Now that you have found areas for improvement when partnering with families, consider implementing one of the “Act now” steps below. Links to further research articles and websites are also provided to support this work.
Relationships
Positive connections that foster interaction and establish a nurturing environment of trust and support.
- Communication & feedback
- Roles & responsibilities
- Well-being structures
Act now
- Reply early and often to student and family inquiries.
- Conduct check-in phone calls/video conferencing with students/families.
- Thank families for their support and encourage dialog through outreach and vulnerability.
- Identify and intentionally avoid using common education jargon (acronyms, words and phrases).
- Share learning goals and specific, measurable outcome with students and families.
Check out
- We Are Teachers: Four tricks for building relationships during remote learning
- Edutopia: How to coach parents who are teaching at home
- Cult of Pedagogy: Creating moments of genuine collection online
Routines
Rehearsed and predictable practices that provide structure to support efficient and effective learning.
- Organizational & study skills
- Support structures
- Attendance & engagement
Act now
- Establish a consistent location and predictable schedule for sharing information.
- Focus on the implementation of flexible routines rather than rigid schedules.
- Share virtual office hours information with students and families.
- Share expectations for synchronous and asynchronous participation.
- Encourage students development of reflection, self-awareness and outreach skills.
Check out
- Edutopia: Engaging parental support for smarter thinking
- Edutopia: Establishing routines for remote learning
- Edutopia: Seven guiding principles for parents teaching from home
Resources
Materials, tools and supplies that support active learning and skill development.
- Learning environment
- Instructional tools
- Technology tools
Act now
- Provide a list of applications/technology that are used in the classroom.
- Ask three before me (Google the issues, ask a sibling, chat with a friend).
- Provide a list of supplies and instructional materials that are needed.
- Minimize the number of applications and instructional materials used.
- Share tips with students and families for setting up a productive learning space at home.