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Reflection
Reflection

Creative Communication Methods: Brainstorming

³Ô¹ÏÍø School-Age Family Engagement Lesson 3 Apply Creative Communication Methods: Brainstorming
Reflection
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Communicating with families in a school-age program can offer unique challenges. One way to overcome these challenges is to think outside the box when it comes to how we communicate. Think about the communication methods that you learned in this lesson. Now, think about the specific challenges that may come up in your program. Use the form below to brainstorm some ideas for creative communication. Share your responses with your trainer, coach or administrator.

  1. Think about specific communication challenges that may come up in your program. What are they?
     
  2. Can you think of a specific time you wanted to communicate with a family, but weren’t sure how? If so, what was it? What was the result?
     

Review the creative communication methods discussed in the lesson. Use the form to brainstorm ideas on how you think these methods would work in your program. You can list the positives and negatives of each method, and/or think about a time when each method would come in handy.

Creative Communication Methods Brainstorming
Communication journals:

A physical journal or online journal that allows family members to share information or photographs of their home life, such as a vacation or deployment experience. These journals can be shared among family members to help create a bond between families or passed back and forth between staff and families to share or seek information.
 
I think a communication journal would be a great way to share personal information, especially about the unique struggles of military families. We could use the journal to share stories of deployment and relocation.
Parent suggestion box:

Have a box available where parents can leave notes or suggestions about activities or other program specifics. Check the box on a regular basis and implement any appropriate suggestions or address concerns.
 
Surveys:

Conduct family surveys, giving family members an opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns about the program.
 
Online discussion groups:

Use an online forum to allow communication between yourself and families. This should be used for group information only, not information specific to one child. You should also check with your administrator for any regulations regarding internet use.
 
Blogs:

Using an online blog to communicate the program’s activities with families is a fun way to share photos, activity plans and other information. Again, check with your administrator for any regulations regarding internet use.