How can we best foster the link between the educational setting and home? Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children.

What Will Be Discussed! Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children. Importance of parent teacher relationship and how to improve this. How us teachers can Foster the link between the educational setting and home.

Parent Teacher Relationship Parents involved in their child's education benefits not only the child but also the parents and teachers (Eldrige, 2001) Parents are prime educators and role models Provides a link between classroom learning activities and at home learning activities. (Loughran, 2008) Parent teacher relationship is “a partnership providing two-way information flow from the teacher to the parents about the child’s classroom achievements and persona and from the parent to the teacher about the complementary elements in the home environment” (Loughran, 2008)

How to improve the parent teacher Relationship! Communicate succinctly and clearly with parents - Organise your thoughts prior - Review written messages Make it clear he/she is respected Make it clear his/her participation is encouraged Loughran(2008) suggests: Be flexible, encouraging working parents to participate actively and be involved when possible Respect and acknowledge the parents’ role as prime educators and role models. - The more teachers encourage parents in this role, the more the child will benefit

How can we best foster the link between the educational setting and home? Loughran(2008) suggests: Suggest: - books to be read at home - possible activities to do on weekends. Send home short articles on developmentally appropriate activities found in newsletters/articles Let children take home books they have made at school - made with children about field trips or themes developed at school - made from children’s drawings or paintings Send home weekly or fortnightly newsletters includes - expectations of the children - endeavours with the children - children's progress

Conclusion By improving the relationship between teachers and parents we can provide a bridge between classroom learning and at home learning. By doing as Loughran(2008) suggests we can best foster the link between the educational setting and home and ensure learning is consistant at school and at home. QUESTIONS??????? References: Eldridge, D. (2001). Parent involvement: it’s worth the effort. Young Children, 56 (4), 65-9. Loughran, S. B. (2008). The Importance Of Teacher/Parent Partnerships: Preparing Pre-Service. Journal of College Teaching & Learning, Volume 5. Images Accessed from clipart 1/05/2012