This category of involvement represents the opportunities schools and parent associations give parents to learn about the school program and to increase their skills to help their children. Here are possible ideas for your association to try.

• Set up a Parent's Shelf in the school library or parent resource room of books and materials which can be checked out by parents and used at home with their children.
• Consider starting a Family Resource Centre at your school (a space where parents can meet to chat, read current books or magazines on parenting, etc.)
• Consider hosting an inservice day for parents and teachers (and older students), on a topic of interest in your area, for example AIDS, drugs, alcohol, violence, family math, etc.
• Consider running a series of Prime Time Parent workshops on television viewing. The kit, including videos and activity cards, can be borrowed from the provincial Federation. For ordering information see Parent-Child Partnership Television Viewing
• Consider a newcomer welcoming program (pairing new families with a family at the school who will 'show them the ropes').
• Offer computer and family math programs where parents and students can learn together.
• Consider organizing an after-school care or activity program to help alleviate the problem of latch-key children. For example, set aside a supervised area for quiet reading or completing homework, offer arts and crafts programs, offer gymnastics and music after school, organize a Christmas gift program (where children make gifts for elderly and forgotten citizens, for instance), etc.
• Provide an opportunity for parents to get together with other parents to discuss school problems.
• Offer English as a Second Language (ESL) or other adult classes at your school. This helps parents feel comfortable at the school so that they are more likely to become involved.
• Consider a breakfast or lunch program for the children in your area who are hungry.
• Consider sponsoring a literacy program at your school. Many parents have poor reading skills, and many more are unaware that reading to their children is important. If parents can have the opportunity to improve their reading skills and increase their self-esteem as readers, they may also learn to improve communication with their children and be able to read to and with them.
• Check out the publications of the Canadian Home and School Federation.
• Check out Bridging the Gap: The Family Support Program. (1993-1994) by C. Todd & Terry Murphy, available from the CHSPTF. This handbook is intended for use by individuals who are interested in developing or facilitating "Family Support" programs. It is designed to provide you with information, ideas and strategies on how to set up a Family Support Program in your own community. It discusses recruiting parents, starting a support group, parenting programs, tutoring programs, story circles, speaker's corners, teen groups and recruiting volunteers.
• Develop a list of community resources available to help families. A resource directory can make families aware of where to get the help they need. Distribute the list widely to school and other agency staff members.
• Consider a workshop to increase awareness of the signs of child abuse (include teachers).
• Consider a Homework Haven program to rovide a quiet place for students to do homework.
• Consider organizing Family Math or Family Science, hands-on programs for the entire family whose goal is to increase participation in science and math. They can be modified to suit the needs of your area and can be initiated by teachers or parents.
• Consider ordering a Family Science book for your school. The book has science activities for parents and children of all ages to enjoy together, as they actively tinker, test ideas and talk about science. And if you want to set up FAMILY SCIENCE classes in your own community, there are help and advice for that, too.
• Consider organizing day-time upgrading classes for parents, for instance on tips for helping children with homework (while small children are cared for in another room).
• Consider organizing a series of parenting workshops. Several options are available: PALS (Parents Assist Learning and Schooling), Motivating Children.
• Consider ordering a set of booklets from the Parent Institute (P.O. Box 7474, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7474 Tel: 1-800-756-5525.) Publishes 26 excellent booklets for parents on topics such as building children's self-esteem, teaching responsibility, teaching critical thinking. Publishes 26 quick tip pamphlets. Videos are available to complement the booklets on parenting. Newsletters are available at the elementary and high school level. The Parent Institute sells in bulk and will not take individual orders. A school or a parent association could call for a catalogue.
• The Center on Families, Communities, Schools, and Children's Learning provides a variety of research literature and practical guides on parent involvement for under $10. To obtain a listing of resources, write the Center, Attention: Publications, The Johns Hopkins University, 3505 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21228, or call 410-516-0370.
• Organize transportation to the school for volunteers if needed.
• Organize child care at the school for volunteers if needed.
• Offer door prizes (donated from local supportive businesses) at meetings and school events.
• Include a social activity in meetings (rather than all business); include a performance by the children or something they are interested in doing.

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