Some parents are on speed dial. Others feel like they’re on airplane mode. Whether you need to communicate with families twice a day or twice a year, having multiple ways to share information helps ensure parents and guardians stay informed and involved in their child’s learning.
Check out the options below to keep parents “in the know”—along with when each method works best.
Phone Calls
Let’s get this one out of the way… calling home can feel intimidating. However, it is also one of the quickest and most impactful ways to connect with parents.
Phone calls work best when discussing topics that require nuance or careful tone, such as behavior concerns or students affecting a student’s well-being. A conversation allows for immediate clarification and helps avoid misunderstandings.
On a more positive note, calling with good news can also have a lot of impact. Taking a moment to celebrate a student’s success shows families that you truly see and appreciate their child. A personal call often feels more meaningful than a general message sent to a large group.
Email is one of the most commonly used communication tools, and for good reason. It provides a written, time-stamped record of communication and allows multiple people to be included when needed.
If a student is late to class, missing assignments, or needs academic support, email makes it easy to document communication while keeping counselors, office staff, or coaches informed.
Take-Home Folders
Have something physical that needs to reach parents? Take-home folders work especially well in younger grades.
Establish a routine where students and families check the folder daily. This helps ensure permission slips, event flyers, and other important papers reach home and return to school when needed. You might also consider including your contact information inside the folder so parents know how to reach you.
Messaging Apps
There are several apps designed to help teachers keep parents informed about classroom updates. Popular options include Remind, ClassDojo, Seesaw, and Brightwheel. If your community would benefit from translation services,Talking Points and Bloomz provide that too!
Messaging apps are ideal for quick reminders sent to a large group. For example: “Outdoor activity tomorrow—please send a warm coat!” For messages that require more detail (for example, conference scheduling or academic updates) email may still be the better option.
Class Newsletters or Blogs
Class newsletters or blogs are great ways to keep parents, and sometimes even the wider community, updated on classroom activities.
These updates can include upcoming events, classroom celebrations, student highlights, or important reminders. Many “fill-in” templates are available that make creating newsletters quick and easy.
If sharing information publicly online, be sure to follow your district’s policies and obtain permission before posting student photos.
Many schools use a Learning Management System (LMS) or digital gradebook that parents can access.
Even small comments in these systems can be powerful communication tools. Adding a short note such as “Great in-depth analysis” or “Assignment submitted three hours late” provides parents with quick insight into their child’s progress.
Surveys
Surveys give parents a structured way to share their thoughts and feedback.
They can help you learn more about preferred communication methods, gather feedback on classroom activities, or gain insights into what students may be talking about at home. Surveys can also help build stronger relationships by showing families that their voices are valued.
In Person Meetings
While they may be less common than other communication methods, in-person conversations can often be the most impactful. Some meetings are more structured, such as parent-teacher conferences or home visits, while others are informal, like a quick conversation during pickup or running into a parent at a school event.
Scheduled meetings tend to be more formal and should be prepared for accordingly. Bringing notes, examples of student work, or other evidence can help support your points and keep the conversation productive, positive, and focused.
More informal interactions, such as crossing paths at a sporting event or school performance, can also be valuable. These moments provide an opportunity to build rapport with families and connect over a shared commitment to supporting their child.
It’s also worth remembering that “in-person” doesn’t always mean physically in the same room. Many schools now offer virtual conferences or remote check-ins. These meetings should be prepared for in the same thoughtful way as an in-person conversation to ensure they remain productive and meaningful.
There’s no single “perfect” way to communicate with parents. The best approach is often a combination of methods used at the right time for the right purpose.
Quick reminders might work best through a messaging app, while more complex conversations may require a phone call or conference. By using a variety of communication tools, you can create open and consistent connections with families.When parents feel informed and involved, it strengthens the partnership between home and school, and ultimately supports student success. To learn more about effective communication with parents, check out our updated course: 859: Parent Trap: Achieving Success with Difficult Parents & Difficult Situations.
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
