Family Fun

The dynamics we encounter in regards to our students’ relationships with their families is always hard to imagine. Some parents want to know constantly what their child is working on, others just don’t think to ask and unfortunately, some may not care. So what can we do to foster communication from child to family and from classroom to family?

Provide clear and easy, yet purposeful ways for students to share with their families the discoveries happening in your classroom. Add a “Family Fun” section to homework occasionally. Provide a game to play or guiding questions to discuss. Then leave signature blanks for all members who participated to sign.

Other helpful tips:
· You might include Family Fun on homework that is due in a few days to accommodate schedules.
· Send a note or e-mail to parents/guardians informing them of the new activity.
· Let your students develop the Family Fun activity every once in a while.
· Be clear about whether the activity will be graded or for extra credit.

Here are some ideas which you might use as Family Fun:
1. English class: Create a fun paragraph that has several mistakes. Encourage all family members to participate in a game of “Who can Find the Most Mistakes?”
2. Math: Send home a document with several math problems on it. Challenge the families to engage in a Mad Minute and see who can answer the most questions correctly within a one-minute time frame.
3. Family and Consumer Science: Create a food label scavenger hunt for families to complete within their homes or at the grocery store.


Classroom Engagement Tip for June 12, 2008