About our Communication Books
Teachers are secondary caregivers. To give parents – primary caregivers – clear, concise, meaningful feedback on the day’s events; to provide a space for parents and teachers to keep each other apprised of important events; to empower young learners to develop responsible, thoughtful habits; to accelerate the pace of young learners’ growth: these are some of the key functions of Communication Books.
Our Communication Books were designed for maximum student agency. As much as possible, students are asked to fill in the pages themselves, with only a few marks being made by teachers and parents, on most days. Students will write the date, practicing ordinal numbers and spelling; they will write what books were used in class that day; they will write down their new vocabulary words for the day; they will write down what action(s) they have been asked to perform outside of class. Students are also encouraged to use a pencil and check the appropriate boxes regarding their conduct that day.
Teachers will make sure students wrote their part carefully, briefly assess the day’s progress, and if needed, write any additional comments at the bottom. Parents are asked to sign their name, confirming that the chain of communication is complete, carefully maintained by the students themselves.
A more detailed discussion of our Communication Books is in our Teaching Philosophy section. These are integral parts of our system, and a great deal of thought was put into them.
Originally, our books included a larger “Learning Assessment” section with more categories and a wider range of evaluation options. Over time, this space has been thoughtfully reduced to support more efficient classroom routines, and in recognition that students are often already aware of their strengths and areas for growth. In many cases, frequent evaluation can hinder more than help.
Designed for daily use, these pages will become something young learners are genuinely proud of, chronicling their journeys and their many successes.
The Quill English Academy Communication Books
With their names written in the centers, these communication books form a crucial component in moving the locus of learning closer to students.
Quill English Academy 