Kasaragod teacher's innovative approach: Bridging parent-teacher communication through inland letters

Kasaragod: Balakrishnan Eeyyakad, class teacher of Class 7 B at Elambachi Guru Chandupanicker Memorial Government HSS in Thrikaripur, Kasaragod, sat reading every letter he received. He carefully went through each one, jotting notes into a notebook as he read. The letters were written by parents of students in Class 7 B, sharing details about their children’s strengths and limitations.

Although the school holds PTA meetings regularly to evaluate academic progress and allow parents to share feedback, attendance is not consistent. Even among those who attend, many hesitate to speak openly. Some avoid mentioning the difficulties their children face. The letter-writing initiative was meant to help parents express their views more freely and without hesitation.

When Balakrishnan went to the Elambachi post office to purchase 30 inland letters for his students, the stock had run out. After waiting two weeks, the letters arrived from Wayanad. He distributed them to the students, and parents were given two weeks to write openly about their children. With second-quarter exams approaching, parents carried out a thorough assessment and included suggestions for improvement in the letters. A prize was awarded for the best letter.

Balakrishnan said the initiative helped parents communicate thoughts they hesitated to voice during meetings. Parent P Seenath added that the experience of expressing feedback through letters was refreshing and also helped students become familiar with writing letters and using inland letters.