Response

Building a relationship with the students and the parents is very important as a teacher. Getting to know the students and their parents is one of focuses on building a relationship with both of them. Students need to have someone that they can trust and confide in. Some students won't open up unless they know and trust a person. Some of the ways that a teacher can build up a relationship with a student are:

• Getting to know them by having activities where the student introduces themselves to the class or writes down things about themselves
• Give a listening ear to the student when they something to say/respect what they say
• Refrain from having student pets in the classroom( this could offend the students). Treat every student the same.
• Interact with the students

When a teacher disciplines a student, it should be done in a respectful manner and in private. Try to avoid dealing with behavioral issues in front of other students. What ever words that you discuss with the student, do it in a soft mellow tone.

There are many ways to build a relationship with parents as well. The key is communication. Teachers should introduce themselves to the parents by being in person or through a news letter. Offer the parents an opportunity to come and be a part of what their child is doing at school. Communicating effectively with parents will benefit the student, parent, and the teacher. Some of the ways are:

• Having open house for the parents to come and meet the teacher. This is a great way for the teacher to introduce themselves to the parents. The teacher can discuss witht the parents what his or her expectations are, their goals, and what type of curriculum they will be teaching to the students.

• Ask for parent volunteers. Invite parents to come and help inside of the classroom or on field trips.

• Have activity nights for both the parent and student to have an opportunity to come and be a part of. This is a great way to encourage parent and student interaction

• Provide workshops for the parents to attend

One way I plan to build a student/parent relationship sending home new letters to parents to inform them on how their child's performance is and school information. Also, I will provide my number and email to the parents if they need to reach me at any time. I plan on having conferences with the parents about the student's performance as well. I will ask them if they have any concerns about their child. I strongly believe that communication is very important between teacher, student, and the parents. Parents being a supporter to what their child is doing in school is a great encouragement for the students. When parents are supportive it not only encourages their child and motivates them more. Supportive parents also motivate the teacher. It allows the teacher to see that the parents care about their child's education. All parents aren't supportive, but a teacher still has to reach out to the ones who care less about their child's education.

http://www.nea.org/tools/51057.htm