Sage on the Stage - Increasing Parental Involvement

Have you ever been to a sports contest for students and think to yourself: 'it would be great if parents were this excited and came out in these numbers for PTA or family workshops.' 

I mean it is during the EXACT same time as a PTA meeting and the entire community is there cheering on the student. 

How can we, then, transfer that same enthusiasm to math night, PTA and honor roll?

Put the students on stage. Let them plan, lead, and execute the activities and the parents will rise to the occasion. To teach is to learn twice so having student presenters is a benefit to them also. 

Student presenters:

Practice planning and problem solving

Collaborate with co-facilitators

Model best practices

Gain great leadership ability

Increase self esteem and self efficacy

Parents:

Learn from their students

Get accustomed to school wide strategies 

Teachers:

Facilitate and clarify when needed 

Support parents as guides

Ensure family contact info is accurate

Do you have experience with this model or are you willing to try it and share?