How can you communicate with K-12 online learners' guardians?

1 Choose the right tools

Depending on your school or district policies, you may have access to different tools and platforms for communicating with guardians. Some common ones are email, phone calls, video conferencing, messaging apps, and learning management systems (LMS). Each tool has its advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences. For example, email is good for sending formal and detailed information, phone calls are good for building rapport and resolving urgent issues, video conferencing is good for showing visuals and engaging in dialogue, messaging apps are good for quick and informal updates, and LMS are good for sharing resources and assignments. You may also want to use a combination of tools to reach different audiences and purposes.

2 Establish clear expectations

To ensure everyone is on the same page and to avoid confusion and frustration, you should create a communication plan or policy that outlines the purpose and frequency of your communication, the preferred tools and methods, the best times and days to contact each other, the response time and etiquette, as well as the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved. Share this plan or policy with your guardians at the beginning of the school year or term, and update it as needed. You can also ask for their feedback to make sure it meets their needs and preferences.

3 Be proactive and positive

One of the best ways to communicate with your guardians is to be proactive and positive. This means that you don't wait for problems or issues to arise before reaching out to them, but instead, you initiate regular and meaningful communication that highlights the progress and achievements of your students. You can also use this opportunity to share some tips and strategies for helping their children learn at home, or to invite them to participate in some online activities or events. By being proactive and positive, you can build trust and rapport with your guardians, and show them that you care about their children's success and well-being.

4 Be concise and clear

Another key to effective communication with your guardians is to be concise and clear. This means that you avoid sending long and complex messages that may overwhelm or confuse them, but instead, you use simple and direct language that conveys your main points and actions. You can also use bullet points, headings, and visuals to organize and highlight your information, and use a friendly and respectful tone to convey your emotions and intentions. By being concise and clear, you can ensure that your guardians understand your messages and respond accordingly.

5 Be responsive and respectful

Finally, you need to be responsive and respectful when communicating with your guardians. This means that you acknowledge and reply to their messages in a timely and appropriate manner, and that you listen and empathize with their concerns and questions. You can also use positive and constructive feedback to address any issues or challenges, and offer solutions and support. By being responsive and respectful, you can foster a collaborative and supportive relationship with your guardians, and overcome any barriers or conflicts that may arise.

Communication is a vital skill for any educator, but especially for online educators who need to connect with their students' guardians in a virtual setting. By following these tips, you can communicate with your guardians effectively and efficiently, and enhance the online learning experience for everyone involved.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?