Tackling parenting
Should we be tackling 'parenting'? In my experience, family classes are discussion-heavy. I am not qualified to teach parenting. But there are some good materials that tackle communication between parent and child. There's a recommended book list at the end of this article.

Providing a space where students can share concerns is important. Peer learning and teaching works very well. In one discussion in class bullying came to light. The group supported the parent, who reported the bullying to a teacher in the school. All my feedback forms from one programme had 'communicating with children' rated as the most important aspect of the course.

Progression
This kind of outreach is a long-term investment. My experience tells me that the real outcome of family learning is progression rather than accreditation. About two-thirds of the way through the course, I invite an education guidance worker to class so students know their learning options.

A few months ago a woman stopped me in the market. 'If it wasn't for that course you ran, I wouldn't have started my training to become a nurse.' she said. Words like that make the world go round.
 

Further information
Read my Family reading lesson plan which can be used as part of a literacy programme.

BBC Schools contains useful articles for parents of children at school. For example there's a Guide to reading and a Parents Guide to Mathematics.

The Basic Skills Agency has a website dedicated to Family Programmes.

Please note the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Book list:
'Bilingual children: a guide for parents and carers' by Foufou Savitzky
'Helping children with spelling' by Cynthia Klein and Helen Sunderland
'Helping my child with reading and writing' by Shan Rees and Foufou Savitsky
'Involving parents, carers and the community in schools' by Foufou Savitksy

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