Establishing a good parent-teacher communication system is one of the most important things you can do at the beginning of the year.
To get better insight from a parent’s perspective, I decided to ask one of my former student’s parents what she liked in terms of teacher communication.
While this parent enjoyed the daily logs that we sent home describing her daughter’s day, she preferred the quick, personal emails I would send each week. 
Last year I taught in the 3rd-5th grade classroom. Although my students were new to me, this was not their parents’ first rodeo. By the time my 11-year-olds got to me, they had been in the special education system for almost 8 years. These parents, more than anyone, are aware of the challenges their children face.
Does Billy’s mom need a note home every time he scribbles on his morning work? Probably not. Does she need to know that he raised his hand and participated in the gen ed classroom discussion for the first time? ABSOLUTELY!
Of course there will be times when you have to inform the parents of the rough days, but I do like to make sure I am sending at least five positive emails/notes/calls home for every 1 not-so-good note.
When these parents know that their children are loved and appreciated, the easier it will be to work as an effective team.
Stephanie says
Your students’ parents are very fortunate to have you, and you can tell in what the one parent said about your communication with that family. How amazing! 🙂
Julie, Superheroes in Sped says
Positive comments can go a long way in the relationship between sped teacher and parent! It helps so much when we have iep meetings or other events that might get serious!
Michaela Davis says
You’re so sweet, Stephanie. Your comment made my day. 🙂
Michaela Davis says
You are exactly right, Julie! Teamwork makes the dream work. Cheesy, but true!