Get Parents Involved from Day One!

Are you looking for a way to increase parent engagement 

at the beginning of the school year? 

I have a great resource for you! 

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite books to read aloud on the first day back to school.  The theme of self-acceptance is a perfect fit to calm those first day nerves! This activity also gives the students an opportunity to dive right into online research, helps me introduce technology procedures, and encourages parent involvement right from the start. 

I love reading this story to kids of all ages. I adore all things Kevin Henkes writes, but this story in particular is one of my favorites. I think the themes are especially fitting for kids in grades 3-5.

Kids can use any device with a QR code scanner to scan the websites.

Because this activity involves doing a little online research, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce classroom procedures for technology.  Our district is blessed with one-to-one devices, but you can also use this activity to teach students how to rotate through centers to a computer station OR how to log in at the computer lab. It is really flexible.

I have included 3 specific websites that students can use on the initial name investigation printable. (I copy the 2 pages of this resource front to back.) They can be accessed through the QR codes, but also are listed in small print right underneath. (The pdf includes a clickable link for you to be able to model the websites for the students if needed.)

This activity is also perfect for parent involvement. It sets the tone right away that you want the kids to talk about what they are learning in school with their families. The kids just get really excited that their parents have "homework", too. Ha! 

I like to give my students a few days to complete their research and parent interviews. Afterwards, we share what we learned with each other during a family meeting. (Yes, I share about where my name came from, too!)

I have found it to be a great activity to promote self-acceptance, to get to know each other better, and to embrace your “story” that makes you YOU. If you would like to download this activity for FREE to use in your own classroom, click on the picture below. I hope you love it as much as I do!

This post was originally created for a link up with Ciera from Adventures of Room 129 and Brenda from Primary Inspired. You will definitely want to check out the other bloggers in this link up... and grab their awesome Back to School freebies! Hope your year gets off to a FANTASTIC start!

An InLinkz Link-up