voice their thoughts and opinions.] Suggest that the parents join the PTO(Parent-Teacher Organization) where they can work with the school’steachers and plan events where families can come together and enjoy funactivities. During these meetings, it would also be a great time for theseparents to offer advice or suggestions on what they think should be donewithin the classrooms and entire school building. The meetings can takeplace as little or as often as the active parents deem necessary. Thesemeetings can hopefully eliminate parents constantly calling/checking in withthe teacher or school every day.
Question:
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are parentsthat are not involved in their child’s education at all. What can youdo to encourage parents to become active within the school?
Answer:
Well to start off the school year, have a welcome walk-through,where parents can explore their child’s classroom and school building. Thisbeginning walk-through can give all parents an equal opportunity to step off on the right foot. As the school year continues, offer family/school eventsevery month to keep parents involved and informed. Activities such asboard-game nights, book nights, ice cream social, and skit nights are greatideas that promote families to come together and enjoy a night with theirchildren and their school. Teachers can take these activity nights as anopportunity to build a relationship with the parents and families of theirstudents.
Question
: What if parents don’t attend these ‘family nights,’ what other suggestions to do have to communicate with hard-to-reach parents?
Answer:
If these family nights do not help to get families involved, makehome phone calls or send emails to let parents know that you are interestedin meeting with them. Let them know that you want them to become anactive part of their child’s education and that you can give them all thenecessary tools they need to become involved. If parents do respond to callsor emails, set up a conference with them in a location of their choice,somewhere where they feel comfortable to communicate. The more at easea parent is, the easier it is to talk with them. If parents do not respond tocalls or emails, send home personalized notes with the student, explainingwhat the student has done each week and how the parents can help thechild to improve their learning.
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