May 18, 2023

I was raised by a single mom who traveled frequently for work and by a grandmother who graciously filled in the gaps when necessary. Although school plays and science fairs often took place during times when most adult family members were working, most of my classmates had a stay-at-home parent who could attend. As a result, I was one of the only students with no arms to run to when the final curtain fell or the best science experiment was announced.

There’s one experience from my afterschool program that I’ll never forget. Once a month, they’d have a movie night. We’d all make a fun snack, with each student contributing an ingredient, and we’d get to watch a movie. One time, because my mom was on a business trip, I couldn’t contribute bananas for the fruit salad, so I wasn’t allowed to eat the snack, and I had to sit at a table in the corner of the classroom facing away from the movie. I wish I were kidding! Looking back, I have a few questions: Why were school functions always held at the most inconvenient times for the average working parent? Why were my mother and I penalized or “left out” just because my mother needed to work extra hours since she was the sole provider?

Setting the Stage

Even if my mother couldn’t offer her time during normal working hours, there were many other ways she could’ve contributed, if given the chance. And while there’s no doubt that your out-of-school time program is leaps and bounds better than the one I attended as a child, the message still rings true: It’s easy to overlook the resources we have yet to uncover, even when they’re staring us right in the face! It’s important for all families to know that their experiences are valued. Rather than always telling them what you can offer them, strike a balance, and look for ways to use their life experience to your and your students’ advantage. In creating this two-way street, make sure the pavement is strong by using the Y4Y Knowing Families and Cultures tool, which encourages your program staff to become familiar with the different cultures of your students’ families. There are many ways to involve family members in your program events even if they can’t be there in person. Let’s explore some possibilities!

Give Them the Script

For the next Science Fair, perhaps a student’s dad, stepdad, or aunt who works in construction could help construct booths. Or they could help build set pieces for an afterschool performance. If a parent or guardian has experience in instructional technology (IT), could they participate prior to the event by helping set up a live stream? Or if you time it right, could they attend an event in person to run sound and lights? Hosting a Career Day is a stellar way to use families as a resource! Maybe your students who are interested in journalism could spend the weeks leading up to the event interviewing family members about their careers. They could then present their findings to their classmates. That way, families who can’t be there in person can contribute and get their stories told. In all these instances, it would also be beneficial to record the event and include photos and videos (with appropriate permissions, of course) in a newsletter or email. It’s an easy way to make families who can’t attend feel included.

An Everyday Performance

Even outside of one-time events, there are endless opportunities to tap the resource of family engagement! Check out the Y4Y Family Engagement Activity Types tool and the Family Activity Guide for inspiration. These tools explore different activities that families can do with their children, but how can we take that a step further by using their expertise to guide lessons and activities? Let’s brainstorm:

• If a family member works at or owns a restaurant, have them lead a cooking session.
• Does a parent, aunt, or cousin work in accounting? Ask them for some real-world applications for the math that your students are learning.
• Perhaps a relative who works in the healthcare industry can share age-appropriate tips for administering first aid.

Don’t forget that you’re not only there to serve your program’s families, but the families can serve you and your students. Consider the wealth of knowledge and life experiences that your students’ parents, guardians, and other family members have to offer. By inviting the contributions of people with diverse knowledge, skills, and cultures, you can make them feel valued and respected. And your students will get to see their families in a new light. So don’t be afraid to invite families onto the stage. Break a leg!