What to include in a parent-teacher communication form.

Find out what to include on parent-teacher communication forms to keep parents up to date on their child’s schoolwork.

Good communication between parents and teachers is essential for children’s education — but it can also be challenging. Crafting the perfect parent communication form is crucial for effective parent-teacher communication and building strong relationships. Here are some tips on what to include on parent contact forms for teachers.

What is a parent communication form?

A parent-teacher communication log, also known as a parent-teacher log or parent communication form, is a helpful tool for keeping parents and teachers connected. It serves as a means of documenting and tracking the conversations, concerns, and updates exchanged between parents and teachers throughout the school year. This log differs from a student progress report in that it’s primarily used for ongoing, real-time communication rather than summarizing a student’s academic progress at specific intervals.

The parent-teacher communication log fosters a collaborative partnership between parents and teachers, allowing for timely exchanges of information, addressing individual needs, and ensuring that both parties are informed and involved in a student’s educational journey.

Basic structure of a parent communication form.

Teachers use parent-teacher communication forms to inform parents about how their child is doing at school — from reporting behavioral issues to praising the child for great performance on online homework. To make your contact forms effective, include at least:

• School name and teacher name
• Date
• Your contact information
• Child’s name
• Type of issue
• Space for additional information

It’s best to use simple tick boxes or numbered scales on your form. This way, the parents can quickly read and understand your feedback.

Use a parent communication log.

Another type of parent communication form you may want to use is a communication log. These logs help you track when and why you tried contacting parents. A parent-teacher communication log should include:

• The student’s name
• Parent name(s) and contact info
• Date of contact
• Who you tried to contact and how
• Why you tried to contact them
• Room for additional notes

Convert a parent communication form to PDF for sharing.

Once you’ve created your communication form in text editing software like Microsoft Word, it’s a good idea to convert it to a PDF. PDF files are easy to share, and parents can view them on practically any computer or mobile device.

Encourage parent feedback on a parent contact form.

Encouraging parent feedback on a parent contact form is essential to creating a strong and open relationship between parents and teachers. To make it easier for parents to share their thoughts, it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere where they feel comfortable expressing their opinions. One way to do this is by asking open-ended questions on the form that allow parents to share their perspectives, ideas, or any concerns they may have.

It’s also good to let parents know that their feedback is highly valued and will be taken into serious consideration. When it comes to responding, it’s best to offer different options to accommodate parents’ preferences. Some parents may prefer using the same form to reply, while others might find it easier to communicate through email, phone calls, or even in-person meetings. Being responsive and flexible to different communication styles shows a commitment to effective collaboration and strengthens the parent-teacher partnership.

What is the best way to send a parent-teacher communication form?

When it comes to sending a parent-teacher communication form, there are several methods to choose from. One common approach is sending a physical letter, which can be handed directly to parents during school events or parent-teacher conferences. Another option is to send the form home with the student, ensuring that it reaches the parents’ hands. This method allows for easy distribution and convenience.

Alternatively, converting the form into a PDF and emailing it to parents is a digital option that provides flexibility and saves paper. This method allows parents to access and respond to the form conveniently through their email.

Additionally, some schools utilize online platforms or parent-teacher communication apps to streamline the process. These platforms provide a centralized space for parents and teachers to exchange forms, messages, and updates.

Choosing the best method ultimately depends on the school’s resources, parent preferences, and the level of convenience and accessibility desired.

With Adobe Acrobat, you can quickly convert almost any file into a PDF and immediately share it. In addition, you can split PDFs, combine PDFs, fill and sign forms, add comments, and much more. You can also convert PDFs online with Adobe Acrobat online services.

Discover more ways Acrobat can help you with your teaching job.