Family engagement is more critical than ever. With new hybrid and virtual learning models, parents and families play a crucial role in their child’s education. Support at home significantly boosts student success, academic achievement, and social-emotional health.
The Importance of Family Engagement
Teamwork is essential, especially in today’s learning environment. Family involvement is crucial for student success. The responsibilities of parents, grandparents, and other family members have increased dramatically, encompassing virtual meeting schedules, multiple Google Classrooms, and varied assignment deadlines. This level of family engagement leads to higher student achievement, better attendance, and a more positive attitude toward school.
The success rate of students with high family engagement compared to those with low engagement is remarkable. From my experience with virtual learning in the spring and hybrid/remote learning in the fall, students with strong family support complete more assignments, attend more virtual meetings, and achieve better results. Even older students benefit from home support during these challenging times.
Families may feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the global situation during these challenging times. Teaching now involves not just remote instruction but also crisis management. The past nine months have impacted students academically and emotionally. It’s essential to keep families motivated and show them that everyone is in this together through actions, not just words.
Ways to Increase Family Engagement
Increasing family engagement starts with keeping families informed. Regular communication is essential. At my school, the principal sends a weekly email to parents highlighting school events, student schedules, PTA updates, and other important information. This practice has received positive feedback, as parents look forward to reading it each Friday.
Teachers can adopt a similar approach. While a weekly newsletter may be overwhelming, a monthly newsletter featuring class events and student achievements can be well-received. With today’s technology, consider delivering these updates through a video message if you’re comfortable with it.
Another effective strategy is educating families on how to support their children. Many families want to help but need to learn how. Provide clear instructions on classroom procedures and ways they can assist. Creating tutorials for accessing websites and assignments can be very helpful. This reduces confusion and helps families feel more competent in supporting their children’s learning.
Building relationships with families is crucial for engagement. Frequent communication about both class activities and individual student progress fosters better engagement. Refrain from assuming parents will reach out if issues arise. Since the start of hybrid/virtual learning, I’ve called each parent in the first week of school and continue to contact about ten parents weekly via phone or email.
Positive communication is critical. Families appreciate knowing their child is cared for, and regular updates involve them more deeply in the learning process. Don’t just communicate problems; share positive feedback as well. This makes parents more willing to engage with the school.
Encouraging families to take ownership in the educational partnership can also boost engagement. Solicit their input on what they find helpful and what additional support they need. Ensure classroom organization is user-friendly for both students and parents. Periodically check in to see if your methods are effective and make necessary adjustments.
Personal connections are vital. Share your personality with students and families to foster social-emotional connections. Simple gestures like asking students about their weekend plans can provide insight into their lives and build rapport.
Amid the challenges we face, the support of students’ families is indispensable. As Jane D. Hull said, “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of the parents.” While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, involving families as partners in the educational process is a strong start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can schools keep families informed?
Regular communication is vital. Schools can send weekly or monthly newsletters that highlight important events, student achievements, and updates. Video messages are also a great way to engage families.
What are some practical ways to engage families?
Educate families on how they can support their children. Provide tutorials on using classroom websites and accessing assignments. Clear instructions can help families feel more confident in assisting their children.
How can teachers build relationships with families?
Frequent communication about both class activities and individual student progress is essential. Reach out regularly, not just when issues arise, and share positive feedback.
How can families contribute to the learning process?
Encourage families to take ownership by seeking their input on classroom organization and support needs. Adjust classroom strategies based on their feedback to create a more inclusive environment.
How can teachers maintain personal connections with families?
Share your personality and foster social-emotional connections with students and families. Simple interactions, like asking about weekend activities, can build rapport and provide valuable insights.
Why is family engagement critical?
Family involvement is crucial for student success. It leads to higher academic achievement, better attendance, and a more positive attitude toward school. Engaged families create a supportive learning environment.
Conclusion
Increasing family engagement is vital for student success. Schools can create a supportive student environment by maintaining regular communication, providing support resources, and building solid relationships. Encouraging families to participate actively in the educational process boosts academic achievement and fosters a positive attitude toward learning. By working together, educators and families can ensure that every student thrives.
