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Module 5 - Session 4

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION ACROSS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments

Module 5 - Session 4 Program Cover - Yellow thought bubble with ellipsis overlapping a purple thought bubble

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 5: Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively engaging families and communities when teaching across learning environments (TALE).

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on family and community engagement across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 5 – Session 4: Effective Communication Across Learning Environments.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

 

Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 4 in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 4. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. How can I improve the way I send messages so that I reach more families?

  2. How can I improve the way I receive messages so that families are heard and acknowledged?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Distinguish between one-way and two-way communication.

  2. Become familiar with forms of effective two-way communication across learning environments.

  3. Develop a process for centering student data as the focal point of a family or community conversation and/or co-planning meeting.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on effective communication across learning environments.

Video thumbnail of two children doing homework at kitchen island with mom and dad holding baby

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 5.4.1 – Self-Efficacy Statements.

If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ

Dive into our Module 5 – Session 4 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 5 – Session 4 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 5 – Session 4 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

A Guide for Educators: Helping Families Engage in Their Children’s Learning

Synopsis: This research-based guide supports teachers and administrators in creating a vibrant school community by helping families to better understand learning standards, college and career readiness, and practices to help children learn.

Format: Resource Guide

Time: 10 minutes

 

Increasing Family Engagement in Distance Learning Classrooms

Synopsis: This toolkit provides research, promising practices, and tools and activities meant to help educators establish and maintain positive partnerships with families and the community.

Format: Article with Links to Toolkit

Time: 10 minutes

 

5 Strategies for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences

Synopsis: Educators weigh in on how to solve common problems for parent-teacher conferences.

Format: Article and Videos

Time: 10 minutes

Sharing Data to Create Stronger Parent Partnerships

Synopsis: By sending home detailed data reports that focus on a specific skill, this video demonstrates two-way communication with parents about their child’s learning.

Format: Video

Time: 6 minutes

Fostering Parent-Teacher Relationships

Synopsis: This episode of The Reflective Teacher podcast examines family communication practices and fostering positive relationships with students’ families.

Format: Podcast

Time: 46 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.4.2 – Communication Assessment Tool.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.4.3 – Center Student Data. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Toolkit of Resources for Engaging Families and the Community as Partners in Education: Part 3: Building Trusting Relationships with Families and the Community Through Effective Communication

Topic: A four-part resource that brings together research, promising practices, and useful tools

and resources to guide educators in strengthening partnerships with families and community

members to support student learning

Format: Toolkit

Time: 25 minutes

 

Educator Reflection – Parent Interviews

Topic: A checklist for preparing for family conversations during conferences, home visits, “back-to-school” nights, and other interactions

Format: Tool

Time: 5 minutes

 

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right

Topic: Effective strategies for teachers to establish positive and meaningful communication with parents at the beginning of the school year and foster strong home-school partnerships

Format: Article

Time: 5 minutes

 

7 Ways Teachers Can Communicate with Parents in the 2023-24 School Year

Topic: Ways in which teachers can utilize technology to enhance communication with parents, fostering stronger partnerships and engagement in the educational process 

Format: Blog

Time: 10 minutes

 

Introduction to Family Engagement in Education: The Four Core Beliefs with Dr. Karen Mapp

Topic: A brief, introductory video on four core beliefs for authentic family engagement 

Format: Video

Time: 5 minutes

 

9 Ways to Communicate with Families

Topic: Nine ways to communicate with families, including easy-to-use tools 

Format: Video

Time: 15 minutes

 

Building Connections with Parents and Educators

Topic: How to connect with families around children’s social and emotional development

Format: Podcast

Time: 30 minutes

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on effective communication with families across learning environments. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore engaging with funds of knowledge across learning environments.

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