Effective Ideas for Engaging Parents and Caregivers

When I first began teaching over a decade ago, I was more anxious about interacting with my students’ parents and caregivers than about managing the children in my class. Over time, by observing and collaborating with veteran teachers, I realized that engaging families is crucial to student success and a positive classroom environment. In fact, research shows a direct correlation between higher family engagement with school and a child’s academic success.

Today, as a mentor to new teachers, I often hear the same concerns I once had. “I can talk in front of kids all day, but put me in front of grown-ups, and I’m a wreck,” one new teacher bemoaned. That got me thinking, how exactly did I overcome my own fear of inviting the grown-ups into my classroom? Important as it is, engaging families is rarely taught in teacher education programs or brought up in professional development sessions. I had to come up with my game plan on the job.

In this article, I share four proven strategies I’ve developed to invite families and caregivers into my first- and second-grade classrooms. These family partnerships support student learning, build a strong classroom community, and go beyond the basics of fall conferences and field trip chaperones. 

My invitations to families are always optional, but I track attendance and gently encourage underrepresented families. Over the past five years, using a variety of methods depending on my student group, I’ve achieved 95 to 100 percent family representation in my classroom.

Mystery Reader Program


Action: I invite caregivers to be a weekly Mystery Reader, reading aloud a book of their choice for 10 to 15 minutes in the classroom. Caregivers provide three clues, and the class guesses their identity, which the students love! I make this accessible to families by catering to their schedules, offering a book if they don’t have one, encouraging them to read in their home language, or setting up a video call if they can’t attend in person. 

Outcome: This program is a low-stakes way to ensure that every student has a family member visit our classroom. It’s especially impactful for students whose grown-ups don’t typically attend school events. The program strengthens the bond between home and school, exposes us to new books, and lets students learn fun facts about their classmates’ families.

Special Events Volunteers


Action: Beyond field trips, I invite parents to help with in-class events like holiday craft stations, game days, or messy science labs. To make it easier, I plan activities in short (45 minutes or less) increments and allow them to bring younger siblings along.

Outcome: This flexibility has led to increased parent participation, even for caregivers with demanding schedules or young children. It also enriches the classroom experience, providing students with new perspectives and expertise. Plus, there’s always an adult to handle the hot glue gun.

Teacher’s Helper 


Action: I assign classroom tasks like organizing the library, changing bulletin boards, or prepping materials to volunteers. These tasks take place in the classroom, so family members can interact with the class without leading activities (that’s not for everyone). I send out a monthly email with a list of tasks and let parents sign up for what fits their schedule and interests.

Outcome: This approach lightens my workload and allows caregivers who might not be comfortable working directly with children to contribute meaningfully. It fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the classroom environment, and kids absolutely light up seeing family members at school to help.

Academic Coaches
 

Action: I invite parents to serve as academic coaches, volunteering regularly during specific academic activities like math stations or writing workshops. After the first six weeks of school, I offer a simple training session to ensure that volunteers feel confident in supporting students, whether it’s helping them sound out words or practicing math strategies.

Outcome: Though initially the most challenging bridge for me to cross, this has become one of the most impactful strategies I’ve implemented. My students receive more individualized attention, and caregivers gain a better understanding of their child’s learning process and what goes on in our classroom.

Some additional tips include the following strategies, which I’ve found helpful. 

• Wait to invite guests: Start inviting families after the first six weeks, when students have established class routines. If you have a challenging group, consider waiting until after winter break.
• Prepare for student behavior: Teach and practice expectations for when guests are in the classroom. After guests leave, reflect on what went well and what needs improvement.
• Collaborate with a colleague: Trying new things is always easier with a partner. Work with your professional learning community or a veteran teacher who regularly engages families, and ask if you can observe.
• Use sign-up sites wisely: If using a free sign-up website, reserve spots for families who might not sign up right away or struggle with the technology. Reach out to them directly to ensure that they’re included.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done to engage families and excited to share my strategies with other teachers. I encourage you to start small, choose one strategy that feels comfortable, and implement it with fidelity.

My hope is that you feel energized and empowered to welcome “the grown-ups” into your classroom. When families step into our shared learning space, it serves as a powerful reminder—to both the students and ourselves—that we are all part of the same team, working together to support each child’s success.