Strategies for Parental Involvement
It is important to find ways to involve all parents in their child's education and classroom. This means that we have to find ways to overcome language and cultural barriers and make parents feel welcome in their child's classroom and school. This task starts at the very beginning of the year with a letter home and a survey. Mary Cappellini has a wonderful letter home to parents to welcome them to the classroom:
"Dear Parents:
Welcome to our classroom!
I would love you to come in and participate in the education of your child this year. You are an important part of making sure that your child is successful in school. Not only would i appreciate your help, but I know that your child would as well.
There are many ways that you can participate and become involved in the classroom. You could help during reading time, writing time, or with math, science, history, or social studies. If you are talented in music, art, or physical education-or you have a special talent like how to make homemade paper or how to sew or make model airplanes-your help in any of those areas would be much appreciated. If you could come in and help make copies, prepare materials for class, or help correct papers that would be great.
On the next page is a short survey for you to fill out that will help me understand your skills, strengths, and special talents, and how you might like to participate in the education of your child this year. Please add anything else in the blank lines that you might like to do. Also you may not be able to come in during the day but could help me prepare for the class activities at home.
If you are not fluent in English, that is not a problem. I would still love you to come in and help, and if I can't communicate with you effectively, I will find a translator to help me; perhaps even your child could help. Language participating in your child's education.
Thank you for your time and effort! I look forward to having your help and participate with us this year!"
"Dear Parents:
Welcome to our classroom!
I would love you to come in and participate in the education of your child this year. You are an important part of making sure that your child is successful in school. Not only would i appreciate your help, but I know that your child would as well.
There are many ways that you can participate and become involved in the classroom. You could help during reading time, writing time, or with math, science, history, or social studies. If you are talented in music, art, or physical education-or you have a special talent like how to make homemade paper or how to sew or make model airplanes-your help in any of those areas would be much appreciated. If you could come in and help make copies, prepare materials for class, or help correct papers that would be great.
On the next page is a short survey for you to fill out that will help me understand your skills, strengths, and special talents, and how you might like to participate in the education of your child this year. Please add anything else in the blank lines that you might like to do. Also you may not be able to come in during the day but could help me prepare for the class activities at home.
If you are not fluent in English, that is not a problem. I would still love you to come in and help, and if I can't communicate with you effectively, I will find a translator to help me; perhaps even your child could help. Language participating in your child's education.
Thank you for your time and effort! I look forward to having your help and participate with us this year!"
Cappellini also as many ideas on ways to involve parents in the classroom, encouraging parents to support literacy and building community.
Involving Parents in the Classroom
Open Campus in the Morning.Use Bilingual GreetersMorning Library TimeFamily Reading in the ClassroomSchool Bulletin BoardsSchool NewslettersClassroom Newsletters |
School ToursCommunity LiasonsFamily StorytellersFamily JournalsParent JournalsSchool Webpage |
Encouraging Parents to Support Literacy
Before-School Reading ClubAuthor's TeaFamily Literacy NightHome-School Reading Program |
Library NightESL ClassesParenting Classes |
Building Community
School CarnivalSchool International FestivalSchool Fashion ShowSchool PlayCommunity Fundraisers |
Family DancesFamily Astronomy NightSchool Holiday ProgramsIce Cream Socials and Art FestivalsFamily-School Annual Picnic |
Work Cited
Cappellini, M. (2005). Balancing reading & language learning: A resource for teaching English language learners, K-5. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.