Planned Events That Engage Families

Critical Thinking Question

1. How will you help ensure that all families feel included in all aspects of the classroom and program?

Events provide information and/or hands-on activities that give parents the opportunity to learn about and interpret the curriculum at first hand. Ideally, parents and teachers together should have input about topics.

Examples of this kind of activity can include:

• Social eventssuch as a picnic, pancake supper, or cookoutdesigned to develop a sense of community at school.
• An orientation meeting or information session to share general information about the curriculum and/or particular elements such as literacy, math, or art.
• Informal discussion groups focused on a specific topic (such as temper tantrums or toilet training) or sharing a film or reading an article of relevance or timeliness.
• A panel discussion with representatives from local schools focused on helping parents prepare for children’s transitions to elementary school.
• A back-to-school night or open house intended to familiarize family members with classroom organization, materials, and activities that are part of the children’s daily experience.
• Hands-on workshops that engage parents in activities demonstrating how children learn, such as story reading, a math/science cooking night, or even finger painting.
• Special events that highlight children’s work, such as an art exhibit, harvesting the classroom garden, or celebrating children’s writing.

These events also provide for informal discussion and question-and-answer opportunities with the teacher. When teachers and families engage in ongoing dialogue about the curriculum, children benefit indirectly from insights they gain and a sense of shared purpose.