Parent Involvement...

I have two children who attend school. My daughter is in pre-school and my son is a first grader at a local charter school. My daughter's preschool mandates that a parent help out in the classroom once a month. I love this, I look forward to it every month. I get to see first hand what she is talking about, their daily routine, and her friends. This gives me great tools as a parent to encourage her at home. I know what they are working on, which friend she is talking about, and what questions to ask. Without involvement I would rely on just her recount of the happenings at school. At my sons school it is not required but I go in once a month for the same reasons listed above. This has given me enormous insight into his teacher and classroom.
I feel that it is critical to get parents involved in my classroom. They can be my advocate at home when their child might be struggling with a concept, or just to get their homework done! I will do everything possible to allow parents to come into my classroom. I will send written invitations, and verbal ones. Creating a warm and thankful environment when they do come is so important to the students and the parent! This teaches the students to respect and appreciate parents who come in and also helps the parent to feel comfortable! I will allow parents to work one on one with a child who might be struggling with something, or in a group setting helping the students with a project, or cutting and pasting! The task isn't important, the involvement is! It lets the students know that their parents care. A successful education is one that involves parents!