A way to encourage parents to participate in the classroom?

Question

What methods have you used to try and encourage parents to be more involved in your school/daycare?

Answer 1

We took a walking field trip to the mail box today and had a parent walk with us. She was great at watching the crossings at driveways etc. Also we have had parents come at lunch time to help on Fridays when we have pizza day. We also have a field trip to a pumpkin patch that includes families and one in the spring to the zoo for families. We have special group rates and it is a great time for parents to get to know one another too. The school has a parent group that meets once a month to plan fundraisers and discuss other ideas to help families of the school. All parents are welcome in the classroom at any time.

Answer 2

cooking

fundraising, new equipment, charity

bring and buy sales - raffles, cake sales, tombola, face painting, pin the tail on the donkey or put the potty under the child.

a sponsored walk with the children and their children

Answer 3

Open house of course, registration night, volunteers for early literacy assessments, Mother's tea, parent/teacher conferences and end of the year picnic.

Answer 4

WOW, I wanted to help my daughters teacher in the class any time they wanted me. The teacher said she didn't want the students parents in teh same room with them.

I found out the truth which was my child was having learning problems and they didnt' want me to know because they didn't want to help.

Answer 5

We had an open morning and invited parents to come and join in a activity and see what their kids were doing and then asked them if any of them could give up some of their time to be more involved

Answer 6

Send home notices for any and all activities, things like classroom parties, plays, career day, volunteers for read alouds, etc.

Remember that most parent's work, so coming to school might be difficult.   But, I know lots of parents would be willing to bring cookies for a bake sale or bring juice for a party.

Just keep sending notices home.  Most people are looking for opportunities to be involved, they just need time to fit them into their schedules.  

Send notices home often and early.

Answer 7

A really great tool is to have parents come in and talk about what makes them special or interesting.  Often people will talk about their line of work: dentist, chiropractor.  They can talk about their background:  greek, french, german.  Or they can talk about their special hobbies:  sports, art, culture, travel.  It's really fun to have children ask the grown-up visitor questions.  You can make it a Family of the Week activity.