Getting Parents Involved – The Right Way

It’s no secret that working with parents can occasionally be a challenge. Some parents are actually a little intimidating – quick to criticize, or aggressively voice their opinions. Working parents and language and cultural differences can further complicate the parent-teacher relationship.

Informed, involved parents, however, can be your greatest resource. They’re more likely to view you in a positive light, and offer their support. By collaborating with parents in the children’s education, you build trust, ensure understanding, and ultimately do what’s best for the kids.

Studies have shown that parental involvement can be a major factor in a student’s success. Children of involved parents often have higher levels of motivation, better behavior, more regular attendance, and a more positive attitude about school.

In this article we present tips and strategies for building a culture of engagement at your school, establishing a strong connection with parents and ensuring their support.

Communication is Key

Parents, understandably, have anxiety about their children’s welfare and success. Once a child enters school, the parents lose the ability to closely monitor and influence activity. Parents need confirmation that their child is in good hands. The last thing they want is to be kept in the dark.

Frequent, open communication takes time, but it’s an investment that will pay off. Start the school year with a phone call or email, introducing yourself and your goals for the year. Invite parents to your classroom. Keep them informed about your curriculum and class activities. Let them know you welcome their involvement, and provide ideas for how they can contribute. Provide as much information as possible, and don’t wait until there’s an issue before you reach out.

Through communication, you can make allies and even assistants out of your students’ parents:

• Use the technology available. Websites and emails allow you to disseminate more information to more people simultaneously, and save time.
  • Studies show that email is now the most effective and convenient form of parent communication. Set up a parents' listserv and use it to send out weekly newsletters, special announcements, or requests for volunteers.
  • Use a website to share news, resources, schedules and assignments. Post your planning calendar online, so parents know what homework has been assigned – and turned in. This online information will benefit your students as well, helping absent students make up assignments, and helping absent-minded students remember due dates and instructions.
  • EdModo is a popular, safe and easy tool to help educators connect and collaborate with students, parents, and each other.
• Focus on the positive. Some parents assume that Phone Call From Teacher = Bad News. It’s important to initiate an exchange that has positive connotations. Tell them something good. Share news of their children’s strength, successes and progress. If parents view your communications positively, they’ll be more open and supportive when issues arise.
• Don’t wait. Alert parents at the first sign of behavior or academic problems. If you’ve already established a positive rapport, parents will be less defensive and more constructive in their approach. Even if you’re calling to discuss a problem, open the call with a positive statement about the child.
• Respect their time. Give parents ample lead time when scheduling significant events or complex projects. Offer options that can fit a variety of schedules.
  

 Other Ideas & Strategies for Parent Involvement

• Open your door. Parents may not make the first move, but generally respond positively to invitations and requests for assistance. An open door policy also increases trust and shows you have nothing to hide.
• Establish a partnership. No one likes to think they’re alone in the daunting task of preparing a child for success. Show parents you’re both on the same side – their child’s side. Ask parents to reinforce your assignments and lessons at home. Provide specific ideas and home activities that enhance learning.
• Set expectations. Be clear to parents about your desire for their involvement, and be specific about what you need. Feel free to delegate responsibilities to eager parents, freeing up more of your own time to concentrate on your students.
• Showcase student accomplishment. Offer many ways to show parents what students have learned. Feature student projects in open houses and newsletters. Publish their papers on your website. Create an Accomplishment of the Week or Month.
• Conduct planning sessions. Got a big project coming up? Invite both parents and students to a planning session. The event will inform parents on the project requirements, and allow students to begin brainstorming and collaborating. Display projects from past years – both “A” projects and “C” or “D” projects – to serve as guides.
• Be organized. Share your organization tools with parents, so they can help students stay on track. Provide weekly or monthly academic planners/schedules, and study tips to bring home.
• Address parents' concerns head on. They need to know you respect their opinions. If they disagree with your approach, help them understand your reasoning, and show them the benefits of your methods. Incorporate their ideas if they make sense, and follow up, to show you haven’t disregarded their comments.
• Have your students write a letter. As children age and become more involved with school and friends, parents may feel abandoned. Ask your students to write a letter to their parents, in which they express how they feel about their parents’ support and guidance. The parents are sure to be touched and grateful – and more likely to see you as a friend and ally.
• Write thank-you notes. Express your own appreciation for all the parents do. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.

Not all parents can be persuaded to take an active role in their children's education. But many will – and their support will make your job a lot easier. Establish early and ongoing two-way communication, share information and stay positive. Ultimately your partnership with parents will be rewarding for you and beneficial for your students.