Ordering through your child’s classroom also earns points for your child’s teacher to get even more books for their classroom library. The first step is providing parents with a feasible opportunity to participate, which includes scheduling programs around the best times for parents to attend. Not so fast. 1. After the family has watched the movie, they will work together to create a project of their choice to compare the book to the movie. Follow-through: Parents and teachers each want to see that the other will actually do what they say they will do. Here are three simple ways. Involve your PTA or other parent-teacher groups and plan a program explaining your school's inclusion philosophy and program. Based on expressed interests of the fathers, create useful committees and/or support groups. Here are just a few: 1) I would encourage parents to participate continuously throughout the entire school year. Do Get Parents Involved . “When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more” (source).Studies have shown that students with more involved parents are … Here are 10 things your school can do to help make it a little easier for single parents. Teachers can coordinate with the principal’s office to identify optional days and times that parents can visit their classroom to observe their child. No classroom is an island, especially an inclusive classroom. Collaborative teaching looks differently depending on what school, level, and setting you are working. Parents who don’t have English as their first language can find it hard to interact with teachers, and may end up feeling distanced from their child’s school life. : How would you involve parents in the affairs of your classroom? The best part is, once they finish one book, they can … Start by choosing a topic relevant to the... 2. In addition to practicing reading, it is also important for children to practice writing every day. Parents need to play an active role in their child’s education and have input as to what and how the child is being taught. What Parents Want To Know Invest in professional development. Teachers may see parents at the classroom door less than they used to, and opportunities for interaction are more limited. Parents are your best ally in the classroom. The authors describe how everyone within the school community can benefit when parents and teachers work as partners. Stay in contact with those who show an interest, and attempt to make contact with those who seem disinterested. 10 Tips For Teachers To Connect With Parents Via Social Media. 5. “Think about all the challenges that two parents face,” says Taylor, “and multiply that.” For single parents, getting the kids out the door in the morning, handling homework at night, and juggling school events with work can be tough. For this reason, another subculture in the school is the classroom where one teacher’s preferences may … Students with involved parents do better in academic achievement and attendance. Tackle language barriers. Provide activities that promote fellowship and leadership. Teachers are often the first line of defense when it comes to their students overall well-being. by Kathy Cook, former K-12 teacher and Director of Educational Technology for University of Phoenix College of Education. Academics aside, teachers have a big responsibility to students, both legally and ethically. Based on ClassTag’s recent K-8 classroom survey, we have compiled advice to teachers from teachers on alternative strategies to improve student success. 5 Great Multicultural Classroom Activities To Involve Parents 1. 1. Finding ways to get parents more involved in the student learning process and their own student’s success is a daunting task. Always with the understanding in the back of your mind of how useful it can be to have parents supporting your classroom, organize some professional development on the topic. With direct involvement in your child’s education, you can observe and understand the teacher’s classroom management or discipline plan firsthand. I know a large part of the education workforce is comprised of ‘digital immigrants’, but with a little time and motivation, all teachers can (and should) utilize technology to increase communication with parents and students. Invite parents to observe or help in your classroom. Encourage students to “show and tell” the class about their heritage. Involve fathers in a day or weekend retreat in the community where bonding can take place. Teachers who are interested in fostering a cultural awareness in their classroom should actively demonstrate to their students that they genuinely care about their cultural, emotional, and intellectual needs. The more that teachers call parents and talk with them, the stronger the relationship. Including ELL/ESL Parents in the Classroom Tobey Cho Bassoff How do teachers of ESL students involve parents in the classroom? Waiting too long can create new problems, possibly through the frustration of those involved. A parent visitation can include having parents formally observe their child when completing an observation form or sharing their observations with the teacher after their visit. This can make a parent assistant a valuable tool in creating an encouraging and comprehensive learning environment. Many like to come to special days and events, help out with excursions … Other ways to involve parents in the classroom involve day-to-day activities and communications that can be accommodated to meet different cultural needs. A: There are a number of things I would do, on a regular basis, to get parents actively involved in the overall curriculum. Try this writing activity after reading a good book. Classroom teachers and school officials can make a major and lifelong impact in how parents with disabilities are included in their children’s education. Just as with students, keeping lines of communication open with parents is very important. You do not want to be locked in your office or classroom without a plan to get help should this kind of situation arise. Another important aspect of preparation is teacher training . The good news is, in our technology-rich world our approach to parent communication can be stronger than ever! They can help support you by teaching at home, backing up your fair discipline measures, making sure homework and projects are done, and by helping in the classroom. Reading Activities and Resources for Teachers and Parents. Build trust with parents so that if a concern arises, you can effectively deal with it together. There are many ways parents can get involved in schools. This guide offers suggestions to include parents with disabilities in your school as well as classroom activities. Understanding Culture in the Classroom. With these changes also comes exciting new opportunities. Lucky for us, teachers like to share, so just ask, or do some research in your network. Opening up your room to service providers, paraprofessionals, special education teachers, and parents gives you valuable opportunities to participate in collaborative teaching. So how can teachers involve other people outside their profession to enrich the lives and academic success of their students?