Teacher-Parent Collaboration

A child's education can be greatly enhanced by their parents' involvement in the classroom and at home. Use these printables and articles to prepare for successful parent-teacher interactions during parent-teacher conferences, at an open house, and throughout the school year. Our collaboration forms will help you communicate with parents about their child's progress. You'll find great advice on how parents can support their child's development. Tapping in to the support of parents will enable you to teach more effectively.

Advice for Teachers Teacher-Parent Collaboration Ideas Slideshow Encouraging parent participation in educating their children will help you to be a more effective teacher. We have ideas on how to get parents more involved in many aspects of the school day. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Getting to Know Your Student Send this letter home to parents to help you know your students better. Parent-Teacher Communication Advice from Veteran Teachers Communication with parents is an essential part of teaching. Here is a list of helpful suggestions from experienced educators. Parent/Teacher Relations Handy suggestions for creating and maintaining positive parent/teacher relationships. Family Nights Engage your students and their families with a fun-filled, educational experience at your school. This printable outlines the different ways in which parents can engage in their children's education. Getting Parents Involved Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom year round as an important positive step in improving their child's education. New teachers, who are trying to build solid relationships with parents, will find this resource particularly valuable. Reading Carnival Host a reading carnival at your school -- it will give your students a chance to demonstrate the reading skills they've acquired and their parents a chance to be a more integral part of their education. Advice for Parents A Parent-Teacher's Guide to ADHD (K-12) What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? Get the facts about attention deficit disorders, current treatments, and what the experts have to say about medications in this printable book. Nine Good Note-Taking Tips Teach children helpful tips for note taking with this printable. Apple Lunch Box Note Your kids will love finding a surprise lunch box note hidden in their lunch! A Good Night of Zzz's and Other Test-Taking Tips This little bit of background information and a few important tips can help ease a child's test-taking jitters. Sharpening Math Skills Follow the tips on this printable to help ensure improvement in a child's math skills. Ten Tips for Good Grades Try these ten ways to help children succeed in the classroom -- and beyond. Getting Organized Checklist: Did You Remember? Help children get organized and remember everything they need each day, with this printable. Top Signs of Trouble for Kids in Grades K-5 This helpful printable lists the top signs of trouble for kids in grades K-5. Back to School from A to Z: A Parent's Handbook (K-12) Help your students' parents prepare for this back-to-school season, with this printable book of advice, activities, and more. These handouts will be a perfect supplement to your Open House. Power in Math and Science: Advice for Parents Help parents find ways to reinforce math and science skills. Step 7: Inform Students and Parents About the Adaptation Step 7 in the framework for adapting language arts, social studies, and science materials in the inclusive classroom. How Can Families Help Students Improve Their Writing Skills? Families are a powerful influence in children's academic development. When family members are involved in student writing projects, students' self-esteem, interest, and language skills improve. Parental Help at Home A list of suggestions to give parents who ask about how they can help their child at home. This is an especially useful resource to give parents at an open house or a parent-teacher conference. Organization: Advice for Parents Offer these tips to parents to help them teach their children to become more organized. Report Cards: Advice for Parents Distribute this handout to parents to help them respond to their child's report card constructively no matter what the situation. Help Parents Deal with Homework The strategies outlined in this article will help parents work successfully with their children to finish homework. Discuss these methods with parents at teacher-parent conferences or on the phone. Multiple Intelligences Questionnaire Hand out this questionnaire to parents to help them learn about Multiple Intelligences theory. Understanding Report Cards Read these five tips for dealing with a less-than-perfect report card.

Tips for Helping Your Kids Handle Homework Help children stay on top of their homework assignments with this printable. Efficiency Tips for Busy Parents This printable will show busy parents how they can be more efficient, using valuable time-management tips. Finding More Quality Time for Your Family Here are some great tips to help you and your family spend more quality time together. Dealing with Kids' Weighty Backpacks Help children lighten their backpack load with this printable. More Advice for Parents Parent-Teacher Collaboration Forms Homework Contract Children can learn correct methods and structure with the help of this printable homework contract. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Letter to Families Discover a letter that can be sent home to parents explaining the Gorp's curriculum and message. This great school safety resource focuses on the danger of guns. Field Trip Permission Form Send this customizable note home with your students if you need to obtain parents' permission for a class trip. Tailor this printable PDF to your specific needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Good News Report Giving positive feedback establishes a basis for working with problems should they arise later. Use this customizable printable to keep the lines of communication with parents open. Tailor the PDF to your teaching needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Parent Request Form Use this survey to gather information about your students' parents, such as their hobbies and skills, and whether they can volunteer to share their interests with their child's class. Parental Contact Record Keep a written record of each contact you make with parents. This record-keeping method becomes invaluable if controversy arises, as you will be able to refer back to past conversations. Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent Conference Considerations A list of issues to consider before you begin parent-teacher conferences. Conference Documentation Form Complete this form during or immediately after a parent-teacher conference. Have all parties involved sign the form. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your teaching needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Five Important Questions Prepare yourself for parent-teacher conferences by having the answers for some very important questions, sure to be discussed at your parent-teacher conference. New teachers, unfamiliar with the dynamics of conferences, should find this resource particularly valuable. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Before, During, and After Teacher-parent conferences give you an opportunity to increase communication between school and home, keep parents informed about their child's progress, and develop a plan for the student's future. You'll find excellent advice to help you prepare for these meetings. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Conference Thank-You Give parents positive feedback for participating in a parent-teacher conference with this thank-you form. More Parent-Teacher Conference Resources Open House Resources Hosting a Successful Open House Your students' parents are powerful allies and can make your job much more manageable. Learn some tips on how to foster a positive relationship with parents and host a successful open house. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Invitation to Open House: Sample Letter When you start with this sample, it's easy to develop your own Open House Night invitation to parents. Create a Meaningful Open House Your students' parents are powerful allies and can make your job much more manageable. Learn some tips on how to foster a positive relationship with parents and host a successful open house. Welcome Parents Sign Hang this sign on your classroom door or blackboard to welcome parents to an open house or conference evening. More Open House Resources Additional Resources Back-to-School Headquarters Return to school this fall prepared to conquer any questions you or your students might have about the school year. Our resources range from teaching students the school's layout to assessment tips. New Teacher Resources Discover everything a beginning teacher will need for a successful school year, from tips for your first day, to classroom-management advice, to printables and lesson plans that will support your curriculum all year long.