Communicating with Each Other

One of the things that many gifted students, parents, and teachers have mentioned to me over the summer is how they have been communicating with others, near and far, when we can’t always be together due to COVID-19.  Families, friends, individuals, partners, teachers, students, relatives, and people in the community have been finding ways to communicate even though our plans may have drastically changed over the past few months.  

It is important to remember that communication is highly valued even if we are not face-to-face. Many people have used Zoom, FaceTime, or other streaming apps to keep contact going over these months.  Others talk on the phone more often.  Still others use written or voice communication.  It doesn’t matter which method you use, what does matter is that you keep in touch with people.  

This is especially true as teachers and students return to school.  Regardless of how students and teachers return to school, excellent communication is key to success.  Communications should include the schedule of your school (whether in the classroom or online) and the schedule for school assigned work (e.g., whether students need to be in class online at a specific time or if they can work on assignments in their own way and on their own timeframe).  If your family will not return to school at all and has chosen home-schooling, this also requires communication with the school.

As we begin the new school year, let’s all remember to continue to communicate with each other.  We are all living, working, and playing in this changing time. Our lives are moving forward, and schooling is moving forward.  A little understanding, and empathy goes a long way as we communicate with each other on a daily basis. I have added some resources to help you communicate with your child’s teacher/s and school. Have a wonderful year!


Ten Tips for Talking To Teachers (for students)
Dr. Jim Delisle, Judy Galbraith
https://www.freespirit.com/files/original/Ch5_TenTipsforTalkingtoTeachers-1.pdf

How to Talk to Teachers:  10 Tips for Student Success
https://studentfutures.org/misc/how-to-talk-to-teachers-tips-for-student-success/

Talking with Your Child’s Teacher
https://www.additudemag.com/talking-with-your-childs-teacher/

How Two-Way Communication Can Boost Parent Engagement
https://www.waterford.org/education/two-way-communication-parent-engagement/

10 Tips for Teachers When Working with Parents
https://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/parents/

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