Parents are counting on us as teachers to support them in the training of their children, God’s gifts to them. Anything we can do to improve our communication efforts with them will encourage them to communicate with us. The overall result—students will succeed in your classroom!

 “A three-fold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12b

T—Thank them

• Thank them often for entrusting you with their child.
• Write notes and make phone calls at least once a month for every family; start early.
• Make special efforts to show thankfulness.

E—Enthusiasm

• Love the subject you are teaching. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
• Smile!
• Teach them to love the Lord.

A—Accountability

• Stay with the curriculum.
• Support administration.
• Grade tests on time and record them.

M—Manage your classroom

• Be punctual.
• Be consistent in discipline.
• Be an example in neatness.
• Know your lesson plans and have things ready.

W—Welcome parental involvement

• You may need to set up appointments.
• Set guidelines and abide by them with all parents.
• Be approachable. Parents should never be intimidated to come see you about their child. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

O— Offer solutions to problems

• Be part of the solution. Offer extra classes for those that need them.
• Develop a list of resources for parents.

R— Recognize each child’s accomplishments

• Reading contests
• Completed homework
• Give certificates throughout the year as well as in an assembly at the end of the year.

K—Kindle your relationship with the Lord

• Read the Word daily.
• Use a prayer list.
• Witness and give testimonies in class.