But my tip this week involves a research-backed way to make those family events even more effective for your school: Collaborate with your teachers to connect some key academic goals with your family events. Is your school putting a big emphasis on raising math grades this year? How about holding a Family Math Olympics, then? Can your geography teacher (or music teacher, or both!) be part of an International Night where student presentations are mixed with the foods and dance and music from the many cultures represented in your school?
One key: Make sure you keep the fun -- and the free. Family events work great when you take the time to plan nights that attract large numbers of families, not just those families who are already heavily school-inclined. (A good example is this "Out of This World" astronomy family night.)
Have you made any of these connections at your school? Would love to hear your ideas on our message boards discussion.
Family nights are great. Family nights with a curriculum connection can be even better. Good luck!
