5 Ways to Get More Class Parents Involved This Year
Educators, room parents and school leaders - if your goal is to get more parents involved in the classroom and at school functions this year, we have 5 easy ideas to help you get a jumpstart! Parent engagement is key to student success, but with busy schedules and multiple volunteer needs, it's hard for schools and classrooms to get organized and branch out from the same group of people who always donate their time and resources. Don't miss these 5 helpful ideas!
1. Streamline the sign up process and make it more convenient for parents to engage in the classroom. Free online sign up sheets make it more convenient for parents to sign up to help for everything - from classroom readers to spring carnival booths. 24/7 access from computers and mobile devices (and a free iPad app) encourage parents to sign up on their own time, and automated reminders make sure everyone keeps their commitment.
2. Survey class parents - find out what areas parents would most like to get involved - this method secures a way of asking parents to help in key areas of the class which actually interest them. Volunteers who devote their time helping in ways they love are more likely to return to help again, and they make a bigger impact in the classroom as their enthusiasm and energy is transferred to the students' experience.
3. Encourage communication between parents - by making class rosters with contact info more available, encouraging parents to brainstorm ideas together for fun classroom activities, and taking advantage of technology and social platforms, your school volunteer group will boom as parents and families bond and learn to better communicate. See 6 Ways to Encourage Parent Communication
4. Grow your social community - when volunteer needs arise, post them on your school's various social networks (facebook page, twitter, even pinterest) and encourage your parent community to join you online so they are made privvy to updates and news. See Activate Your School Parent Community with Social Media
5. Embrace volunteer appreciation - your parent volunteer group not only deserves appreciation, but becomes a healthier and more loyal community because of the recognition. Whether it's online with shouts on twitter or facebook, in a hand-written note, or at an appreciation party, recognizing parent volunteers for their dedication and time will only strengthen and grow your group in the year to come. See Volunteer Appreciation Ideas on Pinterest
