Positive Relationships with Parents

Done By: Daveeka Benny

EDTE330-Principles & Practices of Education II

Why have good relationships?

Human beings are naturally social creatures – we crave friendship and positive interactions, just as we do food and water. So it makes sense that the better our relationships are at work, home or even at school, the happier and more productive we're going to be. (Rimm-Kaufman, 2010)

What's more, good relationships give us freedom: instead of spending time and energy overcoming the problems associated with negative relationships, we can, instead, focus on opportunities. (Rimm-Kaufman, 2010)

Defining a good relationship

A good relationship requires five major factors:

1. Trust-the foundation of every good relationship

2. Mutual Respect-when you respect others, you get the same in return

3. Mindfulness-taking responsibility for your words and actions

4. Welcoming diversity-People with good relationships not only accept diverse people and opinions, but they welcome them.

5. Open communication-The better and more effectively you communicate with those around you, the richer your relationships will be. (Aguilar, 2011)

Developing Positive Relationships with: Parents

Smile when you see parents-Greet them. Most parents only occasionally interact with teachers so make sure that at least 90 percent of your encounters with them are positive, warm, and friendly

Learn Their Names(If you have a self-contained class.) Learn how they like to be addressed (Mr. ____? By their first name?) and how to pronounce them correctly.

Declare Your IntentionTell them that you want to partner with them, that you appreciate their support, and look forward to working together. (Aguilar, 2011)

Developing Positive Relationships with: Parents cont’d

Lead with the Good NewsGive positive praise first when calling parents or meeting with them to discuss a concern.

Listen to ParentsReally listen. They know a whole lot about their kid.

Share Every SuccessLet parents know what their child is doing well, what academic skills, social skills or knowledge he's mastered.(Aguilar, 2011)

Developing Positive Relationships with: Students

Smile at the Child-when you talk to the child, smile and make eye contact with the student to demonstrate that you care about him/her.

Be very specific-be clear in your expectations of your student and make sure and mention your do’s and don'ts.

Teachers show their pleasure and enjoyment of students.

Teachers interact in a responsive and respectful manner. (Aguilar, 2011)

Developing Positive Relationships with: Students cont’d

Teachers offer students help (e.g., answering questions in timely manner, offering support that matches the children's needs) in achieving academic and social objectives.

Teachers help students reflect on their thinking and learning skills.

Teachers know and demonstrate knowledge about individual students' backgrounds, interests, emotional strengths and academic levels.

Teachers seldom show irritability or aggravation toward students. (Garfinkle, 2005)

Developing Positive Relationships with: Teachers

Share more of yourself at meetings. One of the best ways to build relationships is to let others know who you are.

Speak positively about the people you work with, especially to your boss. Get in the habit of speaking positively to others and providing quality feedback about the people who work with.

Be supportive of other people’s work. Ask how you can get involved.

Write thank you notes. Write notes of appreciation to the people who are doing exemplary work, making positive contributions and going above the call of duty.

Developing Positive Relationships with: Teachers cont’d

Participate in activities with others that don’t involve work. As you get to know someone, you might find similar interests that may warrant an outside the work activity.

Share information. The information you share can be directly related to their work or it can be about a subject you know they will enjoy reading.

Introduce yourself at social work events. Social events like lunches/dinners with colleagues, retreats, conferences and holiday parties are good places to interact in an informal setting. (Mind Tools, 2014)

Practical ways in which the teacher can develop positive relationships with: Parents

Liaise with parents-phoning, e-mailing, or even texting. Keep them in the know about events and their child’s performance and behavior

Parent-Teacher meetings-every school has PTA’s

Host events-ever so often have walk-a-thons or cake sales even raffles to get the parents involved. (Mind Tools, 2014)

Practical ways in which the teacher can develop positive relationships with: Students

Games-Assign a specific day and time for games. Whether it be cricket, football or even board games

Reward your students-give them stickers, or tokens for good behavior or outstanding performance.

Field trips-take your students out to the zoo, the mall even at the museum. (Smith, 2012)

Practical ways in which the teacher can develop positive relationships with: Teachers

Go out-go for dinner, spend time with your co-workers somewhere other than in the school

Workshops/Retreats-discuss what you want from each other

Seminars/Meetings-finding solutions to problems and obstacles (Smith, 2012)

References

Aguilar, E. (2011, September 23). Tips for developing good relationships with parents. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-developing-positive-relationships-parents-elena-aguilar

Garfinkle, J. (2005). Buildong positive relationships at work. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from Garfinkle Executive Coaching: http://garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/articles/build-positive-work-relationships/building-positive-relationships-at-work

Mind Tools. (2014). Building good relationships. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from Mind Tools: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/good-relationships.htm

References

Rimm-Kaufman, S. (2010). Improving students relationships with teachers. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/education/k12/relationships.aspx

Smith, J. (2012, May 10). 10 Ways to get your colleguesto work with you better. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/10/03/10-ways-to-get-your-colleagues-to-work-with-you-better/