Involving Parents

What do you do to involve parents in your program? Is your classroom inviting and welcoming? Actively involving families in your classroom is a wonderful way to bridge the gap between school and home. Here are some suggestions:

• It's never too late to start, but start early! The very first time you meet is a great time to tell them how much you would love for them to participate!
• Create a family board with volunteer opportunities.
• Ask parents to volunteer... some may be too shy to offer!
• Create a welcoming environment - make them feel like they belong in your room. Give them specific ideas of things to do...they might not know how to make themselves useful.
• Have a parent "training" or workshop several times throughout the year. Ask them what they would like to learn about. You can create a short survey and ask them to complete and return it. Ideas: behavior management strategies; developmentally appropriate math or literacy activities; creative activities, etc.
• Post pictures of family members in your classroom.
• Ask parents to share family traditions, cultural traditions, etc.
• Provide ways for parents to volunteer outside of the classroom (cutting out materials, helping with project preparation).
• Be thankful and express your appreciation!

 Here is a parent who loved to interact with the students in my classroom. After I noticed a pattern of "lingering" in the mornings, I asked him if he'd like to participate. He created the cardboard box "puppet theatre" and did puppet shows for and with the children. His child was so proud and happy to have him there...and all of my students enjoyed the activity.

I had parent workshops after dismissal. This was a take-home math activity. All of the parents worked together along with their children (my students as well as younger and older siblings). These workshops created a really nice family atmosphere and the families formed relationships with one another outside of the classroom because of their connections within the classroom.  I really enjoyed being a part of this :)