Parental involvement is key to any child’s school success. Communication between the child’s teacher and the parent is a vital part to creating a classroom that encourages this type of involvement. Early childhood educators have the opportunity to help bridge the family home life of a child and his or her school world at a beginning level.
Encourage Parental Involvement from the Beginning
Teachers should not wait until the school year begins to contact the parents of the children who will be in their classroom. Start with a letter or simple introduction that occurs before the school year is in full swing. Different tactics may need to be employed depending on the type of center or school that one works in.
- In person introductions: If you teach in a center or school that transitions entire groups of children from one room to another as they age, introduce yourself to the parents before the transition occurs. Try to find time in the morning at drop off or the afternoon at pick up to casually greet your new classes’ parents. This tactic works well if you have a co-teacher or multiple assistants who can stay with your current class and allow you the time to leave the room for a quick introduction.
- Introduction letter: If you are unable to leave your current class to meet the new students’ parents, try a letter. Draft a brief letter explaining who you are and what the new school year will hold for the children. Include pieces of information such as how long you have been teaching, how long you have been at the center or school, and pertinent interests. An introduction letter is also a great way to introduce yourself to a new group of parents just entering the school.
- Hold a pre-school preschool get together: Before the school year officially starts (the pre-school time), have a meet and greet party for the families. If possible, have this at the center or school. If this is not possible, try a local park. Make sure that the parents understand that this is a family activity, and not a school sponsored event. They should be made aware that you will not be teaching the children at this time or in any way responsible for supervision (that job falls on the parent).
- Beginning of the year breakfast: Hold a short meet the teacher breakfast on the first day. Offer juice, bagels, and fruit. Make the rounds and try to speak with each parent or family individually.
Keeping Communication Open During the School Year
Throughout the school year it is important to ensure that teachers are communicating well with the parents of their students. Try some of these ideas to keep the lines of communication open:
- Send out a weekly e-mail newsletter.
- Send home a paper newsletter.
- Have a parent bulletin board in your classroom.
- Choose one day of the week to send home important information and flyers. Let the parents know in the beginning of the school year which day this will be.
- Display a weekly schedule on the classroom door or near a sign in sheet.
Other Ways to Encourage Parental Involvement
- Class parties: Ask the parents to help out with set up or during the party itself. Special events: If there will be a school carnival or parade, ask parents to help (or at least attend). Field trips: Although field trips are much more infrequent in the early childhood setting (as opposed to elementary school), recruit parents to chaperone.
- Birthdays: Invite parents to come in and celebrate during their child’s special day.
- Reading: Ask for volunteer class readers. The parents and child can choose a favorite book, and the parents can read to the class.
- Special interests: Does a parent have a fun job or special interest. Ask him or her to come in to demonstrate. For example, a parent who is involved with the visual arts as an artist or teacher may come to the class and lead a special project.
Take the time to get to know all students’ parents and families. This will help open the lines of communication and encourage a greater level of involvement. Use letters, e-mail, and in person events to connect parents to their child’s school life. Hopefully this will start a pattern of involvement that will benefit the children for years to come.
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