# Commentary

Just sharing small successes about their children can change the perception of parents/guardians towards school and improve overall communication with the family. The previous activity gives you the opportunity to tell parents/guardians what their child can do well and then you can suggest how, with some support from them, their child can progress further and faster. Always emphasise how you would like to work with parents/guardians in real partnership so that each of you is working towards the same end.

Developing good relationships with parents/guardians is important, but helping them to understand the vital role that they have in their child’s success at school is demanding and needs to be sensitively handled. Most parents/guardians will have the same common aims as you, but perhaps do not realise what the impact of working together can have on their child’s achievements. What you are trying to do is to help parents/guardians:

- develop a good model of positive social and educational values related to personal fulfilment and good citizenship;
- develop their children’s understanding of the importance of education and being a good citizen;
- develop their ability to question their child about what they did at school and follow up projects they are doing at school;
- celebrate their child’s progress and achievements;
- understand the need not to threaten or punish their child if they are not doing well, and encourage their child, no matter how small and simple their achievement; and
- show interest in the child’s learning and give time on a regular basis at home to assist their child with their homework.

The rewards for successful partnerships with parents/guardians are profound. Students do better, families understand more and have a better relationship with the school, and schools that actively involve parents/guardians and the community will benefit from that support and tend to establish a better reputation in the community.

There are, of course, limitations to what you can do. As a secondary teacher you will be teaching many children. But even if you cannot follow something up yourself, make sure you communicate any concerns or worries to a class teacher, a head of year or the school principal.

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