Parent Engagement and Its Power: Building Stronger Connections
Assess Different Tools
Parent engagement: More than what did you learn today
“How was school?” “Fine.”
Sound familiar?
Rote worksheets often leave parents out of the loop, leading to surface-level conversations about what happens in the classroom. Why? There is nothing engaging kids WANT to talk about at home. Project-based learning (PBL) flips this script by naturally sparking meaningful dialogue between students and their families. PBL connects learning to real-world applications, making it easier for parents to understand—and get excited about—what their children are working on creating a space for more parent engagement.
Why parent engagement thrives with PBL
When students dive into projects, they don’t just complete assignments; they solve problems, create, and explore passions. These dynamic experiences naturally flow into conversations at home. A student designing a sustainable garden might excitedly share research about local ecosystems or ask for help gathering materials. These interactions shift the focus from grades and homework to curiosity, creativity, and purpose.
Parent engagement in PBL also comes to life during showcases, where students present their culminating projects to families and the community. These events offer parents a window into their child’s learning, highlighting growth, strengths, and the real-world relevance of their work. By engaging parents in these moments, PBL creates a partnership between home and school, deepening the impact of the learning experience.
Having a key communication tool improves PBL parent engagement even more. Many applications are available. We found this article on using the Class Dojo application very helpful.
Social emotional learning in the classroom takes practice
Rock by Rock’s Parent Engagement Toolkit makes it simple to bring parents into the PBL process. It includes:
- Parent Letters: Keep families informed about projects and their purpose.
- Showcase Invitations: Welcome parents to experience the culmination of student work.
- Rubrics and Reflections: Guide parents in identifying their child’s strengths and celebrating growth during showcases.
- Send parent letters at the start of a project to set the stage for engagement.
- Plan a showcase to celebrate student achievements and invite families to participate.
- Provide rubrics and reflection tools to help parents engage meaningfully with their child’s work.
- Encourage ongoing dialogue by sharing updates and encouraging students to involve their families.
Project-based learning doesn’t just engage students—it transforms how families interact with education. By shifting the conversation from “fine” to “let me show you what I’m working on,” PBL creates a bridge between school and home that fosters deeper connections and lasting impact. Download our Parent Engagement Toolkit below and start communication with families!
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