Family Engagement

Teachers, administrators, and other school personnel will find relevant and valuable tools and resources here for strengthening bonds between schools, families, and communities.

The Math Manipulatives Hiding in a Junk Drawer
When parents ask how to get the benefits of manipulatives like base 10 blocks in distance learning, teachers can share strategies for using common household items.
Nell McAnelly
Tips for Preschools Moving Back to In-Person Learning
After a summer of intensive preparation, this preschool reopened, with lessons for other preschools when they’re ready for the transition.
Melanie Muskin
Using Technology to Connect With Parents
Schools around the country have implemented new strategies for communicating with families during distance learning.
Devery Rodgers
Why Learning at Home Should Be More Self-Directed—and Less Structured
On March 18, 2020, Simone Kern tweeted that simply “recreating schools at home” passes up a golden opportunity to engage kids in authentic, self-directed learning.
Simone Kern
How to Improve Distance Learning for Students With IEPs
Strategies for parental involvement and synchronous and asynchronous activities can help students with individualized education programs.
Kathryn Welby
Setting the Stage for a School Year Online
The digital classroom doesn’t have to be a replica of the traditional classroom. Try these tips for different online instruction.
Laura Lee
Less Jargon, More Grace: Using Language That Parents Understand
Messages to parents and guardians that are full of acronyms and buzzwords can lead them to miss what teachers are trying to say.
Tracy Edwards
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Learning to Measure the Size of a Problem
When elementary students compare the relative importance of a range of problems, they learn to take charge of their reactions.
3 Ways to Reduce Stress and Build Connections During Distance Learning
Remote learning will likely play a role in students’ lives once schools reopen. Here’s how teachers and parents can help kids manage stress, build resilience, and stay connected.
Sarah Gonser
7 Tips for Managing Distance Learning in Preschool
A preschool education director shares what her school is doing to keep kids’ screen time to a minimum while fostering play-based learning at home.
Melanie Muskin
Thank-You Letters to Teachers
Keith Heggart
A Strategy for Building Productive Relationships With Parents
Reaching out to parents and guardians early with positive messages goes a long way toward creating successful partnerships with families.
Crystal Frommert
How to Coach Parents Who Are Teaching at Home
Many parents and guardians felt overwhelmed in supporting their student’s learning during the pandemic—these strategies can help.
Ben Johnson
How to Support Home Learning in Elementary Grades
A first and second grade teacher shares his home learning plan for his students and how he is engaging their families.
John S. Thomas
DIY Ways to Meet a Child's Sensory Needs at Home
Occupational therapists and trauma-informed teachers weigh in on how to create sensory tools and spaces with what you have at home.
Emelina Minero, Nora Fleming

Family Engagement

.css-1sk4066:hover{background:#d1ecfa;}The Math Manipulatives Hiding in a Junk Drawer

.css-1enhq53:hover{background-color:#d1ecfa;}Learning to Measure the Size of a Problem

The Math Manipulatives Hiding in a Junk Drawer

Learning to Measure the Size of a Problem