By
Ecential Team
October 2, 2024
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Updated:
November 7, 2024
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5 min read
Now we all know parents love to get pictures of their kiddo. It’s that quick dopamine hit of “Awwww, look at Olivia now. She looks sooooo different than when I dropped her off 5 minutes ago!” But the truth is, that important work you do in the classroom is sometimes not fully understood. That’s why we are talking about ACTUAL parent engagement (aka working with the families).
In early childhood education, it is a game-changer, boosting academic success and fostering strong relationships between families and schools. In fact, recent studies show that actively involving parents in their children's learning can lead to five additional months of progress in key areas like reading and language skills (EEF). An, maybe, just maybe, they won’t be as mad next time they had to sign a boo-boo report.
So, how can teachers encourage this partnership? Let’s take a look at a couple of latest trends in parent engagement and explore some fun ways to bring it to life in the classroom!
Parents may feel like they need a PhD in early education to help their kids, but here’s a secret: simple, everyday activities work wonders! From reading bedtime stories to playing counting games during dinner, parents can easily blend learning into their daily routines. So when you’re filling out those reports or having a quick chat at pickup, make some suggestions for games and activities. It can help. (EEF).
Don’t believe us? Take the story of Ms. Diaz, a preschool teacher in California, who gave her students' families a challenge: spend 15 minutes a day reading together. Each family received a “reading passport,” where they tracked the books they read. Parents were thrilled with how much their kids engaged in storytime, and within a few weeks, Ms. Diaz saw a noticeable boost in her students’ language skills.
The world is a vibrant mosaic, and communication trends are evolving. Today’s classrooms reflect a rich diversity of backgrounds, which offers endless opportunities to celebrate! Teachers are getting creative by weaving families’ cultures and languages into everyday learning. For example, one class held a “Global Family Potluck” where each child’s family brought a dish that represented their heritage, turning lunch into a culinary journey around the world (sure beats my normal turkey and cheese sandwich).
In another, parents were invited to teach simple songs or greetings in their native language, giving children hands-on experiences with new cultures. These activities don’t just celebrate differences—they build a deep sense of belonging and mutual respect among students and allow you to connect with the parents. (Ryan Group Schools). And, you never know when knowing how to say “Do you want your teddy?” in Spanish and Italian may come in handy.
At its core, parent engagement is about forming a team—a team that puts kids at the center and helps them shine. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to connect parents to the classroom (and more importantly your hard work with the children), whether through storytelling, cultural celebrations, or fun learning challenges. So, teachers, don’t be shy! Keep inviting parents to play a part in their child’s education. When parents and teachers work together, learning becomes a whole lot more fun—and effective!