teachers to communicate with parents?
What is Good Parent-Teacher Communication?
Portfolios and “Go Home” Journals
Snapshots, Forecasts, and Documentation Panels
Emerging Curriculum

Content: Since family dynamics vary, discuss and choose communication tools that work best for particular parents. Some parents may want all digital communication while others may want only verbal or hand-written communication. A level of trust between parents and teachers must exist so that open communication can occur. Teachers should always inform parents of concerns right away, but should also explain strategies that have been used to address any problems and strategies that will be used in the future. When discussing any issues, teachers should make sure to explain ways parents can help at home that will reinforce any learning that is going on in the classroom. This communication creates parents who are supportive, understanding, and trusting of the teacher and the teacher’s intentions. When successful communication occurs, parents will become more engaged and involved in class and school wide events. Strong parent-teacher communication improves academic performance in children and provides a great feeling of community. At The Compass School, our parent-teacher communication includes portfolios such as, “Go Home” journals, snapshots, lesson plans or ”Forecasts”, and documentation panels. Let’s take a quick look into what each of these methods involves and how they support each child’s distinct path to discovery.