109: Connecting with Parents-The Postcard

2016-08-31

Are you looking for ways to connect with parents? I know dumb question right? Well, have I got an inexpensive way to start off the connectivity- get postcards. You can go buy some on-line, at the US Post Office or a local printer or you can make your own. Between you and me you don't have to use your money and supplies. First, hit up your principal or PTSA or a local business. What school or community leader could say no to a teacher who wants to connect with parents. By the way, they are cheap, too! The cool thing about the PostOffice cards is that you can buy them with postage already on the card. Listen to my interview with Brian Buffington for his thoughts about postcards.

Are you looking for ways to connect with parents?

I know dumb question right?

Well, have I got an inexpensive way to start off the connectivity- get postcards.

You can go buy some on-line, at the US Post Office or a local printer or you can make your own.

Between you and me you don't have to use your money and supplies.

First, hit up your principal or PTSA or a local business.

What school or community leader could say no to a teacher who wants to connect with parents.

By the way, they are cheap, too!

The cool thing about the PostOffice cards is that you can buy them with postage already on the card.

Listen to my interview with Brian Buffington for his thoughts about postcards.

Now...now... just getting postcards isn't enough you have to write something nice and then send it to the parents or guardians.

So here is a thought put some announcement on the card that all parents need to hear.

You know...you can buy stickers that you print the message on and then stick them to the card.

Think about it. Invite them to open house or tell them about your blog or class podcast...

...then near the sticker write a personal note...like ...Steve really participated well in class this week. Or Judy answered all of her legacy questions completely and correctly! Yea! or...come on think out loud. You could come up with something nice about every kid...really you can do it!

But why would you want to?...easy...

It helps you connect with parents and break the cycle of the only reason why the parent hears from the school is for trouble.

And believe me, some kids get lots of negative contact from school.

If you send one of these cards home with a personalized note...you know it's going on the refrigerator!!!

5 Steps for Using Postcards to Make Your School a More Positive Place

1. Get the cards.

2. Get your roster

3. Get stickers

4. Write something personal

5. Reap the benefits

Here are some links to resources where you can get postcards:

(Don't forget to check local printers, as well.)