The book is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese, and comes in hardcopy and e-book versions.
During this time of uncertainty, what do we have control over? Not much – except for our partnerships. The principles outlined in this book provide a template for schools and parents to work and collaborate. In the 28 years I've been doing this work, there has never been a greater need for school communities to double down on making sure we build positive school and parent partnerships.
This layperson-friendly workbook and podcast series is for educational professionals at any level and parents. Organized into brief descriptive topics for quick reference, each practical skill is followed by suggested relevant exercises. For example:
- “The Art of the Question”: coming to a meeting prepared with the right questions, and asking them in the best way, both for clarity and attitude.
- “Say Hello to the Elephant in the Room”: How to deal with an unexpected and distracting event or behavior that just might derail the meeting if nobody addresses it.
- “Saying a Lot Without Saying a Thing”: Nonverbal communication and active listening – eye contact, distracted actions like texting, shaking versus nodding the head.
- “React to Ideas, Not the Person”: Separate the substance of what is being said from the person saying it, so as not to be unduly influenced by personality, title, etc.
The fun and friendly format of Building Positive Parent and School Partnerships makes it accessible—even inviting—and adds to its value as a go-to desktop resource. The podcasts and the book go together. Read through the workbook at your desk or listen to the podcasts in the car.