How can museum education partnerships successfully involve parents and families?

1 Creating family-friendly programs

One way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to create programs that are designed for different age groups, interests, and abilities. These programs can include hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, guided tours, workshops, or special events that encourage family learning and interaction. For example, a museum can offer a family day where parents and children can explore the museum together, participate in fun challenges, and learn from museum educators and experts.

2 Communicating with parents and families

Another way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to communicate with them regularly and effectively. This can include sending newsletters, emails, or texts that inform them about the partnership goals, activities, and outcomes. It can also include inviting them to attend meetings, webinars, or feedback sessions where they can learn more about the partnership, ask questions, and share their opinions. Additionally, it can include creating a website, blog, or social media page where they can access resources, updates, and stories related to the partnership.

3 Providing parent and family education

A third way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to provide them with education opportunities that enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence. These opportunities can include workshops, courses, or online modules that cover topics such as museum literacy, cultural diversity, curriculum integration, or child development. They can also include mentoring, coaching, or peer support programs that connect them with other parents, families, or museum educators who can offer guidance, advice, or inspiration.

4 Encouraging parent and family involvement

A fourth way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to encourage them to take an active role in the partnership. This can include inviting them to volunteer, donate, or fundraise for the partnership or the museum. It can also include asking them to contribute their ideas, expertise, or resources to the partnership or the museum. For instance, a museum can invite parents and families to share their stories, artifacts, or talents related to the museum's themes or collections.

5 Evaluating parent and family impact

A fifth way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to evaluate the impact of the partnership on them. This can include collecting data, feedback, or testimonials from parents and families about their experiences, outcomes, or satisfaction with the partnership. It can also include measuring the changes in their attitudes, behaviors, or practices related to museum learning, cultural awareness, or family engagement. Furthermore, it can include showcasing the achievements, successes, or challenges of parents and families as part of the partnership or the museum's evaluation reports.

6 Building parent and family relationships

A sixth way to involve parents and families in museum education partnerships is to build strong and lasting relationships with them. This can include creating a sense of belonging, trust, and respect among parents, families, museum educators, and other partners. It can also include recognizing, celebrating, and rewarding the contributions, efforts, or achievements of parents and families. Moreover, it can include sustaining, expanding, or deepening the partnership with parents and families over time, beyond the scope or duration of a specific project or program.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?