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Anna Achterhoff 15 October 2013 Dr. Sacerdote EDUC 429 TWS 10 Communication When it comes to teaching it is imperative that there is a strong form of communication between the teacher and students parents/guardians in order to ensure everyone is on the same page, in terms of the childs developmental learning. There are three specific methods I will implement in my class to ensure excellent interactive communication with the parents/guardians of my students. The first method of communication I will use will be a letter sent to parents/guardians introducing myself, listing contact information, and stating my positive expectations for the upcoming school year. My hopes in sending home the parent/guardian letter is that it will open the bridge of communication between students home and school lives. By doing this I also hope to express my willingness to help their child in any way I can. At the end of the letter will be a slip for parents/guardians to sign and returned to signify they read and understood the letter sent home. The second method of family communication I would implement right from the start of the school year is quarterly parent/teacher conferences. If for any reason parents/guardians would like to schedule addition conferences it can be arranged. These conferences will be used to inform parents/guardians of their childs learning development as well as any behavioral concerns periodically over the course of the year. I prefer face-to-face conferences rather than over the phone conversations because I find it to be much more engaging and personal for the parents/guardians to meet with me in person. Each student in my class will have a binder I will

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use to store their classwork, behavioral charts, and any observational notes over time to show at the conference as physical data of the childs academic level. During these conferences I plan on giving parents/guardians positive and constructive feedback of their childs developmental ability. These conferences are important for parents/guardians to have insight on how their child is developing both socially and academically. The third strategy of communication I will use is by sending home a monthly newsletter in each childs homework folder for parents/guardians to be involved with what is going on in their childs classroom. The newsletter will include; spelling words, classroom events, activity schedules, parent reminders/involvement opportunities, and upcoming school/community events. I want parents/guardians to feel as included in what is going on in the classroom as possible. The more of an effort I make to get parents/guardians involved the more willing they will be to volunteer inside and out of the classroom. At the bottom of the newsletter is form for parents/guardians to cut off fill out, and return in the students folder with any questions, comments, and/or concerns. It is just as important for colleagues to communicate and collaborate as it is for teachers and parents/guardians to communicate. It is important to do so not only to have professional peer to bounce ideas off of and to give feedback but to also align subject content with to ensure each grade level is being taught the same materials no matter the teacher. The way I will do this is by planning and implementing a designated scheduled time for grade level teachers to meet and share lesson plans and teaching strategies to use in the classroom with their students pertaining to specific subject content. I will also collaborate and communicate with the community to bring actual life experiences into the classroom for students to become more aware of the environment in which they live in. I will ask different member from the community to come to the classroom

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to inform students on the role they play in our town. I will also plan at least two local field trips during the year so students can observe different career professionals in their own environment, such as a doctor, vet, firefighter, and police.

Communication with parent/guardian Ex. 1:

Dear Parent or Guardian, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement about working with your child this school year. I love teaching kindergarten because I care deeply about each of my students and their academic development. I believe students can grow and develop by examining the issues we cover in class. The main goal of my course is to cover the fundamentals of learning. Over the course of this year, we will introduce our students to the wonders of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Please sign the detachable portion on the bottom of this note in order to indicate you received and read this letter. There is also space provided for you to express any questions, concerns or comments. Students should return that portion to me. Also note that if you ever have any comments, questions or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings (by appointment please) each day before and after school. To schedule a meeting, you may contact me via email- anna.achterhoff@lander.edu or phone- 864-380-1024. I am excited about working with your child. I welcome questions or comments, and am looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely, Anna Achterhoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please send this slip back** Parent/Guardian signature: Comments:

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Communication with parent/guardian Ex. 2:

Ms. As October Newsletter

Octobers Spelling words: Cat Bat Mat Sat Book

Reminders to parents:
EVENTS:
Coat drive is going on this month, please donate any unwanted or unneeded coats. The flu has been going around; extra hand sanitizer is greatly needed in the classroom.

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE: Monday: PE Tuesday: Art

Wednesday: Music
Thursday: Library Friday: Computer lab

Pumpkin Painting OCT. 17th in class OCT. 25th 6pm-8pm

Contact Information: Email- anna.achterhoff@lander.edu; Phone- 864-380-1024

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Communication/Collaboration with Colleagues Ex. 1:

CAREER DAY SIGN-UP FORM MS. ACHTERHOFFS KINDERGARTEN CLASS

Name of Presenter:__________________________________ Organization:_______________________________________ Phone Number: Home ______________ Work ___________ Email: ____________________________________________ Job Title:_________________________________________ Career Session Title_________________________________ Career Session Description:____________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _________________________________________ List any equipment or supplies needed for your presentation:____ _________________________________________________

***Please complete and return by mail to Mathew Elementary School addressed to Ms. Achterhoff.