What are your best tips for engaging parents in school activities?

1 Use multiple channels

Don't rely on just one method of communication, such as newsletters, emails, or phone calls. Use a variety of channels to reach out to parents, such as social media, text messages, apps, or websites. Make sure your messages are clear, concise, and relevant, and include invitations, reminders, and feedback. Also, consider the preferences and accessibility of different parents, and offer options for translation, audio, or video formats.

2 Build relationships

Communication is not only about sharing information, but also about building trust and rapport with parents. Show genuine interest in their children's strengths, interests, and challenges, and acknowledge their contributions and concerns. Be respectful, friendly, and approachable, and use positive and encouraging language. Invite parents to share their feedback, questions, and suggestions, and respond promptly and politely. Also, try to connect with parents on a personal level, such as by learning their names, cultures, and hobbies.

3 Offer flexibility

One of the main reasons parents may not participate in school activities is because they have conflicting commitments, such as work, family, or other obligations. To overcome this barrier, offer flexibility and variety in the types and times of activities you organize. For example, you can provide online or recorded options for workshops, meetings, or presentations, or schedule them at different times of the day or week. You can also offer different ways for parents to volunteer, such as by donating materials, helping with tasks, or sharing skills.

4 Make it fun

Another way to engage parents in school activities is to make them fun and enjoyable for both them and their children. Instead of focusing on academic or formal topics, you can also organize activities that celebrate diversity, creativity, or wellness, such as cultural festivals, art shows, or fitness challenges. You can also involve parents in games, competitions, or rewards, such as bingo, trivia, or raffles. The goal is to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere that encourages parents to interact with each other and the school staff.

5 Collaborate with others

You don't have to do everything by yourself. You can collaborate with other teachers, staff, or parents to plan and implement engaging activities for parents. For example, you can form a parent-teacher association, a parent advisory committee, or a parent mentor program, and delegate roles and responsibilities. You can also partner with local organizations, such as libraries, museums, or businesses, to offer resources, services, or opportunities for parents. By working together, you can leverage the strengths, skills, and networks of others, and create a stronger sense of community.

6 Evaluate and improve

Finally, you should always evaluate and improve your communication and engagement strategies with parents. You can use surveys, polls, or interviews to collect feedback from parents about their satisfaction, preferences, and needs. You can also use data, such as attendance, participation, or outcomes, to measure the impact and effectiveness of your activities. Based on the results, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your approach, and make adjustments or changes accordingly. You can also share your findings and achievements with parents, and thank them for their support and involvement.

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?