Strategies for Reaching Parents
Parent Involvement is largely about comfort level. There has to be a tone set that says, “We want you here!”
We have passed the time when educators posed themselves as the experts and set out to “teach parents” how to support their children. We have entered, instead, an era when we need to ask parents to teach us about their learners. By opening our ears as well as our hearts, we will find the keys to success.
When planning for one-to-one meetings with parents:
- Be an active listener. Invite the parents to help you learn about their child. What does their child most like to do? What are some special memories? What seems to most excite your child about school? What seems to make the child most happy and relaxed?
- Try
to learn about the
parents. What are their
strengths? What might
they be able to share
with others? Are they
willing to share about
their hobbies, profession,
or about their native
culture and food?
- Try to make the parent(s) feel needed and attempt to identify something you can do together with a focus on their child.
When planning parent involvement activities for large groups:
1.
Use the Advertising
Rule of Three
Advertise through three media
sources. Have students write
letters, develop a telephone
tree, make home visits, create
a student written newsletter,
or ?
2.
Make It Fun and Involve
the Children!
Parents like to have fun WITH
their children. Plan events that
have a sense of entertainment
such as children performing their
favorite readers’ theater
scripts, reading from student
authored books, or following
directions together to make milkshakes.
3.
Provide Childcare for
Preschoolers
Families are more likely to participate
if they don’t have to arrange
for child care (You might consider
calling a high school to involve
the Key Club or National Honor
Society as a service project.)
4.
Feed Them!
Life is busy for everyone. If
food is provided, there is one
less excuse for non-participation.
(Check with McDonalds, local
pizza parlors, Red Robin, Applebees,
etc. Many of these businesses
are glad to donate food in return
for a public thank you!)
See the Parent Page: Plan a Story, Write a Story, Make a Book in the Free Lessons & Tools Section
