I was excited to find this piece from Edutopia on using parent volunteers in the classroom as we not focusing enough about how moms, dads, siblings, grandparents and others can help us personalize learning. This article by Karen Bantuveris should be shared widely across grade levels to send a message that families can be resources not only in the early years, but in middle and high school years as well. Parents can create materials (e.g., large-scale graphic organizers, classroom games); fundraise for resources or collect resources; run stations or centers; “book club” with small groups; read with or to individuals; assist with project-based instruction; serve as career mentors and so on.
If you have not done so recently, consider having a conversation with your colleagues about expanding the use or purposes of parent volunteers as a tool for differentiation.
About Paula Kluth
