We know that research shows that children do their best when they feel safe and connected to the adults who care for them. So now is the time to connect with your students. (Parents, it is time to talk about the teachers and how they will keep your child safe.) Think about how you'll greet your students each day. Do you have a welcoming apron with ways to say good morning on the pockets for children to choose? Do you have a chair near the door to sit in and greet the children, at their level, each day? Will you offer a hug, a high-five, or a smile as choices?? Need ideas? Share ideas you use in the comments.
When meeting families, make them feel welcome to your classroom. Make sure to share with them the best way to reach you with any questions or concerns they may have. Let them know that you want them to be a part of their child's education team. Share how you will be sharing information with them. Will you post on your website? Will you print a paper newsletter? I suggest that you share this on more than one occasion.
I also want to remind you to think about the different ways families come together and to be prepared to meet those needs in your classroom and in the communications you share. I suggest ---Dear Room E5 Families. You get the idea. Some children live with people other than their parents, some are new in foster care, some may be new through adoption.
Make sure to send home a Student Information Form for families to fill out about their child. Ask about nicknames, who lives in the home, what holidays they do and don't celebrate, favorite songs-books-animals etc. Make sure to read these forms and ask questions if you need to. Knowing your kiddos is the first part of creating a strong relationship and making your year a postive one for all.
Be sure to check out Conscious Discipline at https://consciousdiscipline.com/
for information on building a school family.
Happy 2019-2020 school year,
Teacher Debbie
