One of the best ways to promote positive learning outcomes on an individual and school-wide level is involving families in their child’s educational journey. The earlier in the school year educators begin to collaborate with families, the more likely their strategies are to be effective.[3] From back-to-school nights to parent-teacher
Regular family-teacher communication is a meaningful step to long-term family engagement. As Candra Morris, VP of Professional Learning at Waterford.org, notes in a recent article, “Academic success for students requires a partnership between educators and families.” Read on to learn how to communicate more effectively with the families in your
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (July 7, 2023) — Waterford.org, a national not-for-profit organization committed to providing equitable access to proven early education programs, is excited to announce its sponsorship of a week-long screening of “The Right to Read” film during National Summer Learning Week. The on-demand film, featuring Waterford.org Executive Director Dr.
Both educators and families share a common goal: to provide strong support for students. By working together, they can craft a comprehensive support system that promotes success. However, educators sometimes prioritize one-way communication rather than true collaboration—leaving families unsure if they are valued in their child’s classroom and school. To
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (July 6, 2023) — Waterford.org, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing equitable access to proven early education programs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernest Blackwell as its dynamic new board chair. Mr. Blackwell assumes the role after the esteemed tenure of Allison Molkenthin, who has
On both the classroom and schoolwide level, family involvement in education can make a profound difference in early learning outcomes. When educators build strong relationships, families can reinforce what their students are learning in the classroom as they set their own routines and expectations at home. As an educator, it’s
BISMARCK, N.D. — Parents and caregivers of school-aged children truly want to be seen, heard, and involved with what goes on in their kids’ classrooms. This insight emerged from the Engage Every Family Conference, held earlier this year at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, where esteemed education expert Dr. Steve
The lazy days of summer can lead to learning loss for some children. When school is out, children are less focused on traditional academics and participate in more play-based activities. Luckily, learning doesn’t only happen in a formal setting. There are many opportunities to help your child this summer that
Children benefit from two types of stories in their lives. They need “mirror” stories that reflect their own experiences, which lead to a sense of belonging in their classroom and communities. They also need “window” stories that let them peek into lives and experiences that may be different from their
Time and time again, studies show that students who learn to love reading are more likely to develop strong reading skills—not the other way around. Libraries can be powerful tools—in your classroom, school, and community—to encourage a love of reading and engage students in learning. Read on to learn about
