Provide one or two examples of new ways you might include parents by allowing them to use their skill sets.

[Austin]

I would love to incorporate parents in the classrooms, but they have to complete the needed background checks. If every month, a new parent was the contact person for course activates or special days, it would help connect teachers and families.

[Austin]

I would love to conduct a survey at the beginning of the school year with parents to see what it is they are interested in, what their strengths are, and how they would like to participate in our classroom that school year. That way I can play to those strengths and interests when I look for volunteers and help in or out of the classroom.

[Austin]

Our school sends out a survey the beginning of the school year to see what skills parents have and how they are willing to share these skills with our students. We have some dads that help volunteer with security. We have some parents that come in and teach certain lessons based on their skill set.

[Austin]

Incorporating parents into a school community by leveraging their skill sets can enhance the overall educational experience for students. Here are two examples of how this can be achieved:

1. Guest Speakers and Workshops:

   • Parents often have diverse professional backgrounds and expertise. Inviting parents to share their knowledge and experiences through guest speaking engagements or workshops can be enriching for students.
   • For instance, if a parent is a scientist, they could give a presentation about their work, conduct a hands-on science experiment, or organize a workshop on a relevant topic. This not only exposes students to real-world applications of academic subjects but also allows parents to contribute their skills directly.

2. Mentorship Programs:

   • Establishing mentorship programs where parents with specific skills or professions mentor students can be beneficial. Parents can serve as mentors in areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), or even in career guidance.
   • For example, a parent who works as an engineer could mentor students interested in STEM fields. This mentorship could involve periodic meetings, discussions about career paths, and potentially even hands-on projects or workplace visits. This not only provides valuable guidance to students but also allows parents to actively share their expertise.

By incorporating parents in these ways, schools can tap into a valuable resource within the community, creating a collaborative learning environment where students benefit from the real-world experiences and expertise of their parents. This approach not only strengthens the bond between the school and parents but also enhances the overall educational ecosystem.

[Austin]

I love asking parents what they do and find ways for them to come in the classroom. I could ask parents to come in for our business unit again as covid took that away. I am thinking of having a parent come read to the course. I have had parents come in to speak about the environment because they worked for Greenpeace and I had a parent come in who made electromagnets and gave a talk on it to both grade 3 courses. I would love to find a parent who is into marketing for our business unit.