Strategies for Written Communication

Educators can make parents aware of school policies and programs by providing friendly, concise, and easily readable written materials that are free of educational jargon. Whenever possible, these materials should be written in the preferred language of the families.

Some teachers send introductory and year-end letters to parents and students, and notes for keeping in touch throughout the year. These personal communications nurture a relationship between families and the school.

Another approach is to use parent-teacher contract letters. In these letters, teachers promise to provide a stimulating classroom, to support children's learning, and to communicate with parents; in turn, parents promise to make sure their children are prepared for school and have done their homework.

Still another approach is the use of classroom newsletters. Such newsletters keep parents informed of the learning that is taking place within the classroom, and they also may provide samples of students' work.

Written communication with parents and families does not always have to be generated by the teacher or school staff. Some schools encourage students to become involved in home-school communication by developing an informational brochure for their parents and families. For example, students can create a bilingual brochure that provides school information in English as well as a second language. Such an activity not only provides parents with the information they need but also offers students an integrated curriculum project using writing, art, layout, and language skills.