Throughout my practicums, I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when families and the school work together to support students. In Grade 1, I made an effort to keep parents and guardians in the loop, whether through sharing student progress, celebrating small wins, or simply having quick conversations at drop-off and pick-up. I wanted families to feel like they were part of their child’s learning journey, not just observers.
In Grade 5/6, I noticed how students were becoming more independent, but family involvement was still just as important. I encouraged students to take ownership of their learning while also recognizing that having support at home could make a big difference in their confidence and success. Across all grades, I saw the value of building relationships with not just students, but also the school community—collaborating with staff, participating in events, and appreciating how everyone plays a role in helping students thrive.