Teacher-Parent Collaboration

A child's education can be greatly enhanced by their parents' involvement in the classroom and at home. Use these printables and articles to prepare for successful parent-teacher interactions. Our collaboration forms will help you communicate with parents about their child's progress. You'll find great advice on how parents can support their child's development. Tapping in to the support of parents will enable you to teach more effectively.

Advice for Teachers Teacher-Parent Collaboration Ideas Slideshow Encouraging parent participation in educating their children will help you to be a more effective teacher. We have ideas on how to get parents more involved in many aspects of the school day. Getting to Know Your Student Send this letter home to parents to help you know your students better. Parent-Teacher Communication Advice from Veteran Teachers Communication with parents is an essential part of teaching. Here is a list of helpful suggestions from experience educators. Parent/Teacher Relations Handy suggestions for creating and maintaining positive parent/teacher relationships. Family Nights Engage your students and their families with a fun-filled, educational experience at your school. Getting Parents Involved Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom year round as an important positive step in improving their child's education. Reading Carnival Host a reading carnival at your school -- it will give your students a chance to demonstrate the reading skills they've acquired and their parents a chance to be a more integral part of their education. Advice for Parents A Parent-Teacher's Guide to ADHD (K-12) What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? Get the facts about attention deficit disorders, current treatments, and what the experts have to say about medications in this printable book. Nine Good Note-Taking Tips Teach children helpful tips for note taking with this printable. Apple Lunchbox Note Your kids will love finding a surprise lunchbox note hidden in their lunch! A Good Night of Zzz's and Other Test-Taking Tips This little bit of background information and a few important tips can help ease a child's test-taking jitters. Sharpening Math Skills Follow the tips on this printable to help ensure improvement in a child's math skills. Ten Tips for Good Grades Try these ten ways to help children succeed in the classroom -- and beyond. Getting Organized Checklist: Did You Remember? Help children get organized and remember everything they need each day, with this printable. Top Signs of Trouble for Kids in Grades K-5 This helpful printable lists the top signs of trouble for kids in grades K-5. Back to School from A to Z: A Parent's Handbook (K-12) Help your students' parents prepare for this back-to-school season, with this printable book of advice, activities, and more. These handouts will be a perfect supplement to your Open House. Power in Math and Science: Advice for Parents Help parents find ways to reinforce math and science skills. Step 7: Inform Students and Parents About the Adaptation Step 7 in the framework for adapting language arts, social studies, and science materials in the inclusive classroom. How Can Families Help Students Improve Their Writing Skills? Families are a powerful influence in children's academic development. When family members are involved in student writing projects, students' self-esteem, interest, and language skills improve. Parental Help at Home A list of suggestions to give parents who ask about how they can help their child at home. Organization: Advice for Parents Offer these tips to parents to help them teach their children to become more organized. Report Cards: Advice for Parents Distribute this handout to parents to help them respond to their child's report card constructively no matter what the situation. Help Parents Deal with Homework Strategies that will help parents work successfully with their children to finish homework. Multiple Intelligences Questionnaire Hand out this questionnaire to parents to help them learn about Multiple Intelligences theory. Understanding Report Cards Read these five tips for dealing with a less-than-perfect report card.

Tips for Helping Your Kids Handle Homework Help children stay on top of their homework assignments with this printable. Efficiency Tips for Busy Parents This printable will show busy parents how they can be more efficient, using valuable time-management tips. Finding More Quality Time for Your Family Here are some great tips to help you and your family spend more quality time together. Dealing with Kids' Weighty Backpacks Help children lighten their backpack load with this printable. More Advice for Parents Parent-Teacher Collaboration Forms Homework Contract Children can learn correct methods and structure with the help of this printable homework contract. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Letter to Families Discover a letter that can be sent home to parents explaining the Gorp's curriculum and message. Field Trip Permission Form Send this note home with your students, if you need to get parents' permission for a class trip. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Good News Report Giving positive feedback establishes a basis for working with problems should they arise later. Use this customizable printable to keep the lines of communication with parents open. Tailor the PDF to your teaching needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Parent Request Form Use this survey to gather information about your students' parents, such as their hobbies and skills, and whether they can volunteer to share their interests with their child's class. Parental Contact Record Keep a written record of each contact you make with parents. This record keeping becomes invaluable if controversy arises. Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent Conference Considerations A list of issues to consider before you begin parent conferences. Conference Documentation Form Complete this form during or immediately after a parent-teacher conference. Have all parties involved sign the form. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your teaching needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Five Important Questions Prepare yourself for parent-teacher conferences by having the answers for these very important questions. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Before, During, and After Teacher-Parent conferences give you an opportunity to increase communication between school and home, keep parents informed about their child's progress, and develop a plan for the student's future. Conference Thank-You Give parents positive feedback for participating in a parent-teacher conference with this thank-you form. More Parent-Teacher Conference Resources Open House Resources Hosting a Successful Open House Your students' parents are powerful allies and can make your job much more manageable. Learn some tips on how to foster a positive relationship with parents and host a successful open house. Invitation to Open House -- Sample Letter When you start with this sample, it's easy to develop your own Open House Night invitation to parents. Create a Meaningful Open House Your students' parents are powerful allies and can make your job much more manageable. Learn some tips on how to foster a positive relationship with parents and host a successful open house. Welcome Parents Sign Hang this sign on your classroom door or blackboard to welcome parents to an open house or conference evening. More Open House Resources Additional Resources Back to School Teacher Resources Return to school this fall prepared to conquer any questions you or your students might have about the school year. Our resources range from teaching students the school's layout to assessment tips. New Teacher Resources Discover everything a beginning teacher will need for a successful school year, from tips for your first day, to classroom-management advice, to printables and lesson plans that will support your curriculum all year long.

2008 Summer Olympics

Celebrate this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, China, with our resources, activities, and lessons.

Teaching about Natural Disasters

The world has suffered two natural disasters this May — Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. These tragedies may have your students wondering why such large catastrophes occur. We have resources to help you explain earthquakes and cyclones, and for dealing with the subjects of death and crisis with your class.

July Events

Find educational activities for every day in July. Take a look at our Summer Activities Slideshow for our favorite summer-themed activities, lessons, and printables.

Sign up for our Great Stuff for Teachers newsletter to keep up-to-date on all of our seasonal lessons and printables.

New Customizable Printables

Easily create personalized hall and office passes or teacher stationary with our customizable classroom passes and notes. Prepare for substitute teachers, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, and more with our customizable charts and forms.

Drama Resources

Explore our drama resources – from Shakespearean plays to The Miracle Worker to Readers Theater – to widen your curricular focus. Students will enjoy the change of pace that putting on a classroom play will bring!

ADD/ADHD Resources

From frequently asked questions to assessment accommodations, these articles and resources will help you to deal with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.