Forming partnerships between home and school are significant components in the success and healthy development of children. Here are 10 useful tips to incorporate into your daily practice.
1. Identify parents expertise. Parents are talented in many areas- yoga, art, cooking, computers, music, and various languages- just to name a few. Connect with them so that they can share their talents with your class/school.
2. Message in a Bottle! Collect “Pringles” containers (enough for each child in you class), let each child take one home and decorate with their parents. The bottle will not only be meaningful to the students but, can also be used to transport information between home and school.
3. Class photo album. Write a friendly letter home asking parents for a family picture to be used to create a class photo album. Also assure them that the photo will be taken care of and returned at the end of the school year.
4. Publish and circulate newsletters. Highlighting great new children’s books, neighborhood happenings, and useful activities that parents and children can do at home.
5. Literacy Bag. Each child will have a chance to bring home a literacy bag. The bag will include a book, story props (optional), a notebook, and markers. Each child will have the opportunity to take the bag home each night to share with their family.
6. Create a class “Cookbook!” Send letters and a form home asking parents to submit their favorite family recipe. Compile and make a book.
7. Host a literacy nights for parents. During this special night, educators can demonstrate simple literacy activities that can be easily incorporated at home.
8. Promote family literacy through a read-a-thon. Reward parents reading to their children and children reading to their parents through a read-a-thon. Establish a specific timeline. Start on a Monday and finish on a Monday. Set simple goals for examples, 200 minutes. Post a chart in the hallway. Classes can compete with one another. Give all the parents and students who reach their reading goal by the end of the established time a certificate. The overall winner can receive a bear and a $20 gift certificate to a local bookstore.
9. Create a parent resource center with parents. Collect gently used games, books- children and adults, and videos and DVDs for families to borrow or share.
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