How do you engage parents and families in supporting SEL at home and in the community?

1 Communicate the benefits of SEL

One of the first steps to engage parents and families in SEL is to communicate the benefits of this approach for their children and themselves. You can use newsletters, emails, social media, or parent-teacher conferences to share information about what SEL is, why it matters, and how it aligns with your school's vision and goals. You can also highlight the positive outcomes of SEL, such as improved academic performance, reduced behavior problems, increased resilience, and enhanced well-being. By communicating the benefits of SEL, you can build trust and rapport with parents and families, and invite them to join the SEL journey.

2 Provide resources and tips

Another way to engage parents and families in SEL is to provide them with resources and tips that they can use at home and in the community. You can share books, videos, websites, or podcasts that offer practical guidance and examples of how to promote SEL skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. You can also suggest activities, games, or routines that parents and families can do with their children to practice SEL skills, such as expressing emotions, setting goals, solving problems, empathizing with others, or collaborating on projects. By providing resources and tips, you can empower parents and families to support their children's SEL growth.

3 Invite feedback and input

A third way to engage parents and families in SEL is to invite their feedback and input on your SEL initiatives and practices. You can use surveys, focus groups, or advisory committees to gather their opinions, suggestions, or concerns about how SEL is implemented in your school and classroom. You can also ask them to share their own experiences, challenges, or successes with SEL at home and in the community. By inviting feedback and input, you can show respect and appreciation for parents and families, and learn from their perspectives and insights.

4 Celebrate successes and achievements

A fourth way to engage parents and families in SEL is to celebrate the successes and achievements of their children and themselves. You can use portfolios, showcases, or awards to highlight the progress and accomplishments of your students in SEL skills, such as creating a kindness project, resolving a conflict, or making a positive change. You can also acknowledge and praise the efforts and contributions of parents and families in supporting SEL at home and in the community, such as modeling empathy, providing encouragement, or volunteering for a cause. By celebrating successes and achievements, you can foster a sense of pride and joy for parents and families, and reinforce the value of SEL.

5 Collaborate on challenges and opportunities

A fifth way to engage parents and families in SEL is to collaborate on challenges and opportunities that arise in your school and community. You can use meetings, workshops, or forums to discuss and address common issues or needs that affect your students' social and emotional well-being, such as bullying, stress, or diversity. You can also explore and pursue potential opportunities or projects that can enhance your students' SEL skills, such as service learning, peer mentoring, or civic engagement. By collaborating on challenges and opportunities, you can build a strong partnership with parents and families, and create a shared vision and action plan for SEL.

6 Connect with other parents and families

A sixth way to engage parents and families in SEL is to connect them with other parents and families who share similar interests, goals, or experiences. You can use social events, online platforms, or support groups to facilitate networking and communication among parents and families in your school and community. You can also encourage them to exchange ideas, stories, or resources that can help them promote SEL at home and in the community. By connecting with other parents and families, you can create a supportive and inclusive culture for SEL, and leverage the collective wisdom and strength of your learning community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?