Parents and Families are an important part of an inclusive classroom. We need to work hard to create a partnership with them that will promote positive development and success for the whole family.
As teachers, it is important that we empower the families of our students. We need to create opportunities for family members to become self-sustaining and competent. We want them to be able to use their own abilities and social networks to be successful. We want our families to have a sense of control over their development.
Why Parent Engagement is Important:
- Parents are their child’s first teacher.
- Children learn skills quicker when parents or caregivers practice with them at home.
- There is consistency of expectations across school and home.
- Early intervention will provide support for parents.
- Parents know their children best.
Steps to A Successful Partnership with Parents and Familes
- Get to know your families.
- Be sensitive to their culture (be it ethnically or just the way their family functions.)
- Communicate, communicate, communicate.
- Respect them.
- Take time for them.
- Look for ways to give them support.
Ways to Communicate With Famillies
- Call, text, or email
- Notes
- Weekly folder
- A Weekly or Monthly Class Newsletter
- Two-Way Journal
- Written/typed note
- Class website
Here are some helpful links when partnering with Parents and Families:
Talking to Parents: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Family Involvement vs. Family Engagement: The Difference. The Significance.
The Playdough Club: A fun way to involve parents.
with lots of love & sunshine,
Ms. Sarah
Sunny Room Seven 