How can I as a fifth grade teacher get parents more involved in the class?

Question

Better yet how can I get them to ENJOY coming to my class?

Answer 1

People respond much better when asked to do something specific rather than generally "get more involved", so identify some tasks for parents to do (e.g. give a lecture on their field of expertise, help out with an art project). And although this is time-consuming, consider asking people individually; many who are reluctant to volunteer in response to a general call will say yes if approached one-on-one.

Answer 2

Did some of the answerers read the whole question? The writer is asking as a TEACHER, not a child.

Second, I also teach 5th grade, and if you have a real solution, post it everywhere. I am going to assume you teach in an area where it is accepted not to come to school. Some places it is a given. I have been teaching in the inner city for 27 years, from K-6 and haven't figured it out yet. At the beginning of the school year we have an open house. The only time we got ANY participation was when we had a cookout for them and they came for the free food. I have often thought about having a parent conference and advertising free food. I honestly think it might work.

Failing the "little buggers" doesn't work. They don't care.

One of the biggest problems is that a lot of parents have memories of bad school experiences. They absolutely hate the thought of going into a school. It makes them feel stupid.

Also we have a lot of parents who really don't consider education as something they need/needed and don't think it will do anything for their children either. It isn't something they value.

Out school has tried raffling off DVD players, computers, all kinds of things. They just had to come to school and each time they would get to fill out a raffle ticket. It didn't help. The people who always came, still came, they others didn't.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I would ask for the parents numbers and update them about the great progress their child is making. Why not do something special for the student who has improved in a month and ask the parent to join in and discuss your desire for them to come to, observe and participate in their activities and plays? I hope everything works out because the children are lucky to have you as a teacher. If they are failing, please send home a note or put a comment on the paper of the test or exam they failed that you wish to have a conference on how you can help their child improve. Also, you can be old fashioned and ask can you do a home visit to discuss their child's progress because nowadays people are sometimes busy working and just don't have the time to come by the class.

Answer 4

First of all, I'm so sorry you are one of those children who have to beg your parents to be parents. Unfortunately, if both parents work and you do not have a parent BEING a parent, then you're left to pretty much raise yourself.

I would suggest you do this:
1. Write a note to your parents and ask them to please remember that they have a child in the fifth grade.
2. In the note, tell them that you are disappointed that you are coming last in their lives
3. In the note, list the dates and times of when at least one of them should be at your classroom, and
4. Tell them that you would like them to be happy that you are wanting them to be interested in your life, in your school events, and in how you are growing up.
5. At the end, you can write, "I miss having parents, but what I miss the most is having my parents in my life."

If they come back with "I'm too busy," or "I just can't because I have to work," or something else---then ask for the note back and take it to you teacher. At least she will know and you will know that you tried very hard to get you parents to be parents.

Answer 5

Can you provide more details - do they come to your class for a particular subject to sit in and listen? Maybe figure out a way to have them interact - whatever the subject matter is, they may have real life examples where the subject applies and they resolved something. Make it real for the kids. Also, maybe you can get their opinion on how they'd like to get more involved, they'll probably have 1 or 2 good ideas.

Answer 6

flunk 1 or 2 of the dummies and you will be assured of hearing from at least Some of the parents :-)