Developing and building a strong sense of community within your Montessori school is essential to the success of the school. This can be accomplished by having school events that include teachers, students and parents. For every Montessori teacher there are 20-40 parents. In my classroom alone, I have over 60 parents! As over 55% of families found out about their current Montessori school from a friend, happy and knowledgeable parents not only keep their children in the school, but become advocates for future families.

Here are some ideas of school activities and events:

How Can I Promote Parent Involvement in My Montessori Community and School?

Morning Gathering – Gather the entire school community every Friday morning to pledge to the earth and sing songs of peace. It can also have the occasional student performances.

Talent Show – This provides the opportunity to engage many families across cultures.

Thanksgiving Feast – With the help of parents, each class prepares a dish. During the feast, the whole audience sings songs of Thanksgiving. Individual classrooms can perform skits, songs, or dances.

Class Quilts – Each year, each classroom picks a theme and creates a quilt around this idea. Parents help sew the quilt.

Annual Science Fair – Invite scientists from the area to talk to students about being a scientist. Hold a science fair where classrooms choose experiments to present. Parents can help with the planning as well as teaching and helping with the experiments. Older students can choose to do individual projects.

Annual Art Show – at the end of the year, each student chooses 2 of his/her best work to put on display. Children act as docents and refreshments are served.

Literacy Night – Parents and teachers take turn reading stories to various age groups. There are then thematic projects related to the literature. Everyone, including adults, wears pajamas.

Math Night – Children, parents, and teachers gather to play math-related games.

Movie Night – Dress in your pajamas and eat popcorn while watching family movies.

School Potluck – The entire school comes together and families are encouraged to bring dishes native to their culture. Children perform cultural dances and songs.

Carnival – Parents run a carnival with carnival activities. The community is involved by police and fire departments having demonstrations.

Involving parents in your Montessori school encourages a stronger sense of community, and is an excellent way of educating parents, as well as fostering a sense of well-being.