2.

1 : Family Engagement

4.6.1 - Describe the advantages and importance of family or caregiver involvement in

learner development

Engaging your student and their family in your classroom is very important when trying

to promote a positive learning environment. Through active family engagement, teachers are able

to understand their students better and can create a more strong and meaningful relationship.

There are many ways parents can involve themselves in the classroom and teachers can

involve parents in the classroom. Teachers can send home emails, call parents directly or even

conduct a beginning of the year survey for parents. One of the most popular and beneficial forms

of communication between parents and teachers is in the form of a newsletter. A newsletter is a

clear and easy way that keeps parents updated with any information they need to be aware of. I

made a sample monthly newsletter for a sixth grade English classroom. I highlighted the

important dates of the month, what the learning targets were for the month, and included a quote

of the month (evidence 2.1.1). Another way you can engage both students and parents in the

classroom is by enacting a student led parent teacher conference. I created an outline of a student

led conference that explains the criteria of the assignment and attached an example conference

for students to reference as well. This assignment allows students to practice formal presentation

and self reflection skills. It also gives parents the opportunity to hear an in-depth explanation of

what their student is learning, from the perspective of their student (evidence 2.1.2).

Family engagement benefits parents or caregivers, students, and educators. By involving

parents with what is going on in the classrooms, they are more likely to assist in their student’s

learning at home. I read articles on Schoology that discussed how parents benefited by being
involved. According to Home-School Relations one benefit is that by involving parents there can

be increased discussion and involvement about the students' learning at home (evidence 2.1.3).

There are many apps and technological resources today that can help students be more

involved in the classroom. For example, Schoology is a platform where teachers post updates

and content regarding their class for students to easily access. The teacher is benefiting their

students by giving them valuable and engaging resources to access outside of the classroom.

Lastly, teachers heavily benefit from working with parents and families. From interviewing one

of my mentor teachers about how she engages with her families, I learned that it is really

important to have your first interaction with parents be positive. Parents are giving you their

beloved children from most of the day and they appreciate as much trust and communication as

possible. Yet, as a teacher you must also find a healthy balance between too much

communication and teaching the student to be independent about their learning (evidence 2.1.4).

The parents or guardians of your student’s should be regularly involved in your

classroom. Depending on the grade level, there are many different appropriate ways or

techniques on how to communicate with parents and students outside of the classroom. You must

find which method(s) works best for both ends. Classroom communication benefits the teacher,

student, and the parents because lack of communication could lead to problems or issues that

could have been misinformed. You must be clear, consistent, and open to conversation with

families as a teacher.