I am always looking for fun and interactive ways to get parents involved in what is happening in our classroom. Many parents are interested in volunteering, but making copies, laminating posters, or labeling books in a workroom does not allow them to spend quality time in our learning environment.

Since it would be a distraction for parents to be in the classroom during instructional time, I set aside time every week for parents visit our classroom to read aloud to the students. To add an exciting twist to an otherwise typical read-aloud experience, the reader each week is a mystery to the students until minutes before he or she arrives in our classroom with his or her favorite picture book.

The students absolutely love having their family members and/or other special guests visit each week! Reading is highly valued in my classroom, and inviting parents into our community of readers strengthens the home-school connection that is so important in helping students grow as readers.