Section 2.

1 Family Engagement Portfolio Assignment

4.6.1 Describe the advantages and importance of family or caregiver involvement in learner

development

In a student’s learning development, it is extremely important that their family is

involved and engaged in their life. “Researchers have evidence for the positive effects of parent

involvement on children, families, and school when schools and parents continuously support

and encourage the children’s learning and development (Eccles & Harold, 1993; Illinois State

Board of Education, 1993).” (Evidence 2.1.1 ​Benefits of Family Involvement​). When a family is

engaged in a student’s life, it not only benefits that student but the parents, educators, and the

school as a whole.

For educators, one advantage of having your student’s families involved is that you can

gain parent support. If parents are involved, then parents will begin to support and help you with

your needs. This could mean more volunteers and class helpers. Another advantage is that it

builds rapport. This allows for a close and harmonious relationship between the educator and the

parent. This helps an educator learn what their student’s life is like at home. This includes the

“below the iceberg” things educators usually don’t see such as religion, social etiquete, concept

of fairness, and understanding of the natural world. (Evidence 2.1.2 ​Iceberg Theory​). Students

are affected in many different ways as well. Parent involvement can promote the student to feel

welcomed, motivated, and it can boost their self-esteem. They will also be more willing to take

risks in which ups their success rate. This may also help educator sand parents by lowering any

student’s discipline problems. Parents are the main influence in any child’s life. When parents
are involved in the school system, it allows for parents to stay informed and in the loop,

understand the teacher’s teaching style, and they are more likely to help out.

There are many different ways to involve parents in the classroom. One of the biggest

factors is technology. This can include emails, electronic newsletters, social media, apps, text

messages, or phone calls. If you stay in contact with a parent or at least reach out to them once a

month, they are more likely to be involved in their child’s academic world. (Evidence 2.1.3

Communications Director of OLSD​). Another way to keep parents informed and active is by

sending hard-copy imformation home with their child. I have created a newsletter that informs

my student’s parents of what is going on in my classroom. (Evidence 2.1.4). I have also created

an introduction letter and a “Meet the Teacher” page that allows parents to really understand who

I am as an educator. This helps the parents stay involved and in the loop with what I am doing

and what I am like in and out of the classroom setting. (Evidence 2.1.5 ​Meet the Teacher​)

(Evidence 2.1.6 ​Introduction Letter​). You can also lead a student led parent-teacher conference.

This allows for the parent to see what their child is doing in the classroom and understand more

about their learning development. (Evidence 2.1.7 ​Student Led Conference​).

I believe that with any student, it is extremely important that their family is engaged and

involved in their child’s academics. I believe that communication with the parents is essential in

any good relationship with your students and their guardians. This requires strategy, efficiency,

cooperation, and flexibility. This includes different types of getting information to parents,

building relationships, and looking at situations from the parent’s and student’s point of view.

Family engagement has many adavantages in the classroom for everyone.