Parents play an important role in making sure that their child gets a high-quality education from teachers who care about them. There are many ways that parents can get involved in their child's school, and providing a variety will encourage all parents to give their time and talents. Consider the needs of your school and get word out to parents how they can help. Parents are an important resource and encouraging them to get involved will improve the educational outcome of students and will help you at the same time.
Step 1
Invite parents to attend back-to-school night to learn about the school, meet the teacher and discover what their child will be learning all year. According to Scholastic, back-to-school nights begin fostering the home-school connection that is so important for student success. Make back-to-school night fun and informative for parents so they are motivated to come. Provide as much information as possible so parents leave feeling educated and welcomed. If they know what is happening at the school, parents will be more likely to remain involved.
Step 2
Form a mutually respectful relationship with the parents of each of your students. According to "Getting Parents Involved in Their Children's Education," meaningful relationships with parents will encourage involvement because moms and dads will want to be a part of a learning environment built on respect. Get to the know the parents by telling them more about their children and by inviting them to share important information with you. Welcoming parents into your classroom can cultivate your relationship as well.
Step 3
Encourage parents to get involved in the classroom. Volunteering in the classroom can enhance education because many different activities can be planned and carried out. According to Scholastic, parents can help in the classroom by acting as room parent, reading to students, making copies, supervising students during activities or planning class parties. Invite parents to volunteer based on their talents and skills, recommends Scholastic, so the volunteer opportunities can be mutually beneficial to students, you and the parents.
Step 4
Ask parents to help their child with homework. It is important that parents know what their child is learning at school, according to "Getting Parents Involved in Their Children's Education," and helping with homework will let parents know what you are teaching and how well their child understands it. Doing homework with parents sends the message to students that their efforts are supported. Parents can often provide an alternate way of thinking about educational concepts, which can enhance a student's overall understanding and ability to do the work.
Step 5
Offer a wide variety of other ways to get involved to ensure that opportunities exist for all parents. Scholastic reports that children whose parents are involved in their school often stay in school and have higher grades. Let parents know that every little bit helps. Invite parents to chaperon field trips, join the PTA, supervise on the playground or help with fundraisers. All parents should be encouraged to carve some time out of their career and schedule to enhance their child's education.
Tips and Warnings
- Include a volunteer sign-up sheet on the first day of school or at back-to-school night to get parents motivated about getting involved from the start. Send reminders about volunteer opportunities throughout the year so parents always know about ways to help out.
- Make sure that parents know the impact that they have on their child's education. Some children will be very upset if their parents do not volunteer. Let parents know this so you can help them find ways to get involved.
References
- Scholastic: Back-to-School Night Basics
- "Getting Parents Involved in Their Children's Education"; Larry E. Decker, Gloria A. Gregg and Virginia A. Decker; 1994
- Scholastic: Volunteering in the Classroom
- Scholastic: Parent Involvement
