Networking+with+Families


 * __ Creating A Network With Families ﻿u3046837__**

A characteristic that seems to common among the more difficult students in schools, is that there is poor or non-existent communication between parents and staff. Communication between parents and teachers is crucial, and problems can arise if this fails.

Establishing effective relationships is becoming increasingly difficult with schools and parent’s responding to high work demand’s, economic pressures, and limited time.

Teachers, principles, parents and children should form a network. This network should act as team that works together in co-operation with one another to support learning.


 * Strategies:**

Strategies to link families and schools to create and effective ‘network’ include: //(Olsen & Nielson, 2006)//
 * Sit students down at the end of the school day, choosing certain students to review what they have learnt. This allows the students to reflect on what they have learnt. When they get home from school they can then share what they have learnt with their family.
 * Homework books and home-school diaries (that allow parents and teachers to record positive and negative behaviour) can provide two-way communication that links parents and staff.
 * Organise a weekly phone call between parents and teachers. This gives the parents constant feedback on the child’s behaviour and allows both parents and teachers to express and concerns or queries.
 * Parents, teachers and students should have input into school rules, behaviour management plans etc.
 * Parents can often refuse to co-operate with schools because they feel their child is being treated unfairly or negatively. Teachers should always convey positives and strong points to parents when addressing concerns.
 * Be flexible. Flexible teachers can make changes to suit the students and take on suggestions from other staff and parents.
 * A system currently being used at St Francis of Assisi Primary School is called a “Parent Network”. Two parents of each class have been assigned as the “Parent Co-ordinator” which acts as a contact for other parents in the class. When parents have concerns about the school or class, they contact the parent co-ordinator.


 * Resources:**

Olsen, J. & Nielsen, T.W. 2006. Network. - The power in linking stakeholders together

Graham-Clay, S. //Communicating with Parents: Strategies for Teachers//. [] (accessed 28 July)