Chaperone field trips or social events: Most field trips require a specific ratio of adults-to-children. Another good idea is to invite parents to talk about their careers and skills. A positive and supportive school culture will bolster academic achievement and minimize behavioral problems. Get to know your child's teacher by introducing yourself and scheduling a brief meeting. As Dillon puts it, "Like anyone, kids benefit greatly from knowing they have 'backup,' even if they seldom have to rely on it. 12. Bake sales, car washes and silent auctions are regular events at most schools. Participate in a reading partners program: Read-alouds help budding readers develop fluency and decoding skills. Ask Sue Robinson of the National PTA. Participate in PTA's Take Your Family to School Week, celebrated each February. Provide “Fact Cards” for parents with school name, address, phone number, name of principal, … Robinson believes the National PTA's Take Your Family to School Week is an ideal time to make connections with your child's school. "As a working parent, I do have to free up some time to stay up to speed with what is happening in my child's life and school activities," says Robinson. Organize an after-school homework club: With so many parents working full-time jobs, many children are left with little structure during those hours following the end of the school day. Ask the school district to provide translation headsets for parent meetings. You may be able to supplement a unit of study with a classroom presentation. The parent-teacher organization in your school district is perhaps the best resource for finding out what you can do to help your school. Local PTA units across the country schedule family events during this week in February. Host a forum for candidates running for public office; focus questions on issues that affect children, families and education. Help produce school newsletters and other community outreach materials: If you have writing, publishing or social media skills, your school may need you. Involve parents in ongoing training on topics such as being an effective advocate, identifying and supporting learning styles, resolving difficulties and fostering student achievement. Try these 38 simple ways to make the most of the upcoming school year. These findings come as no surprise to Jim Dillon, educator and author of "No Place for Bullying.". Match new families at the school with a buddy family to show them the ropes. A fun hobby? This is also an opportunity to organize carpools, walking school buses or neighborhood homework clubs. Is your child's English class reading "Great Expectations"? Tips For Encouraging Parent Involvement 4. Parental involvement in the classroom has had a proven, positive effect on children's success. At the high school level, you may find you're needed to oversee a school dance. Host a block meeting at your home with other parents to discuss/share school issues and info. Involve parents in ongoing training on topics such as being an effective advocate, identifying and supporting learning styles, resolving difficulties and fostering student achievement. Invite other parents to join you when you volunteer at school. We connect families with caregivers and caring companies to help you be there for the ones you love. It will give you more insight into the school's programs, and it will give your child the space he or she needs to develop a sense of independence. Have the community join in by gathering copies of the novel and start an online discussion between students and parents, as everyone in the club works through the chapter assignments. 3. Determine the amount of time you can realistically devote to your child's school and find an activity that fits your schedule. Empower parents by creating a parent-teacher group. Graduating classes need one or more advisers, and high schools often seek parent volunteers to fill these positions. Participate in American Education Week, sponsored by the National Education Association by visiting the school and classroom. 1 Involve Parents In Homework Approaching homework as a partnership between parents and children enhances academic success and helps parents stay connected to the classroom. Working in partnership with the principal, identify ways the PTA/parent group can support one or more goals of the school improvement plan. When parents are involved in their children's education, children succeed at higher rates. "When you get people together, great ideas emerge," says Dillon. In addition to keeping you informed about school events, it provides a support system. Work with the local newspaper to promote special events that are happening at the school. Plan workshops on how to ask the right questions about children's progress and placement. 6. 2. Many PTAs offer child care at their meetings, making it even easier for parents to attend. Assist with extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities enhance children's educational experience and, for many, provide a positive way to develop a sense of belonging. Distribute calendars so parents can record upcoming events, assignments and dates to check with teachers on their children's progress. The funds raised support a variety of programs in the school. For me that should include, where necessary, a block of … Brainstorm ideas and present them to your school administrators. Care.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or engage in any conduct that requires a professional license. But how do you find time in your already-busy schedule to volunteer? You can hold a homework club at the school, a public library or community center. Invite school alumni to make a donation to the school or to participate in an alumni sponsors program through which they can volunteer time. Drama clubs, civic organizations and hobby clubs require a time investment many teachers lack. Kids need to know they're not making their life journey alone. Dillon suggests you let your child's teacher know about your areas of expertise. A parent volunteer can play a vital role in ensuring these activities are available — whether it's running the program, being an extra helper or acting as a chaperone. By establishing good lines of communication between your child care center and parents, as well as making a strong effort to involve parents as an important partner in their child’s education, you can make a positive impact on their learning ability. Reach out to senior/retired citizens and invite them to volunteer at the school. While you may wish to work with your child's teacher, Dillon suggests you offer to help in other areas of the school as well, from the main office to the art room. Here are a few examples for inspiration: At the elementary level, teachers always welcome an extra set of hands for classroom projects and parties. 5. Greet other parents at school activities and events; sit with someone you don't know and get to know them. Design and print "Happy Grams" as an easy way for teachers to regularly report positive behavior and/or achievements to parents. Because you can do this work from home, this may be the perfect way for parents who aren't available during school hours to contribute. Offer family activities at low or no cost so everyone can participate; budget PTA/parent group funds for this purpose. They can then use consistent vocabulary when discussing schoolwork with children at … Johns Hopkins University developed a program called TIPS -- Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork. National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools, Schools are shutting down again and parents are fed up, 2020 holiday guide for parents and caregivers, Alarming 'mom code' trend urges parents not to test kids for COVID-19, 11 natural cough and cold remedies for kids, 10 parenting podcasts to help you laugh, learn and feel seen, Raising an only child through COVID-19 is really hard — but also amazing, How child care is affecting how parents plan to vote in 2020. Hold meetings in a variety of community locations (such as the local library, a community center, a church) to make them accessible to all. These teams of teachers, administrators and parents meet on a regular basis to discuss problems within the school and develop solutions. Participate in PTA's Teacher Appreciation Week by organizing a breakfast or lunch. 5. Creative ways to involve working parents include: Scheduling reading circles and volunteer shifts at the start of the day so that parents can help before work Using telecommunication platforms like Skype or Google Hangouts so that parents can read to the class or help with pre-scheduled assignments without being physically present in the classroom Use this opportunity to learn about the curriculum and expectations for your child. Consider using color-coded lines on hallway walls, or footprints on floors, to help direct parents to important places like the school office, parent resource center and library. Care.com is the world's largest online destination for care. Volunteering a Saturday afternoon to help with one of these fundraisers will draw you closer to the school and demonstrate to your child the value you place in their education.