This week’s post will discuss the importance of home(family)/ school engagement. When I have a family, being present for family, especially my future children, is something I will take seriously. I will continue to do the same after seeing how seriously my parents took being involved. As much as I could say this, and for any parent in general, it’s easier said than done. As parents, we still have to tend to our children’s everyday and personal needs and even word them as unique. But now, getting involved has become easier for parents.
In Edutopia’s Family Engagement/Resource Roundup, the category “Effective Communication is Key” focuses on strategies to foster meaningful communication between educators and parents. Three articles within this category stand out: “Back-to-School Night: The Ultimate Conversation Starter for a Successful School Year,” “Tech-Enhanced Parent Engagement,” and “The Power of the Positive Phone Call Home.“Back-to-School Night: The Ultimate Conversation Starter for a Successful School Year” emphasizes the significance of leveraging back-to-school nights to initiate meaningful dialogue between educators and parents. The article underscores the importance of setting the tone for the school year, establishing rapport, and sharing essential information about classroom expectations and curriculum. Back-to-school nights can lay the foundation for a successful partnership between home and school throughout the academic year by creating a welcoming environment and encouraging open communication.“Tech-Enhanced Parent Engagement” explores the use of technology as a tool to enhance parent engagement in education. The article highlights various digital platforms and tools educators can leverage to streamline communication, share resources, and foster collaboration with parents. From class websites and blogs to communication apps and virtual meetings, technology offers a range of opportunities to connect with parents in convenient and accessible ways.“The Power of the Positive Phone Call Home” emphasizes the impact of positive reinforcement and proactive communication in strengthening relationships between educators and parents. The article advocates for making regular, positive phone calls home to celebrate student achievements, highlight progress, and express appreciation for parental support. Educators can build trust, cultivate partnerships, and create a supportive learning environment that promotes student success by focusing on positive interactions. Overall, these articles underscore the importance of effective communication in fostering collaboration between home and school. Whether through in-person events like back-to-school nights, leveraging technology to enhance engagement, or making positive phone calls home, prioritizing communication can lead to stronger partnerships and better student outcomes.
Reflecting on my recent attendance at a Board of Education meeting earlier in my semester, I couldn’t help but notice how similar the topics discussed were to what we’ve been learning in our course, especially when connecting families with schools. They talked a lot about parents being part of decisions, keeping families involved in what’s happening at school, and finding better ways to communicate with everyone. It is the idea that the district needs to make sure it’s using the best ways to get families involved, just like we’ve been learning about this week. It’s all about ensuring everyone is working together to support students in the best possible way.
The video “Putting Parents to Work in the Classroom” emphasizes the value of involving parents directly in the educational process. It showcases how parents can contribute meaningfully to the classroom environment by volunteering their time and skills. Instead of simply being passive observers, parents become active participants, enriching the learning experience for all involved.
The video highlights various ways parents can contribute, from assisting with classroom activities and projects to sharing their expertise in specific areas. By tapping into parents’ diverse talents and backgrounds, educators can create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment that benefits students and parents alike.
Moreover, involving parents in the classroom fosters a sense of ownership and investment in their child’s education. It strengthens the bond between home and school, promoting collaboration and mutual support in pursuing academic success.
Overall, “Putting Parents to Work in the Classroom” underscores the importance of recognizing parents as valuable partners in education and leveraging their contributions to enhance the learning experience for all students.
Part Two: Communication Plan
For my communication plan, tailored to elementary grade levels, I will utilize a multifaceted approach to engage families effectively:
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (For preschoolers to third graders)
Parents with their babies going to school at this young of a age want to know all about what their child is learning in school, special days or events, and how they can help.
- Monthly Newsletters: Develop newsletters highlighting upcoming events, curriculum updates, and ways parents can support learning at home.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: Schedule regular conferences to discuss student progress, set goals, and address parents’ concerns or questions.
- Class Website or App: Create a dedicated class website or utilize a communication app to share important announcements, homework assignments, and resources for parents.
- Remind App: Utilize the Remind app to send quick updates, reminders, and announcements directly to parents’ smartphones via text messages.
- Family Workshops: Organize workshops on literacy, math strategies, and technology integration to empower parents to support their child’s learning at home.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Offer volunteer opportunities within the classroom or school community to encourage parental involvement and build a sense of belonging.
- Feedback Surveys: Implement regular feedback surveys to gather input from parents on their communication preferences, areas of interest, and suggestions for improvement.
REFERENCES
Back-to-School Night: The Ultimate Conversation Starter for a Successful School Year. (n.d.). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/back-to-school-conversation-starter-darri-stephens
Tech-Enhanced Parent Engagement. (n.d.). Edutopia. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/tech-enhanced-parent-engagement-nicholas-provenzano
Aguilar, E. (2012, August 20). The Power of the Positive Phone Call Home. Edutopia; George Lucas Educational Foundation. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/power-positive-phone-call-home-elena-aguilar
Gregory, L. (n.d.). How to Have Effective Communication with Families at Your Preschool or Childcare Center. Mybrightwheel.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from
Hi Ariana. I liked how you stressed the significance of back-to-school nights as an avenue for initiating dialogue between educators and parents. Your communication plan demonstrates a thoughtful approach to engaging parents through various means, such as sending home newsletters, organizing parent-teacher conferences, and facilitating volunteer opportunities. I wonder if you could further explore the idea of seeking feedback from parents to understand their preferences in communication. This could involve asking them directly if they find the newsletters helpful or if they have suggestions for improvement. Additionally, considering the diverse linguistic backgrounds of families, incorporating multilingual communication strategies could enhance inclusivity and ensure that all parents feel informed and involved. Overall, your plan appears comprehensive and well-rounded, aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership between families and schools to support student success.