7 Ways to Involve Passive Parents in School Activities

Parental influence in the school system is vital for the growth of any institution. Teachers are caregivers and they impart knowledge. As a teacher, I have observed, over the years,  that only twenty percent of parents get involve in their kid's school activities.  Though, few take a big leap to ask how they can help move their kid’s school forward, others just sit on the fence and watch. They find it difficult to attend P.T.A meetings and Open Day sessions. With this in mind, I sense a feeling of disappointment in kids whose parents failed to turn up. Such parents get concerned when they notice a sharp decline in their children's grades. Of course, they blame teachers and the school system. 

School administrators can change the attitude of these passive parents. 

Get them talking and involved in the following suggested areas:

School assemblies: invite parents whose children show exemplary behavior to attend assemblies and give a short talk to the students.  Some parents feel ashamed when they are left out in such activities.

Plan a school dinner: once in a blue moon for all the parents, it brings awareness of the internal activities in the school.

School facilities: tap the expertise and the professional skills of parents. Encourage them  to help and donate  to  school facilities that is in uttermost demand. Using their skills and crafts can contribute to the growth of the school.

Organization of the school: Give them first class information on how to get quick help. Don't limit their visit to only closing hours. Invite them to take part in teaching students on 'Parents Day.'  In this way, they interact with the kids and teachers.

Parent representative: During P.T.A  meetings elect a parent rep who can interact with all the parents and get them involved on the activities in the school. Elect a parent representative for each class. This method is effective because a parent rep for a class will be able to interact with the class teacher and give feedback on the class to the parents whose kids are in that class.

Partnership: Teachers hold a conflicting view about parents.  Teachers and parents can work together in partnership. Through these avenues they learn about each other strengths and weaknesses. When parents and school administration work together they bridge the gap.

Buzz groups: parents can arrange themselves into groups to discuss their role  how to enhance the  school  system effectively.

Workshops: Plan and arrange parent workshops for training. Make it parent-centered than teacher-centered. Parents must be given the audience to express their feelings.

The importance of parental involvement in school shouldn't be relegated to the background because research studies conducted reveal that parents who are involved have fewer behavior problems with their children.