Checklists for Communicating with Parents and Students

Aside from teaching great classes, communication with students and parents is a vital part of maintaining a great program.  There are different strategies for talking to junior students, their parents and adult students, however. Here are three checklists to help:

When communicating with Junior Martial Arts Students:

• Give frequent, sincere praise.
• Spread the wealth as evenly as possible. (Talk to everyone)
• Connect with each and every student during every class (Make sure they know that you know they are there).
• Only use humor that builds the student up.
• If you are wondering if a certain comment is appropriate, don’t say it (In the wondering is the answer).
• Do your best to be as enthusiastic as possible.
• Show no favorites (It’s natural to have a favorite, but no one should be able to tell who it is).
• NEVER say anything to a child that you wouldn’t say if their parents were listening.

When communicating with Parents:

• Whenever possible, give positive feedback to parents regarding their child’s progress (NOTHING makes a parent happier than hearing about how good their child is doing).
• "Spread the wealth" as evenly as possible. (Talk to everyone.)
• Never speak down to a parent.  In many cases, they are older and have more life experience than you.  They should always be treated with respect.
• Know the parents; what their interests are; what groups they belong to.
• Ask leading questions, such as “What benefits have you seen in your child?” or “how has Martial Arts helped your child?”
• Use Praise/Correct/Praise structure with parents when discussing areas of concern about their child.

When communicating with Adult Martial Arts Students

• Give frequent, sincere praise.
• "Spread the wealth" as evenly as possible. (Talk to everyone.)
• Connect with each and every student during every class (Make sure they know that you know they are there).
• Only use humor that builds the student up.
• If you are wondering if a certain comment is appropriate, don’t say it.
• Do your best to be as enthusiastic as possible.
• Show no favorites (It’s natural to have a favorite, but no one should be able to tell who it is).
• Generally speaking, adults want specifics on how they can improve.  Give it to them.
• Never speak down to them.  In many cases, they are older and have more life experience than you.  Always treat them with respect.
• Get to know them: what do they do; what are their interests; what groups do they belong to, etc.