Communication System Plan - Coursework Example

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM PLAN Introduction Effective communication systems or plan has been known to be a strong element that fostersgrowth and development in schools. Whatever the type of the plan it is important that the plan focuses on achievement of better grades for the children. An effective communication plan must incorporate the key stakeholders in the school which include the parents, teachers and the learners (Bradford Metropolitan District Council, 2014). This paper aims at providing specific strategies for effective communication plan in a kindergarten. The paper looks at the communication strategies between the teachers and the parents, teachers and students, and lastly between teachers and administration. Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies In order for proper communication to take place it is necessary that there is constant update of information from the teacher to the parent. This is extremely important since parents need to know the way their children are performing as well as conducting themselves while in school (Harry, 2009). The first strategy that will be used to ensure that proper communication takes place between teachers and parents is ensuring that there is an appropriate organizational structure that will ensure all the parents receive information from the children’s teachers. This will include using newsletters, school blogs, emails, phone calls, and any other relevant means of communication. Regular updates to the parents about their children’s performance as well as the school activities in the school calendar will be communicated in all these sources (Harry, 2009). This will only be necessary if the teachers work in liaison with the parents since the learners are too young to make their own decisions. The second strategy will involve provision of regular updates to the school about the learners especially because of their tender age, which is 3 years and below. Teachers will have to offer ready for school checklists to the parents at the start of the year or start of the week or start of the day checklists which will ensure that parents help in preparing their children for school (Bulloch, 2008). This will play an integral role since teachers will be dealing with the whole school with an average number of 150 learners. Thirdly, teachers will be required to call parents for conferences so that they can discuss the performance and behavior of the students. It is in these conferences that the teachers may know of student’s health condition that may need special attention. Additionally, through these parent-teacher conferences, the parents may know how their parents behave in school and they may advise them accordingly. Teacher- Administrators Strategies Teacher-administration communication is extremely for learning to take place efficiently in a school environment. This is because a good working rapport between the two parties encourages a good environment that facilitates learning. The first strategy that facilitates effective communication between teachers and administrators is maintaining a high degree of respect (Dornyei, 1995). When there is respect between teachers and administrators, then chances of one person stepping on another’s toes are minimal. In this regard, learning will be efficient. Secondly, teachers should view administrators as messengers and not source of problems. This is ascribed to the fact that administrators are the ones who are charged with the responsibilities of rolling out new rules and regulations. These rules and regulations may touch on some teachers’ ways of doing things. Therefore, if teachers understand that administrators are messengers, then they will positively embrace the new rules and regulations (Dornyei, 1995). Lastly, teachers should report to the administrators any problem they face while discharging their duties. Reporting promptly is essential since it gives the administrator time to solve the mess so as not to interfere with the learning process. Teacher- Student Strategies Teachers spend lots of time with students; therefore, effective communications between teachers and students have positive outcomes towards their achievements at school. Due to the learners age (3 years and below); it is a fact that they are not reasonable to make their own decisions. The first strategy involves teachers listening and understanding their students. It is a fact that not all students are the same; therefore, teachers are supposed to know the strengths and weakness of every student so as to help them in areas where they need extra help. Secondly, teachers and not supposed to shout at their students whenever they do something wrong. This is because shouting may scare them for good and they may develop a bad attitude towards the teacher and the subject taught by the teacher. Lastly, teachers should be extremely organized in the way they carry themselves and conduct their lessons (Bradford Metropolitan District Council, 2014). Having a systematic and flowing lesson may arouse students’ interest and they are most likely to be attentive till the end of the lesson. In conclusion it will be important that communication be positive, respectful and meaningful, as well as very brief. This will help in creating a good customer loyalty for the school (Bradford Metropolitan District Council, 2014). With such a good communication plan we will be sure that positive grades will be achieved for the learners. SAMPLE COMMUNICATION LETTERS Sample communication letter from teacher to student 9th April 2014. Good morning Joseph. It is commendable of you to have arrived in school today on time. I know you have been having a rough time preparing for school as well as helping your little sister prepare for school too ever since your mother was hospitalized. All the energies and dedication that you have been putting to ensure that you do not miss the school bus is what is needed of any student who wants to do well in school. Keep up with the spirit since it will take you far. In case you have any problem that you may wish to share with me, kindly feel free to do so. I am here for you. Have a beautiful day Joseph. Sincerely, Ms. Watkins. Sample communication letter from teacher to parent This letter is for Kyle Johnson’s parents. I am writing this letter to inform you about Johnson’s behavior in classwork. Johnson is one of the best students we have in Grade 5; however, of late he has developed tendencies of not doing his homework and bringing them for checking. The worst part of it is that he promises to do it the next day after being pardoned by the teacher, but he fails to keep his promise. This has happened five times and I feel it may have a negative impact on his performance. Therefore, I suggest that you talk with him at home and find out what could be the problem. Additionally, you can always check on him when he is back at home to ensure that he is doing his homework. In case you may want to communicate with me via email or telephone, I will be very much available. My number is 954-897-9834 and my email address is Awatkins@BrightKidsAcademy.edu. Thank you. Regards, Ms. Amanda Watkins, 5th Grade Lead Teacher, Bright Kids Academy Sample communication letter from teacher to the administration: Good Morning Principal John, I am writing to request for principal-teacher-parent-student conference scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday next week, any time between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. I have a fifth grade student, Tim Johnson, who has been playing truant for quite some time now. He has been caught three times and despite verbal warnings he has persisted with his truancy behavior. He was caught again today, and I feel an action should be taken against him in order to discourage him from the behavior. I am getting ready to have a conference with him and his parent. Additionally, I am requesting you to join this meeting since your input and presence will be highly appreciated. In case there is any additional information that you may wish to know regarding this issue, kindly let me know. Thank you. Best regards, Ms. Amanda Watkins, 5th Grade Lead Teacher, Bright Kids Academy References Bradford Metropolitan District Council. (2014, January 28). Communications toolkit and guidance for schools. Retrieved 2014, from Bradford: http://bso.bradford.gov.uk/content/communications/toolkit Bulloch K. (2008, June 30). Home-school communications. Retrieved 2014, from Educationoasis: http://www.educationoasis.com/instruction/bt/home-school_communication.htm Dornyei, Z. (1995). On the Teachability of Communication Strategies. TESOL QUARTERLY, Vol. 29, No. 1, 55-85. Harry K. (2009). First Day of School. New York: Wong Publications. Read More