Oct 10, 2023
Engaging parents in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial for the holistic development of students. As K-12 district leaders, fostering a partnership with parents can amplify the effects of SEL programs, creating a supportive environment for students both at school and at home. This article outlines 6 strategies to enhance parent engagement in SEL.
Understanding the Importance of Parent Engagement
Parent engagement in SEL not only supports academic success but also enhances students' social skills and emotional well-being. When parents are involved, students receive consistent messages and reinforcement in their social and emotional development across their primary environments: home and school.
Strategies for Enhancing Parent Engagement in SEL
Communication and Information Sharing
Regular Updates: Keep parents informed with regular updates on their child’s progress and school-wide SEL initiatives.
Accessible Resources: Provide parents with easy-to-understand resources on SEL practices and principles. Learn how Maro's school-connected mobile app for families can support this.
SEL Newsletters: Send out monthly newsletters focusing on SEL topics, tips, and activities for home — Maro can provide helpful content!
Parent Training and Workshops
SEL Workshops: Host workshops that teach parents SEL strategies they can use at home.
Online Webinars: Offer webinars for parents who cannot attend in-person sessions.
Q&A Sessions: Organize question and answer sessions with SEL experts to address parent concerns and curiosities.
Incorporating Parent Feedback
Parent Advisory Boards: Create advisory boards that include parent representatives to provide insights into community needs and preferences.
Feedback Loops: Establish mechanisms for parents to regularly provide feedback and see how it influences decision-making.
Community Building Activities
Family SEL Nights: Arrange family nights with activities that incorporate SEL lessons.
Community Service Projects: Engage families in community service projects that promote SEL values like empathy and teamwork.
Cultural Events: Celebrate diverse cultures at school to foster an inclusive community environment.
Supporting Parent Advocates
Parent Champions: Train enthusiastic parents to become SEL advocates within the community.
Recognition Programs: Recognize and reward parents who actively participate in and support SEL initiatives.
Parent Networking: Create opportunities for parents to network with each other and share experiences and strategies.
Integrating Technology
SEL Apps and Tools: Recommend apps and digital tools that parents can use to reinforce SEL at home, like the Maro for Families mobile app.
Interactive Platforms: Utilize platforms like Maro to create interactive experiences for parents and students to explore SEL together.
Parent engagement in SEL is a powerful strategy that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of school programs. By implementing these 6 strategies, K-12 district leaders can create an environment that equips, informs and involves parents in their children's social and emotional development.
Maro provides the necessary tools and data insights to support these efforts, making it easier for schools to connect with parents and build a community focused on holistic student success.