A classroom newsletter promotes open communication between families and the school. Use it to let parents know what their children are learning and to list ways they can help as in-class volunteers. To get the most out of your newsletter, send it home on the same day every week and print each issue on paper of the same color. If the newsletter is easy to find and parents expect to see it in their child's backpack, they are more likely to read it and respond to your volunteer requests.
Classroom volunteer opportunities are limited only by the teacher's imagination. Ask parents to lead review sessions before tests or to monitor the class while you work with individual students. Parents with a particular skill can present a lesson in their area of expertise. For example, parents who are physicians might enjoy working with you on a science unit about bacteria. Parents who travel regularly may be part of a geography lesson. Ask parents who are available for longer periods of time to chaperon field trips.
Because of the high number of single-parent and two-career families, few parents can be a physical presence in the classroom. That does not mean, however, that they cannot participate in their child's education. Increase family involvement by planning activities that parents and children can work on together at home. For example, students might interview their parents about their own childhood experiences and write a composition about what they learned. Teachers can promote literacy by inviting parents to commit to reading for enjoyment regularly as a family. Many textbooks come with online interactive activities that parents and children can do as partners.
Teachers have a responsibility to let parents know about schoolwide and districtwide opportunities to improve the quality of education. Encourage them to be actively involved in the parent-teacher organization, where they will meet others who are committed to supporting the school. Let them know they are vital to the success of school fundraisers, curriculum committees and extracurricular programs. Finally, remind parents that they can influence policy by attending school board meetings and contacting board members with their concerns.