Engaging is an ongoing process.

Parents and families are our most important partners in educating children. In keeping with this philosophy, there are many ways for families to become engaged in their child’s school and education.

We encourage families to discuss their children’s experiences at school daily. This discussion can involve what the child learned at school, any homework that was assigned, when assignments are due and if the teacher has requested anything from you or your child. It is also important to ask questions about their social experiences at school (who their friends are, extra-curricular involvement).

How to get involved?

Here are some of the ways to get involved and keep engaged with your child's learning at home and at school:

• Review homework and assignments and any communication from the teacher daily.
• Communicate with your child’s teacher  (ask your child’s teacher what method of communication is preferred).
• Ask questions regarding your child’s progress (academically and socially).
• Attend or ask to arrange meetings to review your child’s progress and achievement.
• Advocate for your child’s needs by sharing your child’s strengths and needs.
• Read to your child and listen to your child read (in any language) and ask questions before, during and after reading.
• Speak, read and write with your child in your home language – English literacy development is not delayed when additional languages are introduced to children. In fact, it strengthens literacy achievement.
• Play learning games (i.e., interactive board games). Be creative and create games.
• Tell and share stories.
• Talk to your child about his/her day at school (ask them what they learnt and how they can improve).
• Make sure there is a quiet space to do homework.
• Ask questions about what happened at school that have a response other than ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
• Encouraging your child to share their ideas, their interests and ask questions at home and school.
• Supervise them while they are on the internet to ensure they are navigating the internet safety and communicating with others in a safe manner.
• Join the school council or attend a meeting. 

Talking About School

Talking to your child about their school day is a great way families can support and engage in their child’s learning. Here are some tips that you may find helpful.

• Set aside time when your child does not have other distractions, for example, in the car, on a walk or at the dinner table.
• Ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no answer.
  • For example, what did you learn today? What made you smile today? What were you most proud of today?
• Ask specific questions. Check Google Classroom or updates from their teacher and ask about a particular project, activity or topic they are learning about in class. 
  • What character interests you most in the book you are reading in class? You did an experiment in class today, tell me about it. What topic are you choosing for your culminating project?
• Ask follow-up questions. 
  • For example, that sounds interesting, what was your favourite part of that project? How did you respond in that situation? 
• Ask them about social connections too. 
  • For example, who did you play with today? What did you play? What did you do at recess? 
• Be patient and don’t overwhelm them with questions. Your child may be tired and may share more at a later time. 

Volunteering

Learn more about volunteering at the York Region District School Board.

Board Committees

Parents and members of the community are encouraged to provide input to the Board of Trustees on special education, parent engagement and equity and inclusivity through the Special Education Advisory Committee, Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee and the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee.

For additional information about how you can volunteer to be involved in these committees, please contact Board and Trustee Services at extension 2262, 2327 or 2217.