parents day assignment

Best Parents’ Day Activities (Free Printables Included!)

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In this article, we cover the following topics about Parents’ Day:

What is Parents’ Day?

Parents’ day activities.

• Free Parents’ Day Card and Printable Gratitude Sheet

Global Day of Parents was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to honor parents throughout the world, no matter which country you’re living in and no matter how your family identifies with the term “parents”.

Global Day of Parents provides an awesome opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. This year, in 2023, Global Day of Parents (or universal Parents’ Day) will be celebrated on May 8th .

Apart from writing thoughtful messages and giving your parents a Parents’ Day card, there are plenty of other great ways to celebrate this special occasion together as a family.

• Movie night: Get popcorn, chips and dip, and pick one of your parents’ favorite films.
• Have a spa day: Parents’ Day is all about letting mom and dad relax and recharge. Treat your parents to spa vouchers or give them eye and hair masks so that they can enjoy a spa day at home.
• Do all the household chores : Take out the trash, wash the dishes, do the laundry! Cleaning your room will be a great start to making your parents happy.
• Try a new activity together: You might pick up a new hobby that your family can enjoy together frequently even after Parents’ Day is over. Try one of these 20 best indoor activities for kids and invite your parents to join too.
• Make a DIY gift: Get creative and make a handmade gift for your parents out of one of these Free Arts & Crafts Activities for Kids and 100+ Free Do-A-Dot Printables  
• Make breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner for your parents
• Bake cookies, muffins, or a cake
• Have a family game night
• Organize a picnic: Check out our Pinterest Board for Picnic Ideas
• Host an afternoon tea party
• Read together : Because Parents’ Day celebrates all kinds of parents, we recommend reading children’s books about diversity , such as “A Family Is A Family Is A Family” . This book story is about a group of students who have to describe their different families as a part of a class assignment. They learn that every loving family is different – including a child who is raised by a grandmother and another growing up with two dads – and that despite all these differences, a family is a family. ( Available on Amazon ).

However you choose to celebrate, the main goal is to spend some quality family time and show how much you appreciate what your parents do for you!

Download Free Parents’ Day Printables

A great way to show your appreciation and gratitude for your guardians on Parents’ Day is to give them a handwritten note or card and to write down why you’re grateful for them. In this article we’re giving away 2 free Parents’ Day printables:

• A 2-sided colorful Parents’ Day card
• A gratitude worksheet to include a note for your parent, a favorite memory, 3 reasons why you love your parent, your favorite activity to do together as parent and child, and a drawing of you and your parent

Simply click on the button below to get these free Parents’ Day printables. Be sure to share it with other families so they can show their gratitude for their parents too!

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Home • Kid • Play And Activities

Top 8 Parent's Day Poems, Activities & Celebrations

Show love to the most selfless beings on the planet — ideas to celebrate Parent’s Day.

Elisa has 17 years of experience in early childhood education as a teacher and a director. With a passion to work with young kids, she did her post graduation in Education and received her online teaching certificate from California State U... more

Debolina Raja came into the writing world while she was playing around with words and participating in various literary events. She found her writing interest in various genres such as health, wellnes... more

Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for... more

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Parents’ Day is a special occasion to show appreciation and affection for parents and pay tribute to their devotion towards their children. Using heartfelt parents’ day poems and activities to render your thankfulness to the parents is a great way to celebrate this Day.

For parents who always support and guide us, it is only fair that we dedicate this day wholly to them. If you want to arrange fun activities and keep the entire family engaged, here are some fun ideas to help you. You can recite or write poems that depict the sentiment beind your gesture on a personalized card or gift to make it more special. Read on to learn more about these activities to make this Parent’s Day special and memorable.

When Is Parent’s Day?

According to the UN (United Nations), June 1st is Parents’ Day. The day will be celebrated worldwide in honor of all the parents who selflessly look after their children and help them grow up with love and care.

Top Eight Parents Day Poems And Activities

Here is a list of some very sweet Parents’ Day poems and activities that you can share with your family.

Poems For Parents Day:

1. A Million Words Would Be Too Short:

Image: IStock

Thank you, mom Thank you, Dad Three small words So much to add For all your love And all your support A million words Would be too short The words ‘I love you.’ Seem too few To express the love I have for you.

2. Thanks, Mom And Dad:

I love you mom and daddy You taught me oh so much I can’t begin to describe all the ways That my life you profoundly touched You taught me morals and values You helped me reach my goals And all the things I learned from you Will stay till I am old. I want to thank you deeply For being there for me And for being absolutely, without a doubt The best parents, one could be.

3. Have A Family Breakfast:

• Plan a breakfast that you all can have in bed.
• Make sure you involve the kids and plan a menu that includes the favorite dishes of each member.

4. Create A Memory Book:

• Use the day to make some fun memories and record them too.
• Make a scrapbook and ask each member of the family to write down something about other family members. Also ask them to share some special pictures too.

5. Watch Movies That Revolve Around Families:

• Have a movie marathon at home, complete with popcorn.
• Select movies that feature families and celebrate relationships between parents and children.

6. Create A Handprint Memory:

• Create a fun handprint wall art that has everybody’s palm prints on it.
• Frame and display it proudly.

7. Say I Love You:

• Let the day be all about the love and joy of being together.
• Tell your parents as well as your children that you love them.

8. Stay Up Late Chatting:

• Use the occasion to spend quality time with your family.
• Stay up late, play board games, chat and tell each other what you like the most about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we celebrate Parent’s Day?

Parents dedicate and sacrifice their lives to meet the needs of their children. Hence, Parent’s Day is celebrated to appreciate and acknowledge the unconditional love and support they provide. It also encourages various organizations to recognize and support parents trying to fulfill their roles as excellent role models.

2. Who started Parent’s Day?

President Bill Clinton signed “The Parent’s Day Resolution” law in 1994. The aim of the law was to uplift and support parents in rearing their children. The first Parents’ Day celebrations were held in 1995.

3. How can I involve my children in writing Parent’s Day poems?

To get your children engaged in writing poems for Parent’s Day, encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts about their parents. Ask them what they love the most about their parents or their favorite memories together. Also, you may assist them in generating ideas and guide as they write.

4. What are some creative ways to display a Parent’s Day poem?

You can make a lovely calligraphy piece and frame it or record a personalized video or audio of the poem, adding a personal touch. Also, you can design a unique card with the poem inside. Making a photo collage or scrapbook page with the poem can also create a heartfelt display.

5. Can I use a Parent’s Day poem for a school project?

Yes, you can utilize a Parent’s Day poem for your school assignment if it adheres to the project’s rules and specifications. Ask your teacher to verify its appropriateness and obtain any required permissions.

6. How can writing Parent’s Day poems benefit relationships with parents?

Parent’s Day poems help express love, gratitude, and appreciation to your parents, strengthening your bond. It fosters heartfelt communication, deepens understanding, and creates unforgettable memories.

7. How can I use poetry to celebrate the bond between a step-parent and their child on Parent’s Day?

Compose heartfelt verses that capture the beauty of the step-parent and child relationship. Show gratitude, love, and appreciation for their special bond. Highlight the importance of love, support, and growth in their shared journey. Recite or present the poem on Parent’s Day as a tribute to their connection.

You can express your gratitude to your parents in so many ways, one of which is speaking of your emotions and sentiments through parent’s day poems and activities. The activities and poems chosen in this post emphasize the mutual love between parents and children. We have included simple tasks and added a few suggestions to customize the activities in various ways. Also, the poems chosen will convey your love for them in a few words. We hope these activities will make your parents’ day a memorable one.

Key Pointers

• Parents’ Day is an important occasion to show love and gratitude to parents for all they do. ⁤
• ⁤Share heartfelt Parents’ Day poems as a token of gratitude for their selfless sacrifices. ⁤
• ⁤Enjoy various activities, such as having breakfast in bed, creating memory books, watching family movies, and making handprint art for family bonding and creating lasting memories. ⁤
• Make use of this occasion to express your love for your family.

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Elisa Yi Early childhood educator

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Anchoring Script: Parent’s Day

Parent’s Day is a heartfelt occasion that celebrates the dedication, love, and sacrifices of parents. As an anchor for such an event, you have the unique opportunity to set the mood, engage the audience, and ensure the program runs smoothly. Writing an anchoring script for Parent’s Day involves careful planning, creativity, and an understanding of the audience. Here is a three-step guide to help you write an effective anchoring script for this special day.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Plan and Structure Your Script

Understand your audience.

Start by understanding the demographic of your audience. Whether they are parents of school children or adult children coming to honor their elderly parents, your script should be relevant and relatable to the people in attendance.

Define the Purpose and Theme

Clarify the purpose of the event. Is it to celebrate achievements, to reflect on the role of parents, or to entertain? Knowing your objective will help you stay focused. Also, define a clear theme for Parent’s Day, as this will provide a narrative thread throughout your script.

Outline the Program

An outline is essential for structuring your script. List the order of events, including speeches, performances, and any interactive segments. This will help you determine where to place your introductions, transitions, and closing remarks.

Draft a Script Outline

Your script should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Introduction : Welcome the audience, introduce yourself, and briefly mention the significance of Parent’s Day. Highlight what the audience can expect from the event.
• Body : For each segment of the program, write an introduction that leads into the event, and a transition that smoothly leads to the next part. Remember to include any anecdotes, quotes, or relevant information here.
• Conclusion : Sum up the event, express gratitude towards all the contributors, and leave the audience with a closing thought or call to action related to the theme of the celebration.

Step 2: Write with Engagement and Eloquence

Use a warm and inviting tone.

Your opening words are crucial. Use a warm and friendly tone to make the audience feel welcomed and valued:

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“Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me immense pleasure to stand before you on this beautiful evening that celebrates the unsung heroes of our lives – our dear parents…”

Incorporate Quotes and Poetry

Integrating quotes and poetry that resonate with the theme of parenting can add depth to your script. For example:

“As the poet Robert Browning once said, ‘Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.’ Today, we not only honor mothers but all parents who shape our beginnings with unwavering love and guidance.”

Engage the Audience

Keep your audience engaged with interactive elements. Ask them to share their experiences, invite them to join in a parents’ day pledge, or engage in light-hearted activities that involve parents and children.

Add Humor When Appropriate

Humor can be a great way to connect with the audience but use it judiciously. Ensure it is appropriate for the occasion and does not offend any sensibilities.

Acknowledge and Show Gratitude

Make sure to acknowledge the efforts of the organizing committee, the participants, and most importantly, the parents. Showing gratitude is key to creating a warm atmosphere.

Step 3: Refine and Rehearse Your Script

In the final step of crafting an anchoring script for Parent’s Day, the draft you have created now needs to be polished and perfected. This involves a thorough revision process, where you go over every line, ensuring that your words clearly convey the intended message and contribute to the progression of the event. Attention to detail is paramount, as you look for ways to enhance the script’s overall coherence, and ensure that transitions between different segments are seamless and natural.

As part of this refinement, it’s essential to practice the script by reading it aloud, which serves multiple purposes. Not only does it help you to memorize the content, but it also allows you to hear the flow and rhythm of the language, identify any tongue-twisters or complex phrases that might trip you up, and adjust the pacing to maintain audience engagement. This rehearsal process is a critical step in making you feel more comfortable and confident in your role as an anchor.

Timing your script is another key aspect of this step. You should run through the script with a stopwatch to ensure it fits within the allotted time for the event. This helps prevent the program from dragging on and losing the audience’s interest. It also allows you to identify sections that may need to be shortened or expanded upon.

Parent’s Day Anchoring Script Example #1

Good evening, esteemed guests, respected parents, and my dear friends! As the sun sets and we gather under this starlit sky, it is my honor to welcome each one of you to our cherished event, the annual Parent’s Day Celebration at [School/Institution Name]. I am [Your Name], and I’ll be your host for this beautiful evening dedicated to the pillars of our lives, our beloved parents.

Before we delve into the heart of this celebration, let’s warm up with a little icebreaker. I would love for each parent to turn to their child, and vice versa, and share a smile. A smile that says ‘thank you’, a smile that says ‘I love you’, and a smile that says ‘no matter what, we’re in this together.’

Segment Introduction

As we begin, let’s embark on a journey of gratitude, entertainment, and a lot of heartwarming moments. Our first performance is a dance by the tiny tots of kindergarten, who are here to show their love with their tiny steps and big hearts.

Performance Transition

What a delightful performance that was! The joy in those little steps could light up the darkest of nights. Moving on, we have a soulful rendition of the song ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ by the school choir, a tribute to the unspoken heroes of our lives, our parents.

Speech Transition

Following those melodious tunes, it’s time to reflect on the wisdom that guides us. We have [Speaker’s Name], our respected Principal, who will share a few words on the significance of Parent’s Day and the virtues of parenthood.

Audience Engagement

As the evening progresses, I’d like to ask our audience a question. Can anyone share a quick, heartwarming story of a lesson learned from their parents that has stayed with them? [Pause for interaction]

Award Ceremony Transition

Each year, we recognize parents who have gone above and beyond in contributing to our community. It’s time for the Parental Excellence Awards, a small token of our immense appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

Cultural Performance Transition

Now, let’s turn up the rhythm and watch as our high school students present a contemporary dance, a fusion of culture and modernity, symbolizing the blend of traditional values and new-age thinking our parents instill in us.

Gratitude Segment

As we near the end of this event, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who nurture dreams, sacrifice their comforts, and build the future with their love and hard work. Your presence makes the world a better place.

And with that, we come to the conclusion of tonight’s Parent’s Day celebration. It’s been an evening filled with joy, love, and cherished memories, a reflection of what our parents mean to us. Thank you, dear parents, for your boundless love, and thank you, dear guests, for being such a wonderful audience. Let’s carry the spirit of this day in our hearts throughout the year. Good night, stay blessed, and have a safe journey back home.

Parent’s Day Anchoring Script Example #2

Good evening and a very warm welcome to all the wonderful parents, distinguished guests, and our shining stars, the students, who grace us with their presence today at [School/Institution Name]. I am [Your Name], and it is my absolute pleasure to serve as your anchor on this special occasion, our annual Parent’s Day celebration. Let’s embark on this journey together, a journey filled with love, appreciation, and joy for those who always hold us close, our dear parents.

Transition to First Performance

The bond between a parent and child is like the deep roots of a tree, providing strength and nourishment. To symbolize this everlasting bond, our pre-school angels are all set to present a thematic dance performance. Let’s put our hands together for these little stars!

After First Performance

Wasn’t that just adorable? The innocence and purity of a child’s love truly have the power to touch our hearts. Thank you, little ones, for such a heartwarming presentation.

Introduction to Parent’s Speech Section

Now, to give us their perspective and to share the experiences that come with the noble role of parenting, we have among us [Parent’s Name], who will grace us with a few words. Please welcome [Parent’s Name] with a warm round of applause.

Post Speech Transition

Thank you, [Parent’s Name], for those insightful and inspiring words. It’s truly remarkable to see the world through the eyes of a parent.

Interactive Segment

Let’s take a moment to interact with our audience. I would like to invite any parent who wishes to share an amusing or memorable anecdote about their child. Who would like to go first?

After Interactive Segment

Thank you for sharing those delightful stories. It’s these little moments that create the tapestry of memories we cherish all our lives.

Transition to Awards Segment

Parents are the unsung heroes of our lives, and it’s only fitting that we recognize their unwavering dedication. We will now proceed to the Parental Recognition Awards, where we honor some of the extraordinary contributions made by our parents. May I request [Authority Figure’s Name] to come on stage for the award distribution?

After Awards Segment

Congratulations to all the award recipients. Your efforts and love shape not just your children but the future of our community.

Introduction to Cultural Performance

Now, to add a splash of color and celebration to our evening, let’s welcome our talented students who will present a vibrant cultural dance. This performance is a tribute to the diverse backgrounds from which we all come and the unity that our parents teach us.

Gratitude Note

As our Parent’s Day event approaches its culmination, I want to take a moment to express our collective gratitude to all the parents here. Your guidance is the compass that helps us navigate through life’s journey.

Closing Remarks

As we draw the curtains on this beautiful evening, I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this celebration. Your love and support make events like this possible and remind us of the incredible bond that families share. Let’s carry this night’s warmth and affection forward, not just today, but every day. Have a wonderful night, and please join us for refreshments and fellowship as we conclude our program. Thank you and good night!

Final Thoughts

Writing an anchoring script for Parent’s Day is a creative and rewarding process. It’s an opportunity to contribute to a celebration of love, sacrifice, and guidance that parents provide. By planning and structuring your content, writing with engagement and eloquence, and refining and rehearsing your script, you will be well-prepared to host a memorable Parent’s Day event. Remember, the essence of your script should not just be in the words you write but in the warmth and respect you convey for the parents in your audience. With these steps in mind, you are ready to craft a script that will anchor the event with poise and make Parent’s Day an occasion to remember.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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Everything You Need to Know About Parents’ Day

Momo Productions / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• Parents’ Day was signed into law in 1994.
• The first Parents’ Day was celebrated the following year.
• Organizations and all levels of government celebrate the day by supporting and encouraging parents.

There is Mother’s Day in May. There is Father’s Day in June. There is also Parents’ Day in July.

Parents’ Day may be a lesser-known holiday, but it has great significance in meaning. It was established almost 30 years ago and shines a spotlight on the tough yet rewarding job of being a parent.

What is Parents’ Day?

Parents’ Day is celebrated the fourth Sunday in July; this year it falls on July 25.

It differs from the other traditional holidays in that it encourages organizations and government to help support parents in their roles as they raise children. Galas, proclamations, and even suggested acts of service are ways that organizations suggest honoring the important role that parents have.

Parents’ Day should focus on the joint role of the parents for their child or children. Parenting should be done together, as a team.

While many parents weren't aware of the holiday, the importance of it doesn't escape them. “Parents’ Day should focus on the joint role of the parents for their child or children,” says mother Tracy Ford. ”Parenting should be done together, as a team. Parents need to try to work together, to make decisions together, and seek to meet the needs of their children together. I think it is a needed holiday!”

How Did It Start?

Congress passed “The Parents’ Day Resolution” in 1994. President Bill Clinton signed it into law that same year.

The resolution stated that private citizens, along with federal, state, and local governments should recognize the day through activities, educational endeavors, and proclamations.

The first Parents’ Day celebration was held in 1995.

Previous Celebrations

From proclamations to awards ceremonies, people worldwide have found a number of unique ways to celebrate the holiday.

Stating that “Parents are at the root of America’s goodness,” parentsday.com  takes nominations then gives an award for Parents of the Year annually.

Universal Peace Federation has held galas in honor of the holiday.

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification coordinated celebrations in several states, many consisting of proclamations and awards.

Safe Families for Children encourages parents to help and encourage each other. The organization also promotes support through acts of service.

Several American cities have sponsored activities and events to honor the special day.

Internationally, Vietnam recognizes Parents’ Day on July 7. Their festivities focus on children pampering their parents, and making them feel special. In South Korea, Parents’ Day is celebrated on May 8. The public and the government honor parents with flowers, celebrations, and awards.

Interestingly, in 2012, the United Nations declared a Global Day of Parents , to take place on June 1.

Ways You Can Celebrate

You can find your own unique ways to celebrate parents, encourage them in raising children, and acknowledge their sacrifice and labor of love.

Here are a few ways you can personally make your parents feel special.

• Have a day of board games. It’s a fun time of family enjoyment, with very little cost.
• Look at old family pictures and reminisce. You could even work on putting together your own scrapbook.
• Take a scenic drive around your area. For even more bonding time, keep the radio off and enjoy talking.
• Go for a picnic. Take care to pack some of your parents’ favorite foods.
• Visit a place of special significance or a place you’ve been wanting to experience.
• Read together. This is especially effective with younger children.
• Give parents the day off. Make them dinner or take them out to eat.
• Clean the house or wash your parents’ car. You could also hire a cleaning service or take the car to be detailed.
• Ask questions about your parents’ childhood. Watch their eyes light up as they share memories.
• Watch a movie together. For a special treat, find a less-frequented drive-in movie theater.

Don’t forget—Parents’ Day includes grandparents, too! You can use these ideas to have a memorable time with them as well.

Ford says she and her family will make the most of the holiday and the warm weather. “We are celebrating together as a family and with grandparents. We will enjoy a summer picnic and time at the pool,” she states.

Jana Strickland says she and her children will make it a day of service. “We’ll bring some formula and diapers to our local Pregnancy Resource Center for the new moms there. Now that I know the purpose of the holiday, it seems fitting we should look for ways to support some local parents,” she notes.

No matter how you choose to commemorate the day, the most important thing is to show appreciation for your parents and other parents you know and encourage them in their pursuit of raising kids.

What This Means For You

Parents’ Day is a day to recognize the tremendous sacrifice of parenting, and support parents worldwide. From large statewide celebrations to small personal acts, there are a number of ways you can honor your parents. Take the time to encourage a parent today.

By LaKeisha Fleming LaKeisha Fleming is a prolific writer with over 20 years of experience writing for a variety of formats, from film and television scripts, to magazines articles and digital content. She has written for CNN, Tyler Perry Studios, Motherly, Atlanta Parent Magazine, Fayette Woman Magazine, and numerous others. She is passionate about parenting and family, as well as destigmatizing mental health issues. Her book, There Is No Heartbeat: From Miscarriage to Depression to Hope, is authentic, transparent, and providing hope to many.Visit her website at www.lakeishafleming.com.

15 Celebration Ideas for Parents’ Day

Make a personalized card, write them a song, cook them a meal, parents of the year award, give them a memory scrapbook, house cleaning party, have a family spa day, organize a picnic, serve your parents for a day, write them a poem, go for a vacation, treat them to a quiet day, support their favorite hobby, give them a hand-crafted gift, a day of celebration for parents.

In commemoration of parents’ roles in their children’s lives, Parents’ Day was established in 1994, and is now celebrated every fourth Sunday of July . The holiday, also now recognized by the United Nations, commemorates the relationship between parents and children, honoring their bond and promoting strong familial commitment.

How you choose to celebrate, however, is completely up to you. For the most part, a lot of people choose to spend this day gathering and reconnecting with loved ones. Others opt to go down memory lane and review the wonderful years that have gone by. 

If you have yet to figure out how to best celebrate your parents’ special day, then this article is the one for you. Whether you prefer small and simple celebrations, or large and grandiose gatherings, we can assure that you’ll find just the right one for you and your family.

Parents’ Day Celebration Ideas

Aside from Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, this holiday is one of the very few times we can dedicate our time and effort to show our parents how grateful we are for them.  

To help you out, we’ve listed some of the best ideas on how to celebrate this holiday with your folks.

Nothing beats a homemade gift. Regardless of your parents’ age or status in life, giving them a personalized card with a message from you is bound to warm their hearts and make them smile. Not often do we get to say how we really feel, face-to-face. Doing so in card form will not only get your message across, but will also provide them a personal keepsake for the years to come.

Fond of instruments or music? Perhaps you’re great at composition? Whether you’re an expert or just starting out, a song with your own written lyrics can definitely make your parents feel loved and special. We all know how composing a song can take a lot of time—from producing the music to conceiving the actual words. However, because of it, your parents will be able to see how much time and effort you put into performing a song for them, and they’ll be eternally grateful for it.

You know how everyone says that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Well, the same goes for your mom, who’s used to preparing family meals everyday. This Parents’ Day, why not choose to give back and serve your family with a warm meal you know your mom and dad will love? You can cook up their favorite food, or even try a new recipe with their favorite sauce or ingredient. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you make, it’s about showing your appreciation for what they do for you and giving back the favor.

Every year, the National Parents’ Day Council chooses Parents of the Year nominees for every state, and hosts a banquet for them. But if you missed nominating your parents for this year’s awards, you can host a ceremony for them right in the comfort of your home. What says celebration more than a Parents’ Day award? Prepare a full program for the night, and leave the awards ceremony for last after you’re finished with all the antics. 

Write a speech, and tell them exactly why they deserve this award. Don’t forget to give them a trophy or a medal to commemorate. No matter how silly this plan starts out as, you can let them know exactly how you feel, and celebrate your parents accordingly through your speech.

Scrapbooks aren’t only fun to make, they’re even more special to look at and reminisce with. The theme of this year’s Parents’ Day celebration can be all about memories, as you give them a memory scrapbook with all the favorite memories you’ve made together. 

Take a trip down memory lane, and share stories on the valuable events in the family through photos and images on every page. Tell the story of how you caught your first fish while camping one summer day, or how you made your first cake with your mom, and ate it. Regardless of what you put in there, this book will serve as a great reminder of your relationship with each other, and those beautiful fleeting moments you will treasure forever.

On a daily basis, our parents have to bear the burden of maintaining the house through cleaning and making sure everything is in order. So, to celebrate Parents’ Day while helping them fulfill their tasks, why not throw a house cleaning party at home? 

In doing so, performing these chores and putting in the work as a team can boost your productivity and make cleaning faster. As an added benefit, you are also able to build a wonderful family bonding experience that makes your parents’ load much lighter.

With all the work and responsibility that rests on your parents shoulders, it’s highly likely they are dealing with a lot of stress on a daily basis. To help them ease off and cool down, you can consider throwing them and the rest of the family a spa day.

For this one, it would be a really good idea to transform your home into a relaxing haven with a variety of lotions and baths. To help set the tone, you can even use essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to emulate the spa ambience. Once you have readied all the decorations, book a masseuse as well as a manicurist, and equip everyone with bathrobes for a warm and lovely at-home experience.

Having a family spa day like this will allow your parents to realize that you also want them to relax after looking out for the family. Doing this together allows everyone to lay back and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Picnics are a fun, light-hearted way to spend your summer afternoon with your loved ones. To celebrate this Parents’ Day, fill your basket with treats your parents love, and ready your mats and cushions for seating. 

Take them to the backyard, decorated for the day, or simply offer to take them to a lovely spot in the park. Just by spending time with each other this way, you get to enjoy the peace and calmness this Parents’ Day with the ones that matter most.

How often have your parents felt like they were special? If you’re feeling up to it, let your parents feel like the Kings and Queens they are by serving them the entire day. Follow them around and help out with their tasks. Serve them their food and fulfill their requests. Stay with them while they lounge and simply catch up with each other. Even through a simple celebration idea like being your parents’ attendants for a day, you’ll be able to strengthen your bond and feel like back when you were little kids.

If you’re neither a singer or a musician, but you’d still like to creatively honor your parents, then perhaps writing them a poem will be your best bet. If you find that you have a way with words that can help you express yourself to the fullest, then go for it by all means. 

During this holiday, we should all think about the best ways we could let them know how grateful we are for them. 

Going out to the mountains or the beach can help refresh anyone from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you feel like your family hasn’t had the time to go for a break like this in a while, then perhaps taking a vacation on Parents’ Day would be an ideal way to celebrate the occasion.

Whether you prefer camping in the wild or swimming in a fun resort, they’re all great ways to unwind together with the family. Taking your mind off stress is healthy and good for you, and doing so by going out of town will also let you bring home lots of fun memories you’ll want to keep forever. 

Everyday our parents have to worry about work, maintain or clean the house, as well as prepare the kids’ meals. Anyone who has to balance all these tasks on a daily basis is eventually bound to feel burnt out. So if peace and quiet is all they really ask for, why not give it to them this Parents’ Day? 

Instead of letting them do all the work, handle all the cooking and cleaning by yourselves. Delegate and manage all the menial tasks your parents do day by day. This way, your parents will feel that you are considerate of their efforts, and that you’re willing to give them their chance to relax, while you accomplish all that they need to do on the side.

Whether it’s knitting, reading, photography, or all of the above, you probably have not yet tried your parents’ favorite hobby. Everyone knows how good it feels to have someone pay attention to what you love, and even learn it with you. So, what if you indulge your parents in an experience like this for Parents’ Day? 

Have a hobby party, in which you celebrate the whole day learning and doing your parents’ favorite hobby. This would be a good bonding experience with your parents, and it would show that you care about their interests. 

If you can, give them a gift that allows them to explore their passions even further. Sometimes, all we need is support from the ones we love. And, if our parents have been doing this for us throughout our whole life, it’s time we start doing the same for them, too.

Everyone has their own set of honed skills and talents. Regardless of where you are in life, it’s safe to say that you have a talent or skill you’re gifted at. For Parents Day, why not give your mom and dad a personalized gift you’ve customized to their liking? While Parents’ Day is not about giving gifts, this kind of gesture is an exception. 

Not only will this gift serve as a sweet surprise, you’re also sharing your gift with others—in this case your mom and dad. Whether it’s a sketch, painting, jewelry, or anything else you can come up with, sharing your gift to your parents, who have supported you from the start, is a pleasant surprise to warm up their hearts.

In this digital age, gadgets and technology have been essential and part of our daily lives as if we can’t live without them. It’s like we can’t let a day pass by without checking our social media accounts or use our gadgets for leisure and entertainment.

This Parents’ Day, allow yourselves to unplug from the digital world (read online detox), and strengthen your ties with your loved ones, especially your parents. 

There you have it, all the different ways you can honor your parents through a Parents’ Day celebration. Before we end this article, we just want to remind everyone that, while we can celebrate all their efforts and sacrifices for this day, it’s also important to realize that this is not the only day we should be showing our parents our love for them.

To our parents, thank you for all your sacrifices and love for us. We hope to continue to pay you back today, and for the rest of your lives.

Happy Parents’ Day everyone!

Laura Phelps

Laura is the force behind Gathered Again, transforming family gatherings into unforgettable memories with expert tips and a heart full of passion. Join her mission to celebrate the magic of family connections, one event at a time.

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How to compere parents day at school

For pretty much every one of us, the most beloved and important people in our lives are our parents. Therefore, Parents Day accommodates a special place in our hears in comparison to any special day or event. For Parents Day is such a beautiful opportunity when we get to thank our dear parents for the time, effort and love they have bestowed us with. What better way could we thank them than arranging a Parents Day celebration at school with your fellow students? Besides you get the opportunity of thanking your spiritual parents too. Want to know How to compere parents day at school? Let’s dive in, then!

When’s Parents Day?

Before we learn how to compere Parents Day at school, we shall know where this respective day lays on the calendar. People from different countries honor their parents on different days of the months. For instance, Koreans celebrate Parents Day on May 8. Whereas on Parents Day people from the Philippines place pink Cadena de Amor on their chest on the first Monday of December.

However, we generally make Parents Day cakes on 1 June on an international level to let our parents know how appreciative we all are of whatever they have done for us. 

Why Celebrate Parents Day?

Let’s face it! “why should we celebrate Parents Day?” is not the right question, in my money. Because parents or parental love is the only love that is wholly selfless and unconditional. They are the most forgiving and loyal people we can ever come across. Besides, they are just like our backbone; they will us no matter what.

And they are the only people whose love is whole no matter how many times it is divided. Therefore, they deserve a chance when we could let them know how much we appreciate their struggle, love and time they have given us. Thus, the question should be “why should we celebrate parents Day?”.

Moreover, it is not just about thanking our parents. By celebrating Parents Day, we are giving a message to the generation following us. As actions speak louder than words, they learn how tiny things held great value in our hearts. They, furthermore, learn to appreciate the effort of their ancestors in giving their best lives.

Parents Day at Your School/ College

Now that we have discussed several important topics such as why do we need to celebrate parents day and more. It is time for some technical ones.

Arrangement

To celebrate Parents Day, we need to arrange a function. For the Parents Day function, we require the following things:

• invitation cards: Parents will love hand made invitation cards even if they are rough and imperfect.
• decoration material: like your invitation cards, you can decorate your hall all by yourself
• some cute little fairies: why? Well, you would need them to welcome your dear guests.
• tableau performers: how about bringing some drama to your parents to convey your message. Sounds good?
• gifts: yes, I understand gifts are very expensive nowadays. But the good thing is your parents will love whatever you present them. Your gift can be just a little Thank You card or your hand made drawing of their portraits.

Parents Day Celebration Script

Now that you have arranged all the technical stuff, it is time for How to Compere Parents Day at School. Following there is a sample of how you should make your script. Moreover, you can get some ideas not only from How to Compere Parents Day at School but also click here to get more anchoring script samples.

Commencement

To begin your function, there are various ways you can opt. The best I can suggest you is singing out loud some lines of meaningful poetry. For instance,

Sequined in the night sky, as the stars shine. They tell a million stories, some of yours and a few of mine.   Sparkling gems adorn the sky, and you wish to be like them. A dazzling splendor to beautify, and a long road to exempt.   As you look upon at night, you feel a wind so calm. Assuming a tomorrow so bright, you embellish the innermost charm.   As the night enchants its beauty, and makes us feel beautiful. It side by side performs her duty, by making our every night hopeful.

Now that you have grabbed their attention, you are open to welcome you dear guests.

A warm morning/ afternoon/ evening and hearitly welcome to everyone out there! We are extremely please and honoured to have (name of the guest) as our chief guest on this auspicious day. Besides, we welcome dearest parents, fellow students and honourable teachers to our Parents Day celebration. And we appreciate your presence on the behalf of our managing team.

Welcome Tableau

We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.

Now please a round of applause for our little fairies for their welcome performance choreographed by (name of the choreographer).

After the Welcome Tableau

Wow! It was a splendid performance. A big round of applause for our little fairies and their choreographer (name of the choreographer), please.

Now may I request (name of the speaker) to be present on the stage for his speech.

 Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark to have been loved so deeply .. will give us some protection forever. –  J.K. Rowling

This was (name of the speaker) from (grade name).

Calling Students For Performance

Besides a welcome tableau, you can arrange any other tableau or drama. So, to call them upon the stage, you may like to say:

Moving forward we would love to let you know that we are very thankful to every one of you, dear parents. So, we are proud to represent a drama on the theme of (the theme of your drama best on Parents Day) by students of …. So, put your hands together for them.

After the Drama Performance

Hear touching, indeed!

Calling the Principal

After that, your Parents Day function has featured some drama and golden points, it is time to invite your honorable principle.

Now it is time to call upon the personality who has always given his best in educating your childern and changing them for good. So, may I please have Mr./Ms. (name of the principle) of (name of the academy) on the stage.

Dear audience, thanks for joining us on this honourable day. We are grateful of your presence and enthusiasm. Besides I would like to thank our chief guest (name of the chief guest) and respected parents. I would also thank and appreciate our managing group member and performers. On this note, I would like to let you that our managing group has arrangement some refreshment for our dear parents, guests, students and respected teachers.

Also Read: Compering Script for School Function 

10 Parents Quotes

• “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” –  Abraham Lincoln
•  “Parents are like God because you wanna know they’re out there, and you want them to think well of you, but you really only call when you need something.” ―  Chuck Palahniuk
• “Parents aren’t the people you come from. They’re the people you want to be when you grow up.” ― Jodi Picoult
• ”Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.” –  Matthew Jacobson
• “No matter how far we come, our parents are always in us.”–  Brad Meltzer
• “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” –  Anne Frank
• “Our parents’ prayer is the most beautiful poetry and expectations.”– Aditia Rinaldi
• In the happiest of our childhood memories, our parents were happy, too.–  Robert Brault
• “There is nothing worse than a thirteen-year-old boy. You’re embarrassed by your parents, and you’re trying to find your independence because, deep inside, you are so dependent on your mom.” »  Ben Affleck
• When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth. –  Mitch Albom

Hope the scripts mentioned in the article help you to organize a good event parents day at school, in addition, any kind of script you need, put a comment in the comment section below. We will provide you. 

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57 Fun End-of-Year Activities and Assignments

Wrap up the year on a happy note.

As the school year draws to a close, it’s important to plan end-of-year activities that help bring closure to your time together with students. Talk with your students about what made this year special, recall the good memories, and reflect on all you’ve learned. After all, you’ve all put in a lot of work to get to this point. Have fun with these end-of-year activities and assignments, and let the countdown begin!

1. Hold a class family circle

A family circle is a great way to wrap up a terrific year. Prepare a set of reflection questions, then allow students to take the mic and ask a friend one of the questions. Continue around the circle until every student has had a chance to answer.

Learn more: Class Family Circle

2. Solve a mystery together

Awesome for building reading comprehension skills, whodunits are also a hoot for students to solve! Students must read the clues and collaborate to solve the mystery. Try this one:  Who Freed the Fish?  And pretty soon your students will be tapping into their inner Sherlock.

Learn more: Class Mystery at Minds in Bloom

3. Create blackout poetry

It’s amazing what beautiful poetry can come from just about any piece of writing. All you need is a photocopied article, essay, or book excerpt and a Sharpie marker.

Learn more: Blackout Poetry at Just Add Students via YouTube

4. Let students teach

Have your students sign up to teach their classmates a 20- to 30-minute mini-lesson about something they’re passionate about. Some examples include leading the class in a game, song, or other group activity.

Learn more: Let Students Teach at Minds in Bloom

5. Hold a friendly competition

Kids love a little friendly competition, especially when it’s quick and easy. Sneak in rounds between activities and hold the finals on the last day of school.

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Bracket

6. Have a class “snowball fight”

Split your class into two teams facing each other. Have each student write three things about themselves and wad it into a snowball, then let the snowball fight commence! Set a time for a few minutes of “fight” time, then have students each grab a snowball and read the items listed, guessing whose paper it is.

Learn more: Snowball Fight at TeachStarter

7. Create memories that stick

Commemorate the memories that “stuck” with your students this year with this fun end-of-year activity.

Learn more: Cactus Memories

8. Serve up a scoop of memories

Here’s a sweet way to celebrate the end of the year! Make paper ice cream sundaes with a different memory on each scoop. You can have kids draw these themselves or buy a printable version at the link below.

Learn more: Ice Cream Scoop Memories

9. Post Flip farewell videos

Flip is one of our favorite classroom tools , especially when it comes to end-of-year activities. Post topics like “What did you learn this year?” or “Share your favorite memory from the past year.” Kids post their video responses and check out other students’ contributions too.

10. Create a collaborative puzzle

Give each student a piece of the puzzle and let them get creative! Suggest a theme such as best memory or most important thing I learned or I’ll never forget, etc. Students can write on their puzzle pieces. Once the puzzle is done, you can take a picture and make sure every student gets a copy.

Learn more: Collaborative Puzzle

11. Compile an end-of-year playlist

Songs are like smells—just hearing one can bring back all kinds of memories. Ask students (as a class or individually) to compile a list of songs that relate to the past school year and have them write about why each tune has a place on the list. Celebrate the last day of school by listening to songs from the playlist as you reflect on the year gone by. And while you’re at it, check out 85 Awesome Songs for Your End-of-the-Year Playlist .

Learn more: End of Year Playlist at Reading and Writing Haven

12. Fill up a memory bag

Give each student a brown paper bag, then ask them to decorate the front and add some reflections about the year on the other three panels. Then, each student adds 10 items from the year to their bag, with notes about why each is important. Finish up by having each kid lay out their items on their desk. Have a gallery walk around the room for everyone to see one another’s selections.

Learn more: Memory Bags

13. Write commencement speeches

Commencement speeches aren’t only for graduations! Finish out the year by reading or watching other great commencements speeches (the web is full of them). Then challenge students to write—and deliver, if you like—their own speeches for the year they’ve just finished.

Learn more: Commencement Speeches at 2 Peas and a Dog

14. List what they’ve learned from A to Z

What a great way to look back over what kids have learned! For each letter of the alphabet, have them write and illustrate something they learned or did throughout the year. Hit the link below to get a free printable template for this project. Learning virtually? Have students create a Google Slideshow instead.

Learn more: End of Year A to Z

15. Send thank-you notes

This is a skill every kid should learn: writing and sending thank-you notes. So why not incorporate it into your lineup of end-of-year activities? Have kids write a note to someone who made their school year special, then seal them in envelopes, address them, and deliver them by hand or mail. And while you’re at it, why not write a thank-you note to your own class ?

Learn more: Thank-You Notes at Cult of Pedagogy

16. Post best-of-the-year snapshots

Ask your students to sum up their favorite school-year memory (Science fair? Field day? Creative class presentations?) in one snapshot. Younger kids can draw pictures of the event, while older kids are likely to have a photo on their phone they’d be willing to share. Assemble them on a bulletin board—real-world or digital—with a few words from each student about what made that moment so special.

Learn more: Snapshots of Our Year

17. Count the days

Instead of counting down the days until the end, count up the days from the year behind you! Get students counting by having them use a calendar to figure out how many Mondays you’ve had this year, how many Fridays, how many P.E. days, and how many Jell-O-in-the-cafeteria days. Then work together to make a bar graph and hang it on the wall.

Learn more: End-of-Year Countdown at Teaching Made Practical

18. Let the students become the teachers

Take a break and let the students lead the class for a change. If you’re reviewing material for finals or another end-of-year test, have each student (or a group) lead the review session on a particular topic. You can also have your students create their own lesson on a topic they’re passionate about. Or have kids in one grade make and present lessons on what students in the grade below them can expect to learn the following year. There are a lot of options here, and all of them give you time to take a breather!

19. Talk behind each other’s backs (really!)

Have your students help tape a piece of lined paper to one another’s backs. Have each student get out a felt-tipped marker (not a Sharpie—it may bleed through). Set a timer and put on some favorite music. Let the students mix around the room and write a positive message on each student’s paper. For example, The best thing about you is …, What I appreciate most about you is …, I remember …, etc. After a set amount of time, have students stop, remove their papers from their backs, and enjoy reading the words of love from their classmates. (For a socially distanced spin, create a Google Slide or Padlet template for each student instead.)

20. Coast into summer

So fun! These DIY memory coasters are easy to make and give kids an end-of-year souvenir to take home. Get the free printable templates and complete instructions here.

21. Read end-of-year books

Little ones especially have a hard time with the end of a school year. Next year lots of things will be different, and that can be a sad and even scary thought for some. Read-alouds are simple but powerful end-of-year activities. Check out these 11 End-of-Year Books To Bring Your Class Closure , like The Egg by M.P. Robertson, to spark conversations about what kids have learned and what lies ahead.

22. Dream about the summer ahead

Here’s an end-of-year assignment that includes both art and writing. Have kids draw a portrait of themselves, then use the template at the link below to cut out and decorate an enormous pair of sunglasses. On the glasses, have them write about their summer plans (or the things they’d like to do).

Learn more: End-of-Year Writing

23. Raise a glass and toast your class

Students get a chance to practice public speaking in a very meaningful way with this end-of-year activity. Get a few liters of ginger ale and plastic champagne flutes from a party store, arrange your students in a circle, and have everyone say something—maybe a goal for the next school year, well-wishes for their peers, a favorite memory. After everyone has spoken, lift your glasses with a cheer and celebrate to end the school year.

24. Author a six-word memoir

This project has taken the world by storm. In six words, can you capture the essence of your school year? Kids can spend a little or a lot of time on this one, refining their words and even illustrating them. Collect them all into a slideshow (anonymous, if kids prefer) to share on the last day.

Learn more: Six-Word Memoirs

25. Take a field trip to the next grade

This is one of the most exciting end-of-year activities for students. Take them to visit the classrooms they’ll be in next year. Arrange to spend some time with the teachers, talk to the students, and hear more about what they’ll be learning. This is a good way to allay fears many kids have about moving on from a classroom where they’ve been comfortable. (You can do this as a Zoom tour and meet-and-greet too.)

Learn more: Next Year Classrooms Tour at Inspire Me ASAP!

26. Design a school seal

In this fun end-of-year activity that’s perfect for social studies, have your students design a “Great Seal” for their school. First, break them into groups to talk about what makes your school special and memorable for them. Then, have each kid (or group) create their own “seal” based on the ones used by states and cities. This project is especially meaningful for kids about to move on to another school like junior high.

Learn more: School Seals

27. Determine your “People of the Year”

Time magazine can’t have all the fun! Help your students compile a list of the “People of the Year” for your class. Include people important to your classroom (the custodian, the principal, everyone’s favorite “lunch lady”) along with classroom visitors and speakers from the year. Add in some people from current events and pop culture (the current president, a favorite musician) and even folks they studied throughout the year (Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart). Try to take or draw portraits of each, and assign each student to write a brief bio of one of the people included.

28. Write letters or tips for next year’s class

Who better to advise next year’s class on what they’ll need to succeed than the kids who’ve just finished doing it? They can write letters on their own or work together to create a master list of what it takes to make it in the next grade.

Learn more: Survival Guide

29. Create science-inspired art

Ask your students to create a wall-worthy piece of art that reflects something they learned in science. Did you study plants? Maybe a watercolor of flowers. Or if you studied space, a cosmic-inspired number. Send their work home to help them remember, or collect them to create a bulletin board that will inspire next year’s class about what they’ll be learning.

30. Host an open-mic night

Encourage kids to share the writing they’ve done in (and out of) class with an open mic event. Set up a stage complete with microphone and stool—get great tips for this at the link below—then bring kids up to tell a story or recite a poem. Overcome stage fright with a cool casual vibe and plenty of snacks. Invite friends and family to attend or watch virtually via Zoom.

Learn more: Poetry Cafe

31. Compose an end-of-year continuing story

Write several story titles like “The Great Summer Adventure,” “How My Teacher Lost Her Mind,” or “My Teacher, My Hero” at the top of blank pages. Then, have each student start a story and, after five minutes, pass the story to a neighbor who will continue writing. (Do this digitally on Google Docs if you’re not able to share supplies from person to person.) Continue writing round-robin style until you have several stories to read aloud to the class.

32. Publish a year-end newspaper

You can do this one as a group or individually. Create a basic newspaper template and have the class fill in the front page news. Recap the year, offer advice, illustrate favorite memories, and more. Then, pass these on to the grade below to give them an idea of what lies ahead.

Learn more: Class Newspaper

33. Perform a high school (or middle or elementary school) musical number

Break your students into groups and have them create (and perform) musical numbers commemorating the year. They can write new words to existing tunes, choreograph a lip-synch performance to an inspiring or memorable song, or even come up with something entirely new. Invite parents or other classes to a final-day performance, in person or online.

34. Assemble a Book Hall of Fame

Have each student write (or draw) a reflection on the best book they read during the year. Then, save their reflections and post them on a bulletin board or Padlet so that next year’s students can glean reading ideas.

Source: Book Hall of Fame

35. Play end-of-year charades

Looking for game-based end-of-year activities? Play charades! Have each student write out one memorable moment from the school year on a slip of paper. Collect all the slips in a bag, hat, or the like. Divide kids into teams and have them come up one team at a time, choose a slip, and act out the memory for the group. No need to keep score—the goal is just to relive all the happy memories from the year.

36. Start a school graffiti wall

Choose a wall in your school or classroom and encourage kids to sign their names and date with a quote or other memory. Use permanent markers or small paintbrushes. Each year, photograph the wall and then paint over it to start anew. If you have enough space, these walls can last longer and only be painted over every so many years, creating much more enduring memories. No wall room? Try a bulletin board or large sheet of paper instead.

Learn more: Graffiti Wall

37. Hold a “Stuff You Should Know” event

Take a day or a week to pass on important things you want your kids to know as they move on in life without you. Share poems, songs, TED Talks, quotes, books, and tips that you think will help them along the way. Don’t forget to include simple life lessons (registering and preparing to vote, protecting yourself online, how to behave on an elevator) that school usually doesn’t teach you. Learn more about this end-of-year activity here.

38. Print up a growing tree

Capture each student’s fingerprint as a tree leaf. Label them with their names, then hang them in your room from year to year so kids can see who’s come before them.

Source: End-of-Year Fingerprint Tree

39. Build a portfolio showcase

Throughout the year, have students save their best work in a folder or box. At the end of the year, each student chooses their favorite items to display in a portfolio like a binder or display board. Invite parents and friends to come to view everyone’s achievements.

40. Put together time capsules

Time capsules are classic end-of-year activities. Students will have so much fun assembling time capsules to be opened someday in the future. These can be as simple as a plastic water bottle filled with written memories or a shoebox stuffed with items to represent what kids did and learned over the school year.

Learn more: Class Time Capsule

41. Draw a school-year timeline

Classroom walls can start to look empty at the end of the year as you take things down to prepare for summer. Temporarily fill in the space with a long strip of butcher paper, then have kids create a timeline of the year. Break it down by month, then ask kids what they remember. Prompt their memories by having them look over their work (what a fun way to review!), and don’t forget to include events, speakers, and holiday celebrations.

42. Fill out an end-of-year roundup

Sometimes you just need a quick activity that doesn’t take a lot of prep, and that’s where this free printable comes in. Personalize it by taking and printing a photo of each student, or have them draw their own portrait in the space provided.

Learn more: End-of-the-Year Roundup

43. Go outside!

Build in time to celebrate the end of the year with some fun outdoor activities. Rotate teams for each activity so your students get a chance to mingle with all of their classmates. Here are 25 Clever Outdoor Games to choose from.

44. Put on a show

This is a fun end-of-year activity that could be presented to parents, a younger class, your whole school, or just for your own class. Students can perform skits, dramatic readings, act out a story, showcase a talent, or read a favorite piece from a book they read.

45. Create an end-of-year ABC book

You use them for novel studies, so why not create an ABC book for highlights of the school year? For each letter, students come up with one memorable event or lesson, write a few sentences, and draw a picture. Think of it as a literacy lesson/memory book activity.

Learn more: ABC Booklet

46. Hold a book museum walk

One of our favorite end-of-year activities is a book museum walk. Students choose one of their favorite books and create a poster, diorama, trifold, or even dress up as a character. They can work on their projects at home or at school, and their project should provide a sneak peek or trailer of the book. When the students are ready to present, invite another class or grade level in to view the “museum.”

Learn more: Museum Walk With Favorite Books at Teaching With Jennifer Findley

47. Create your own iPads

End-of-year activities can help wrap up subject matters like geography. For this fun assignment, have your students research different symbols that represent something unique about your state. Each symbol they discover will become an app for their homemade iPad. Have them draw the symbols on the outside of each app, and then write a brief summary about the symbols on the inside.

Learn more: Geography iPad apps

48. Go on a virtual field trip

Traditionally, one of the classic school end-of-year activities was field trips. But sometimes budgets don’t cooperate, so why not take it virtual? They’re fun and easy, and no permission slips, chaperones, or packed lunches are needed! Check out our favorite Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips .

49. Pump up the school spirit

From dress-up days and community-building activities to outreach and volunteer projects, Spirit Week activities are a great way to end the year on a high note. Check out our massive list of School Spirit Week Ideas .

50. Story writing

Have each student start a story and then leave it on their desk. At your signal, have students rotate to the next desk, and give them a minute to read the story there and then add to the story. Keep rotating, giving students the chance to add to as many stories as you have time for. Let students know when you’re on your last rotation so they can wrap the story up.

51. Make a wearable keepsake

Mark your time together by making fun tie-dyed bandannas or decorating T-shirts with everyone’s signature or handprint. Or try making friendship bracelets or necklaces. Every time your students wear one of these items, they’ll fondly remember your year together.

Learn more: How To Tie-Dye Shirts With Kids

52. Set up a photo booth

Photo booths are a great way to start the school year, but they’re also terrific for the last days of the year. Help kids capture memories with their friends before they part for the summer.

Learn more:  Photo Booth

53. Plan a dream vacation

Kids are already dreaming of how they’ll fill the summer hours, so this last-minute math activity will be pure fun! Give kids a budget (say, $2,500), then send them off to research whether their dream trip can be accomplished. Make sure they include airfare or gas money, lodgings, food, spending money, and all the incidentals that add up when you travel.

54. Host a book tasting

Expand your readers’ palates with a book tasting and set them up for summer reading. A book tasting gives students the opportunity to sample some juicy reads in a short period of time and come away with a wish list of titles.

Learn more: Book Tasting

55. Create a summer bucket list

Provide kids with lots of options, then have them compile their own bucket lists for the summer days ahead. In addition to fun items, encourage them to add ways to help others or learn something new too.

Learn more:  Bucket List

56. Focus on kindness

Add a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge to your lineup of end-of-year activities and make it all the way to the finish line with good vibes. To get started, check out Random Acts of Kindness: 30 Activities for Elementary Students from American Montessori Society

57. See who knows you best

Challenge your kiddos to show who knows you best. Record your students’ answers on chart paper with markers or use Google Slides. It’s amazing how much kids pick up on our likes and dislikes!

Learn more: Who Knows Teacher Best

What are your favorite end-of-year activities? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out end-of-year student gifts that won’t break the bank , you might also like.

11 End-of-Year Books to Bring Your Class Closure

Say farewell to this year's students with the perfect read aloud. Continue Reading

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10 Top Homework Tips for Parents

In this empowering article, we present a comprehensive guide to help parents become active partners in their child's academic journey. Homework plays a vital role in reinforcing learning, promoting responsibility, and building valuable study habits. However, it can also be a source of stress and frustration for both children and parents.

Discover a wealth of practical homework tips, strategies, and best practices that will transform homework time into a positive and productive experience. From fostering a conducive study environment to establishing a consistent routine, we explore how parents can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages their child's academic growth.

Explore effective communication techniques that bridge the gap between parents and teachers, ensuring that parents are well-informed about assignments and can offer timely assistance when needed. Uncover the importance of setting realistic expectations, acknowledging the uniqueness of each child's learning style, and avoiding undue pressure.

We'll also delve into the art of motivation and encouragement, understanding the delicate balance between supporting independence and providing guidance. Learn how to turn homework into a collaborative effort, where parents act as mentors, helping their children navigate challenges and celebrate achievements.

Incorporating insights from education experts and experienced parents, this article serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to be proactive advocates for their child's academic success. Whether you have a kindergartener or a high schooler, these homework tips will empower you to create a positive learning environment at home and foster a lifelong love for learning in your child. Embrace this opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond through shared educational experiences, paving the way for a brighter and more rewarding academic future.

Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, every child will eventually need clear and consistent help with their homework. As homework can directly impact a child’s success in the classroom and his or her overall educational development, a parent’s involvement provides a child with encouragement, support, and direction. By using positive steps proven to boost student performance, parents can intervene before a child’s struggles with homework begin to surface.

The Importance of Homework in Cognitive Development

While children often perceive homework as a form of punishment from their teacher, practicing classroom skills at home is an integral part of the developmental process. As Nucleus Learning explains, homework serves a myriad of essential purposes for both instruction and reinforcement. Most fundamentally, homework allows students to practice skills learned in school with autonomous engagement outside the classroom. As there is a limited amount of time in each school day, children are forced to accept the educational contract that they must put in the effort both in and outside of school to master all of the required material.

Adding to this, homework allows students to “Investigate on their own, learn how to find answers to questions, show that the teacher does not have an answer to everything.” Homework allows a student to more thoroughly learn and understand the material instructed; furthermore, actively engaging in homework teaches students how to become advocates for their own learning, as they can engage in an inquiry-based process of asking questions and seeking out more answers and discoveries.

Further expounding on the importance of homework, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, the educational author of Kids, Parents and Power Struggles , asserts that parents play an immense role in a child’s successful engagement and completion of homework assignments. As she explains, “What most people don't realize is how much support their kids need with homework… It isn't something where you can just say, 'He's 10 or 12 or 15, he should just do it.’’”

Instead, a parent’s foundational support in helping their children understand and practice homework sets the child up for the scaffold of evolving responsibilities. If a child fails to acknowledge his or her responsibilities with completing mandated assignments from their teacher, the child may be heading down a dangerous path of irresponsibility, which can later impact a child’s ability to thrive in their first job or professional realms of life.

The Top Ten Homework Tips for Parents

1. Establish a Routine

The first step in creating a positive homework pathway for your child is primarily creating a routine. This may mean that parents may have to compromise with their children on the working conditions for homework time. As The Seattle Times further explicates, “That means helping students designate a set time and place where they can comfortably — and routinely — hit the books without being disturbed. Some families keep the TV off on weeknights and tape favorite shows for weekend watching. Following such a rule consistently, Kurcinka says, may avoid parent-child power struggles.” Adding to this, if a child is comfortable independently working in his or her bedroom, then parents may need to allow this freedom and choice of the child; however, if a child’s homework is incomplete or if their grades drop, then parents should immediately step in and enforce a different homework strategy and routine.

2. Create Boundaries

As the homework routine is clearly outlined and consistently enforced, parents should simultaneously create clear boundaries for their children as well. This may entail that a teenager’s cell phone must be turned off during homework time or a child’s television or radio must be off until assignments are complete.

3. Get Organized

For younger children, a parent may need to create a homework calendar that both the parent and the child can clearly access and see. This may help a child learn how to plan ahead and create a schedule for long-term elementary and middle school projects. For high school kids, this may mean a parent talks with their teen about setting progress goals for assignments daily.

4. Accountability and Responsibility

Regardless of a child’s age or school grade, a parent must immediately require their child’s personal accountability for homework and assignments. Parents should have clear rules about writing down assignments in a notebook or remembering to bring all necessary homework materials, such as books or calculators, home each night. If a child fails to hold up their end of the bargain, then the established consequences should be enforced.

5. Create a “Learning Space”

For many children, a “learning space” specifically set aside for homework can allow them to mentally enter into a “school mode” at home. This may mean that a small office is stocked with pens, paper, and necessary tools for assignments; however, on the other hand, this also may mean that a child may need to access the library each day for homework (if they are too distracted at home). Regardless of a child’s needs, a parent must create a free space for a child to complete assignments without disruptions or distractions.

6. Teach Prioritization

Children are gradually assigned more homework tasks as they progress through the school grades, and parents can intervene and teach children how to prioritize their homework assignments. If a project is due in a week, a parent can help their child set up a timeline for small daily tasks. Or, if a child is feeling overwhelmed, a parent can help them make a list of everything that must be done and then number each task to prioritize the academic responsibilities.

7. Check Your Child’s Progress

While public schools send report cards and progress reports, many schools post grades and homework assignments online. Parents can speak with their child’s teacher(s) about the best ways to check in on the student’s progress throughout the semester and school year so that students are able to consistently perform to their potential without falling behind or struggling.

8. Allow Freedoms When Earned

If a child successfully meets all of the outlined homework rules and expectations, parents can allow certain appropriate freedoms if their child seems to be excelling in their tasks and schoolwork. For example, if a child asks to change their homework time or “learning space,” parents should experiment with new freedoms as the child gradually excels with their academic responsibility. Parents can consider new privileges and rewards for their child's achievements as long as the child seems to be successfully comprehending and excelling in academic pursuits and assignments.

9. Be a Study Buddy

Many times, especially when a child feels overwhelmed with a task or assignment, parents can offer support by simply helping their child study. This involves quizzing a child, teaching a child study strategies, or also just helping a child get organized. Sometimes, giving a child attention during difficult tasks can boost a child’s morale and effort.

10. Encourage and Support

Most importantly, a parent should serve as a motivational academic cheerleader. Homework should not be a punishment or a time that’s dreaded. Approach homework with a positive attitude and consistently reward the child with positive verbal feedback. Children do not require material treats or presents for success; moreover, they thrive on verbal support and encouragement. For example, if a child consistently does their homework without complaining, remind them each day, “I love how you always do your assignments with such a great attitude. I admire your ability to do what’s assigned with such an adult work ethic!” When compliments are specific and meaningful, a child will feel more confident and motivated to continually follow through with his or her responsibilities and performance.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @publicschoolreview

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Homework Letter to Parents | Email Templates

As a teacher, communicating with parents about the homework expectations for their children is crucial for fostering a successful learning environment. Crafting a homework letter that is both informative and engaging can be a challenging task. That’s why we’ve created a list of homework letter-to-parents templates that you can use to effectively communicate with parents about the assignments, expectations, and goals for their child’s homework. In this article, we’ll go over the key elements of a successful homework letter, and provide you with a customizable template that you can use for your classroom.

The key elements of an effective homework letter to parents include

• A clear introduction that establishes your purpose and goals for the homework,
• A detailed explanation of the assignments, expectations, and grading policies,
• A schedule outlining when homework is due, and a section dedicated to answering frequently asked questions or addressing concerns.
• Additionally, adding information or resources about how parents can support their child’s learning at home and providing resources for additional support can also be helpful.

These elements will help ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s homework and can effectively support their child’s academic success.

Example of detailed Homework letter to parents

I hope this email finds you, your child, and in good health. I wanted to take the time to talk about the value of homework and how it may aid in your child’s development as we begin the new school year. I’ve designed a template for a homework letter to parents that I’ll be using this year to assist keep you informed about your child’s homework requirements.

The homework template was created to give you succinct, clear information about the homework assignments, goals, and expectations for your child. It will also include a schedule explaining when homework is due, as well as a part devoted to addressing any worries you might have or frequently asked questions.

I’ll explain how the assignment helps your child learn in the introduction, as well as its purpose and goals. You can have a clear grasp of what is expected of your child by reading the thorough explanation section. This section defines the assignments, expectations, and grading guidelines. You may assist your child manage their time by giving them the due dates as per the timetable area.

I have also included some resources to help your child’s learning at home. You can learn how to support your child’s academic success.

I am aware that parents and students alike may find the topic of homework to be difficult, which is why I am providing this homework letter. I hope that this template will make it easier for you to support your child’s learning by having a clear understanding of the homework expectations.

If you have any questions or concerns about the homework letter to parents template, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am always available to discuss your child’s academic progress and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.

Homework letter to parents templates

• Dear parent, This is a reminder that it is your child’s responsibility to bring their homework assignments home. We encourage you to make sure your child has their work ready with them each day so we all spend less time on this task and more time on teaching. Missing homework assignments may result in a lower grade for the assignment or even being taken out points from the report card altogether. Please see attached a list of missing homework assignments from your child’s class.
• Dear Parent, We are writing to inform you that we have not received homework from your child for the following subjects [list]. If we do not receive this assignment by 2024, your child will receive a zero grade on all assignments until the missing homework is submitted. We thank you in advance and appreciate your help with this matter.
• Dear parent, we noticed that your child did not hand in his/her homework. We will do our best to ensure your child does not miss out on learning from this lesson. Please ensure that your child brings home their homework next week. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear Parent, It is important that your child complete their homework on time each night. Please help them by discussing the importance of homework completion and encouraging it to be done every night. Thank you.
• Dear Parent, It has been brought to our attention that your child has been missing homework. We are asking that you remind your child of the importance of homework. Please ensure it is being completed daily, as this greatly helps your child in the classroom. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear parents, Please see below a list of your child’s missing homework assignments. Please check if there are any questions you may have and then sign the form at the end. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank You,
• Dear Parent, Your student has not turned in the homework assignment. Please see that they bring it with them tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at [number]. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
• Dear parent, this is our weekly homework reminder. We would appreciate it if you could check and make sure that your children have their homework completed. That way, they will be capable of focusing on school work instead of struggling to complete missing assignments in class. Thank you for your help.
• Dear Parent, your child has been marked absent for missing homework. Please see the attached document for more information.
• Dear Parent, I am sending this email to notify parents that the assignment [name] was not turned in. I hope that the assignment will be returned soon.
• Dear Parent, We noticed that you missed the lesson titled [name] on Monday. This lesson was designed to help your child develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure, which are crucial skills to learn as they grow into successful adults. To access this lesson again and complete the homework assignment please visit the link. If you have any questions or concerns during this process please do not hesitate to contact me. 

More Simplestic Templates: 

• Email to parents about academic concerns

Positive Email to Parents from Teacher: 15 Example Emails

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Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

Try Confidence Boosters for Your Child Here!

Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

• Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
• Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
• Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
• Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

• Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
• Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
• Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
• Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
• Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
• Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
• Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

• Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
• Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
• Splitting the middle term
• Using formula
• Using Quadratic formula
• Using algebraic identities
• Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
• Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
• Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
• Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
• Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

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The best way to learn and teach with AI is here. Ace the school year with our AI-powered guide, Khanmigo. 

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A-Rod shares daughter’s adorable ‘Parent’s Day’ assignment

• Author: Extra Mustard

Alex Rodriguez posted a photo of his 8–year–old daughter Ella’s “Parent’s Day” assignment, and her responses to questions about her dad are hilarious and adorable. 

Here are a few things we learned about the New York Yankees slugger after reading his daughter’s answers. 

1. A-Rod likes baseball?

Ella wrote that her dad’s “favorite thing to do” is to play baseball. His favorite sport that he plays? “Well, he only plays one, so baseball!” 

2. Rodriguez has trouble cutting apples

In response to a question about the “craziest thing” her dad ever did, Ella replied, “cut me an apple.” Get outta town! (In his Twitter post, he noted that Ella mistakenly wrote that he’s 43—he’s actually 40—but that by the time he turned 43, he would learn how to cut an apple.)

3. A-Rod still uses a Blackberry

In response to a prompt about what her dad is really good at, Ella replied: “typing fast on his Blackberry.” A–Rod still uses a Blackberry!

• Confirmed: P.K. Subban is better at hockey than baseball

4. Rodriguez doesn't cook 

The questionnaire asked about the best thing Ella’s dad cooks. She nailed the response: “he doesn't cook, and even if he did hmmm...”

5. His wardrobe is...what you’d expect

Ella was asked when her dad looks best. She replied, when “he comes to school in a suit or that Nike shirt.” 

Which Nike shirt? We need to know!

You can see all of Ella’s responses below.

Rodriguez returned to the Yankees lineup on Thursday after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury. 

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PARENTS' DAY OUT (PDO)

Saint Ann PDO  provides care two days a week (M/W or T/TH) from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for children between the ages of 15 months and 5 years in a safe, loving, Christian environment. This care is extended on a first come, first served basis; first to our parish families and then secondly to our surrounding community. We will strive to provide this care in partnership with parents to encourage the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical development of the participating children. Through small group, whole group, individualized instruction, and cooperative learning, students will experience an age-appropriate curriculum, including: Math, Early Literacy, Intro to Spanish, Science, Music & Movement, Religion, Art, and Outside Free Play.

For More Information Lauren Whittenberg ·  [email protected] · ​901.387.1619

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Snow Days: Resources to Share With Students and Parents

Is snow in the forecast? Here are some engaging science, reading, and writing resources to share with parents.

Winter is here, and for parts of the country snow is in the forecast. Although most teachers love a snow day here and there, prolonged closures disrupt the flow of learning and prevent teachers from introducing new material.

So what can educators do? Beyond sending assignments home with students, there are plenty of engaging, interesting winter-themed projects, activities, and exercises to share with students and their families. From winter reading to writing prompts and fun science explorations, these fun lessons and activities offer a great way to keep students engaged during unexpected breaks.

Fun and Free Snow Day Learning Resources

How Do Avalanches Form? Lesson Plan : PBS LearningMedia’s lesson provides students a chance to explore how and why avalanches occur. A short video lesson with accompanying text provides a clear explainer on unsafe snow conditions. Plus, Discovery Education’s Avalanche! lesson lets students simulate an avalanche using around-the-house items, a fun learning activity for a snowy day.

The Science of Snowflakes Lesson : This TEDed video gives kids a brief, insightful overview of how snowflakes form, with accompanying discussion questions. For elementary students, it’s a great way to introduce or reinforce water cycle concepts. PBS LearningMedia’s Physics of Snowflakes lesson provides a fun activity for exploring the fascinating science of how snowflakes form.

Polar Science Reading Resources for Students :  Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears , an online professional development publication from the Ohio State University, is designed to help elementary teachers teach polar science. The student stories section provides students with a chance to explore a number of polar science concepts, from polar geology to igloo engineering. Each story is designed for K–1, 2–3, or 4–5, and most have accompanying activities.

At-Home Ice Science Projects : In this lesson from Science Kids, a New Zealand–based science learning site, students experiment with how salt affects the temperature of ice. Another great lesson from Science Kids, Will the Ice Melt and Overflow? , encourages kids to test a hypothesis about ice melt.

General Science Mini-Projects From the Exploratorium : “Science Snacks” features exciting science mini-projects and activities students can do at home. All of the teacher-tested ideas use cheap, around-the-house items. A range of topics are covered, and there are lessons for students of all ages.

5 Writing Prompts About Winter : WriteShop has some fun writing prompts for snowy days. From “snow-crostics” to writing about winter memories, this resource offers a quick explanation for each and can help get the creative juices flowing.

Winter and Holiday Reading Passages : ReadWorks offers winter-themed reading passages for K–6 students that test comprehension. All the passages are available for download (but require users to sign up for a free account.) Many of the passages relate to the earth and life sciences.

All About Snow Reading Resources : The National Snow & Ice Data Center’s “All About Snow” section features numerous articles about snow science, winter ecology, and winter weather. This is a wonderful resource to share with curious kids, and it offers a great starting point for exploring many different subjects.

More Fun Resources for Parents and Kids

These are just a few winter-themed resources out there. Here’s a list of some additional links that are worth a look.

• Parent Guide to Winter via Scholastic
• Eight Ways Animals Survive Winter via Science News
• Create Your Own Digital Snowflakes via PeteHawkes.com
• 10 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Ideas via IBTimes
• Flaking Out: How Snow Forms via Mother Nature News
• Books About Snow Days via ReadingRockets

Communicating with Parents and Families Before Test Day: ERB’s Tips for Educators

The blog post is the first in a two-part series for educators on communicating with families about achievement testing. In Part 2 of the series, we will provide tips for educators on helping families interpret test scores.

We at ERB know how challenging it can be for educators to effectively and clearly communicate with parents about testing—everything from why summative assessment is necessary in the first place, to how test scores can be used in the classroom (and beyond), to how to navigate the nuances of the results and what they mean in a broader context.

We regularly hear concerns from educators who seek guidance with this very task. It’s a challenge Dr. Alexandra Sundman, Head of the Middle School for Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Maryland, encounters on a regular basis. Sundman says she wants advisors and learning specialists at her school to feel empowered to work closely with parents and caregivers, many of whom struggle to make sense of what test scores mean about their child’s academic performance and overall well-being.

It’s important to clarify to families that these tests are not statements about their child’s fixed ability level. Rather, they serve as a measure of what a student has learned up to this point and where gaps exist at an individual and class level.

“The desire to keep a growth mindset in these conversations is really important,” Sundman says.

We’ve compiled a list of tips and strategies below to help enhance your communication with parents and families, starting with the procedures and reasoning behind student testing.

“The desire to keep a growth mindset in these conversations is really important.” — Dr. Alexandra Sundman, Head of the Middle School, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

6 Tips to Engage Students’ Families Before Test Day

Some communicating with parents and families about testing happens before the exam actually takes place. Here are six strategies to help you get started.

1. Share your school’s testing philosophy.

The words assessment and testing can spark feelings of anxiety or nervousness, and parents and caregivers may wonder why a test is being administered in the first place. Whether in person or via another mode of communication—a one-pager, a guide, even a video—it can be helpful to explain your school’s reasons for a given assessment upfront and educate families about your testing philosophy starting early on in the school year.

It’s often beneficial to remind parents that the intention of summative assessment is not to categorize or “rank” a student but rather to understand what they have learned and how they have progressed over time. The aim is to gather information so you can develop more targeted interventions for students and improve curriculum design. The scores are one piece of a larger puzzle about understanding academic performance and the whole child. It’s about growth ; not just numbers.

2. Help familiarize families with the test.

Oftentimes, families want to get a sense of what test their student will be taking so they can ensure the student has the time and information needed to prepare and thrive. Sharing basic information such as test dates, times, and locations is also essential.

You might also point them to resources provided by the test provider, such as testing guides and information on its website. At ERB, we have a dedicated landing page for families about our achievement tests, including the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) , Milestones , and Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) .

3. Slowly introduce families to testing details over time.

Allisen Haworth, Division Head at the Epiphany School in Washington, brings up testing with families gradually throughout the school year, as she mentioned at the 2023 ERB Conference. Her efforts start early in the school year with brief mentions of ERB testing in coffee conversations with families. Then, test dates are added to school calendars and highlighted in classroom newsletters and all-school communications.

“I usually write a letter for our all-school newsletter about assessment in general at the school and all the different ways that assessment happens as a way of [knowing] children well,” Haworth said at the conference. This includes achievement testing administered by external providers like ERB, as well as more informal strategies like one-on-one interviews with students.

Taking this approach helps to normalize the concept of achievement testing among families while avoiding overwhelming them with too much information at once.

4. Help quell test anxiety.

Research shows that students at high-achieving schools—including many independent schools—are at high-risk for behavioral and mental health challeng es , in part because they are learning in especially competitive environments. Parents may feel a similar sense of anxiety as their child prepares for the test.

Reducing test anxiety among families and students often requires encouraging parents and caregivers to view summative assessment as an opportunity to help their student grow. You can also remind parents or caregivers to simply focus on controlling what they can. This often means: 

• Having their student adequately prepare beforehand to improve their confidence going into test day
• Getting rest and eating well in the days leading up to the assessment
• Confirming the time and location of the test beforehand
• Arriving early so the student feels relaxed rather than rushed upon arrival

5. Provide a glimpse of how and when scores are shared.

It’s important to be transparent with students’ parents and caregivers about what results will be shared and when—including how they can access test scores and available resources if they have questions.

At ERB, families can access test scores in different ways. We recommend that ERB member schools try out our new ERB Family Report tool in 360 Access, which can present student achievement data—including key findings and next steps—in a more digestible format for families.

6. Explain what achievement test scores will mean in context.

As the Latin School of Chicago’s go-to resource for student performance data and insights, Amanda Taglia, the school’s testing coordinator, sends out a video to families dissecting some of the key terms associated with student testing. What is a scaled score? A norm? A stanine? A student percentile? 

In whatever formats you choose, it’s important to remind families that test scores are a snapshot in time, and many factors can affect their performance on achievement tests—incidences on campus or at home, class size, and attitudes toward testing, to name a few. In this way, assessments can shed light on not just academic performance but also students’ overall well-being.

“It’s a lot of education, a lot of conversations, and just reassuring [families] that we are looking out for their child,” Taglia says.

Learn more about ERB’s score reporting options for students’ families .

Member Schools

You can access Family Reports via ERB 360 Access for Comprehensives. As you review the new feature, please share your feedback and suggestions by emailing [email protected] .

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‘She’s been called the N-word many times’: Ky. parents call for school boards to take action against racist bullying

K ENTUCKY. (WFIE) - On Sunday, parents from both Muhlenberg and Henderson County Schools met to talk about the same kind of targeted bullying happening to their children.

In February , we told you about parents speaking out over racist bullying at College View Middle School in Daviess County.

“She comes home crying almost every single day about what she goes through,” said Henderson County parent, Deanna Hall.

Hall says she knew something wasn’t right when her once bubbly daughter wasn’t acting her normal self.

“She’s been told to kill herself; she’s been called a ‘fat b,’ she’s been called the N-word many times,” said Hall. “I just have a feeling this is going to impact her whole life. She’s not going to be this happy, joyful student that we really need in this world.

When Hall brought the matter to North Middle School’s attention, she says the school planned to isolate her daughter from other students.

When the problems continued, Hall says administrators shared the family’s home address and phone number with her child’s bully so the families could work it out themselves.

“My daughter and I, I’m a single mother, we do not feel safe in our home,” said Hall.

Parents say the problem isn’t isolated to Henderson County Schools. Laquana Sutton says her daughter was targeted while she was student at Muhlenberg South Middle School.

“It was one kid, then it went to another kid, then it was groups of kids where they was calling her watermelon eater, n-word,” said Sutton.

This behavior got so bad that Sutton says she was forced to withdraw her eighth grader from school earlier this year, just months before graduation.

“I was hurt,” said Sutton. “I was really hurt, because she’s a great student. She’s got a 4.0 GPA, junior beta, everything.”

Sutton says she’s had about 10 to 20 meetings with school officials to try to put a stop to the bullying.

Hopkins County African American Coalition President and human rights consultant Bill McReynolds says they’re looking into the schools for possible human rights violations.

“There’s no place for that. These students have a right to a free and safe education in the public school system,” said McReynolds.

McReynolds says Henderson County Schools has ignored their organizations’ attempts to reach out. They say they’ve met with officials at Muhlenberg County Schools but haven’t gotten anywhere.

The request from parents at both schools though, is the same.

“Take accountability for how y’all are allowing these kids to mistreat out babies,” said Sutton. “We’re sending them to you happy and in good spirits, and you’re dwindling the life out of them.”

We’ve reached out to both Muhlenberg and Henderson County Schools.

Monday, we were sent a statement from Muhlenberg County Schools.

Matters of this nature are always taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the district. We follow strong policies and procedures regarding discrimination and harassment at any level. The district has been collaborating with our local NAACP chapter to discover any issues regarding diversity and equality that are occurring in our school system. This collaboration has proved beneficial in allowing us to determine next steps to create a safe learning environment for all. Examples of steps we have already initiated are student focus groups and ongoing professional development. We are dedicated to addressing each incident that is reported and being proactive in making our schools a welcoming place for all students and staff.

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Parents of Michigan School Shooter Sentenced to 10 to 15 Years in Prison

Jennifer and James Crumbley, whose son killed four people, each faced up to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter convictions.

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By Jacey Fortin and Anna Betts

Jennifer and James Crumbley, who were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for failing to prevent their teenage son from killing four fellow students in the deadliest school shooting in Michigan’s history, were each sentenced on Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison.

Their separate jury trials ended in guilty verdicts in February and March , making them the first parents in the country to be convicted over the deaths caused by their child in a mass shooting.

Involuntary manslaughter charges carry a penalty in Michigan of up to 15 years in prison, and prosecutors asked in sentencing memos filed to the court last week that the Crumbleys each serve at least 10 years. Both have been in jail for more than two years while awaiting trial and will receive credit for time served.

“Parents are not expected to be psychic,” Judge Cheryl Matthews of the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, Mich., said before issuing the sentence. “But these convictions are not about poor parenting. These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train — repeatedly ignoring things that would make a reasonable person feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up.”

Before the hearing, prosecutors said that Ms. Crumbley, 46, was asking to be sentenced to house arrest on her defense lawyer’s property, rather than serving prison time. And Mr. Crumbley, 47, said that he had been wrongly convicted and his sentence should amount to the time he had already served in prison, adding that he felt “absolutely horrible” about what had happened.

On Tuesday, each of them spoke in the hearing before the judge pronounced sentence.

“I stand today not to ask for your forgiveness, as I know it may be beyond reach, but to express my sincerest apologies for the pain that has been caused,” Ms. Crumbley said in court, addressing the relatives of students who were killed.

Mr. Crumbley also apologized. “I cannot express how much I wish that I had known what was going on with him or what was going to happen, because I absolutely would have done a lot of things differently,” he said.

Relatives of some of the victims also spoke during the hearing, describing the overwhelming effects the shooting had on their lives.

“The ripple effects of both James’s and Jennifer’s failures to act have devastated us all,” said Jill Soave, the mother of Justin Shilling, 17, who was killed in the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. “This tragedy was completely preventable. If only they had done something, your honor, anything, to shift the course events on Nov. 30, then our four angels would be here today.”

Steve St. Juliana, whose daughter, Hana, 14, was killed, said that the Crumbleys continued to fail to take responsibility for what had happened.

“They chose to stay quiet,” he said. “They chose to ignore the warning signs. And now, as we’ve heard through all of the objections, they continue to choose to blame everyone but themselves.”

The Crumbleys’ son, Ethan, was 15 when he carried out the shooting that killed Justin and Hana, as well as Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Tate Myre, 16. Seven others were injured. Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including first-degree murder, and was sentenced last year to life in prison without parole . He is still eligible to appeal that decision. His parents may appeal, too.

In the trials of both parents, prosecutors focused in part on their failure to remove their son from school after he made a violent drawing on the morning of the shooting. It included a written plea for help.

They also emphasized Ethan’s access to a handgun that Mr. Crumbley had purchased. And they said that Ms. Crumbley had missed signs that her son was struggling with his mental health, adding that she took him to a gun range just days before the shooting.

Defense lawyers for both parents said they could not have foreseen the unspeakable violence their son would commit.

Ms. Crumbley grew up in Clarkston, a Detroit suburb about 20 minutes from Oxford, her lawyer said during a hearing after the couple’s arrest in 2021 . Before her arrest, she had worked as a marketing director, her lawyer said.

Mr. Crumbley’s job history included work at a handful of small software and technology companies.

The couple once lived in Florida but returned to Michigan several years ago, their lawyers said. They bought their home near downtown Oxford in 2015.

The trials of Jennifer and James Crumbley became a lightning rod for issues of parental responsibility at a time of high-profile gun violence by minors. In recent months, parents in other states have pleaded guilty to charges of reckless conduct or neglect after their children injured or killed others with guns.

But the manslaughter charges against the Crumbleys were unique, and legal experts said their trials could serve as a playbook for other prosecutors who seek to hold parents accountable in the future.

Ekow Yankah, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, said the effect of the ruling on Tuesday might be felt beyond the state.

“This is going to be precedent, most obviously in Michigan and its home jurisdiction, but prosecutors all over the country will see this as a new and viable form of liability,” Mr. Yankah said. “I think we should not underestimate the precedential power of this case, even as we recognize that the facts were quite extraordinary.”

For Matthew Schneider, a former United States attorney in Michigan, what makes this case so different from many others is that most criminal sentences are related to the actions of a defendant, rather than being “about inactions, and how the inactions of a person result in a criminal sentence.”

The sentencing is “very much about making an example of the defendants,” Mr. Schneider said. “This is a shot across the bow to all parents, to all people who have firearms in their house, to keep them locked up, if they could be in the hands of the wrong people.”

Jacey Fortin covers a wide range of subjects for the National desk of The Times, including extreme weather, court cases and state politics all across the country. More about Jacey Fortin

Anna Betts reports on national events, including politics, education, and natural or man-made disasters, among other things. More about Anna Betts

Parents of Oxford school shooter sentenced to 10-15 years each

James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the Oxford school shooter, were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison by a Michigan judge Tuesday after their convictions in separate trials on involuntary-manslaughter charges that stemmed from their son’s 2021 rampage, which killed four students.

Their sentencing ends one chapter of an emotional legal saga that has gripped the exurban Detroit community for more than two years and, more broadly, reshaped attitudes around parental liability in cases where children access a gun and harm others.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl A. Matthews said the two parents had repeated chances to help their son and curb his access to weapons, but failed to do so.

“Mr. Crumbley, it’s clear to this court that because of you, there was unfettered access to a gun or guns, as well as ammunition in your home,” Matthews told James Crumbley, 47.

“Mrs. Crumbley, you glorified the use and possession of these weapons,” Matthews said to Jennifer Crumbley, 45. “Your attitude toward your son and his behavior was dispassionate and apathetic. Your response to school staff after a 12-minute meeting was, ‘Are we done here?’”

The Crumbleys could ultimately serve less than eight years in prison; they must serve at least 10 years before they are eligible for parole and will be credited with 858 days of time served, having been in custody since their December 2021 arrest. If they are denied parole, they could serve a full 15 years behind bars.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald had sought a total of 10 to 15 years for each parent, detailing in a sentencing memo the trauma, terror and devastation caused by what she said was the Crumbleys’ gross negligence that resulted in their son killing Hana St. Juliana, 14; Tate Myre, 16; Madisyn Baldwin, 17; and Justin Shilling, 17, while wounding others at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021.

After spending the early hours of the Tuesday hearing disputing various facts of the case raised in sentencing memos, attorneys ceded the stand to victims’ family members, who delivered powerful impact statements that described how the shooting had irreparably altered their lives. Most of the family members pleaded for Matthews to hand down the maximum sentence.

Nicole Beausoleil, Baldwin’s mother, cried as she drew a contrast between herself and the Crumbleys in the days and hours before and after the shooting.

“When you knew the gun was missing, you called the police knowing it was your son who took it; I was having family call every hospital describing what she looked like,” Beausoleil said. “When you texted, ‘Ethan don’t do it,’ I was texting Madisyn: ‘I love you, please call mom.’”

Reina St. Juliana, Hana’s older sister and an Oxford student the day of the shooting, described how their younger brother had to learn to write a eulogy before he learned to write school essays. Reina said that she never got to say goodbye to her sister and that the next time she saw Hana was to “recognize her lifeless body in the medical examiner’s office.”

James and Jennifer Crumbley, who are expected to appeal their convictions, addressed the court to express regrets — but they stopped short of owning their role in the tragedy, saying they had no knowledge of their son’s plan.

Jennifer Crumbley said she was “horrified” after learning that victims’ families had “misunderstood” her when she testified that she would not have done anything different leading up to the shooting.

“That answer is true because I thought my son did seem so normal,” Crumbley said. “I didn’t have a reason to do anything different. This was not something I foresaw.”

James Crumbley told the victims’ families that he grieved for their losses before ending his statement by echoing remarks made by Myre’s father, Buck. Moments earlier, Buck Myre had demanded transparency from Oxford school officials and law enforcement; the families have brought wrongful-death lawsuits against the school district and some faculty members.

James Crumbley insisted the whole truth of the case had not been told.

“I’m with you, Mr. Myre,” he concluded. “I, too, want the truth.”

Defense attorneys argued for leniency, noting that some of their evidence had not been included in the trials.

Both defendants highlighted that their own lives had been upended by the shooting and said they, too, were victims of their son’s manipulation. The Crumbleys have not spoken to their son since 2021, nor to each other since their arrests. Jennifer Crumbley requested a “fair and just sentence,” while James Crumbley explicitly asked to be released on electronic monitoring with credit for time served.

Shannon Smith, Jennifer Crumbley’s attorney, had requested that her client be sentenced to home confinement on electronic monitoring; she would live in Smith’s guesthouse. McDonald wrote that such a sentence would be a “slap in the face to the severity of the tragedy.”

But it was James Crumbley whom the prosecution described as particularly egregious as officials revealed the details of the electronic threats he made from jail that resulted in him losing most of his jail communication privileges midway through his March trial.

“Defendant’s jail calls showed he blamed everyone but himself for what happened and that he repeatedly referred to himself as being a ‘martyr,’” prosecutors wrote. They revealed that in calls made throughout 2022 and 2023, James Crumbley referred to McDonald as “that f---ing stupid whore b----” while addressing McDonald by name and saying he hoped she was listening.

“There will be retribution, believe me,” James Crumbley said in a December 2023 jail message. In a phone call placed a month later, he said he was on a “rampage” and McDonald “better be scared.”

“His jail calls show a total lack of remorse, he blames everyone but himself and he threatened the elected Prosecutor,” the prosecution wrote.

Days after the killings, McDonald made the unprecedented decision to criminally charge the parents for a mass school shooting committed by their child. Ethan Crumbley, 15 years old at the time, was charged as an adult and later sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty to two dozen charges.

The Crumbley parents’ trials underscore a growing willingness among some prosecutors to charge adults who may have ignored warnings of violence. Hours after the verdict Tuesday, a grand jury in Newport News, Va., charged a school administrator in the case of a 6-year-old student who shot a teacher.

But some observers are wary of the precedent set by the Crumbley convictions. Randy Zelin, a defense lawyer who teaches at Cornell Law School, said he was worried by the prospect that courts could impose criminal liability on individuals who don’t pull a trigger or have knowledge or intent of a crime.

“It’s very easy in hindsight — not in the moment, not in real time, not in context — to look back in a vacuum and say, Look what the parents did and didn’t do. And I think that’s unfair,” Zelin said.

Kris Brown, president of the Brady: United Against Gun Violence gun-control organization, said the verdict left her with mixed feelings. Discourse around the case focused heavily on the decisions of individual parents and less on broader issues with how accessible firearms are for children.

“I’m frustrated that we’re not putting more emphasis on prevention. I think this verdict will scare parents,” Brown said, acknowledging that was its own form of deterrent.

Throughout the two trials, the prosecution’s overarching argument against the parents was that they bought a gun for a teenager who was clearly troubled, they failed to secure it, and they failed to take steps before the shooting, including on the morning of, that could have prevented the tragedy.

James Crumbley bought a 9mm SigSauer days before the shooting as an early Christmas gift, and Jennifer Crumbley bought ammunition and took her son to a shooting range to practice with it.

On the morning of the shooting, the parents were called in to discuss violent drawings their son had made on a math assignment, including a drawing of a black gun and a bullet-ridden body. The Crumbleys left their son at school and returned to work after he asked to stay. They were alerted hours later of a shooting at Oxford High School.

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Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced

By Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Parents of school shooter sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. Here's what happened in court today

From CNN staff

The  parents of the teenager who killed four students  in the 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison Tuesday, weeks after being convicted of manslaughter.

James and Jennifer Crumbley, who each had faced up to 15 years in prison, have already been imprisoned for more than two years since their arrest in a Detroit warehouse days after the shooting. Though they were tried separately, their sentencing took place together in an Oakland County courtroom.

They are the first parents to be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child as the nation continues to grapple with the scourge of gunfire on campus and mass shootings.

Here's what everyone said in court today:

• Several family members of the four students killed in the shooting delivered emotional victim impact statements before the judge handed down the sentencing. The mother of Justin Shilling said "the ripple effects of both James and Jennifer's failures to act" to prevent their son from carrying out the deadly shooting " have devastated us all ." The father of Hana St. Juliana said the Crumbleys continue to deflect blame , adding his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."
• Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court on Tuesday by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families. She also said a previous statement that she made on the stand in her own defense  during her trial in Februar y was "completely misunderstood." Jennifer Crumbley previously said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.” Now, before sentencing, she said if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."
• James Crumbley apologized to the victims , something he said he had not been able to do yet. He said he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked the judge, "sentence me in a fair way."
• Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged the judge to exceed the sentencing guidelines for the Crumbleys and to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable." In separate pre-sentencing memos, the attorneys for the parents asked for them  to be sentenced  to less than five years in prison.
• Judge Cheryl Matthews said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future. She pointed to James and Jennifer Crumbley's lack of action, saying, “These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train."

Crumbley case sets a precedent on who can be held accountable for a mass shooting

From CNN's Celina Tebor

The historic trials, and stunning verdicts, of James and Jennifer Crumbley  tested the limits of who can be held responsible for a mass shooting.

The prosecution of both parents, and an uptick in other criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits tied to mass shootings, indicates attorneys are increasingly seeking to hold responsible people — and companies — who didn’t pull the trigger .

Prosecutors over the past few years have been slowly, but steadily, expanding the notion of who can be held accountable for a mass shooting, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig, a former federal and state prosecutor, said last month.

While he cautioned each case rests on its own merits, "we’ve seen groundbreaking prosecutions of parents and security personnel," he said, "and I’d expect that trend to continue."

The question remains whether prosecution of non-shooters will be effective in reducing the number of mass shootings in the United States. But undoubtedly, it has expanded prosecutors’ tool boxes, according to Ekow Yankah, law professor at the University of Michigan.

“It gives different prosecutors something to aim at – it gives them a new theory, it gives them something to try,” he told CNN. “It gives prosecutors who are frustrated, are facing a devastating crime, a mass shooting that’s hurt their community, some set of actions that they can take.”

Read about some other high-profile prosecutions of non-shooters in recent years.

Prosecutor says she is disappointed James and Jennifer Crumbley did not express remorse

From CNN’s Nicki Brown 

The lead prosecutor in James and Jennifer Crumbley's criminal trials said it was "disappointing" that the parents didn't express remorse.

"Feeling bad is natural, and we don't dispute that they feel bad ... that's not what's important to victims of crime," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said to reporters after the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday. "What they want and need most of all is remorse, which means acknowledgment of the wrongdoing and some sort of reconciliation or apology for that — and that didn't come."

The prosecutor said she didn't think that the case would set a precedent for parents of other school shooters.

"There's a difference between precedent-setting and rare, and this is really a rare set of facts, it really is," McDonald said. 

"Most of us know that you have to exercise reasonable care at least to prevent other people from the dangers that you know are foreseeable," she added.

She said her team did the "absolute best" they could, and the victim's families know that.

"It's really hard ... to remark about how hard we work and how hard it's been when you're looking in the eyes of these parents every day, who get up in unbelievable pain and grief and see this play out every day and they still go on," she said. "And so, my focus is there."

James and Jennifer Crumbley each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison

James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in a 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison, respectively, weeks after they were convicted of manslaughter.

They will receive credit for 858 days already served.

Sentence for Crumbleys should be a deterrent, judge says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

The judge presiding over the sentencing of James and Jennifer Crumbley said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future.

"Opportunity knocked over and over again, louder and louder, and was ignored," Judge Cheryl Matthews said. "No one answered and these two people should have and sure didn’t."

She said she is "aware of my job in this situation” and promised not to be “swayed by public opinion” when handing down the sentencing decision.

Talking to the families in the courtroom, Matthews said she could never understand the pain they are experiencing, but reassured them, “I saw what you saw and I heard what you heard” during the trials.

Prosecutor urges judge to consider the "devastating impact" of the Crumbleys' "gross negligence"

From CNN's Nicki Brown

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged Judge Cheryl Matthews to exceed the sentencing guidelines for James and Jennifer Crumbley, asking the judge to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

"I want to be clear, remorse does not sound like, 'I feel really bad.' I'm sure they do. I don't dispute they feel bad, I don't dispute they have grief. That's not the kind of remorse and accountability these victims are looking for," McDonald said in court Tuesday.

She continued, addressing the judge:

"When fashioning a sentence, it is absolutely critical that you listen and consider the impact of what that gross negligence caused. So we're asking you to exceed the guidelines because I believe all of the factors pursuant to the case law, with the necessary consideration of the impact of these crimes, justifies you to do. We're asking you, the people are asking you, to consider the devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

James Crumbley apologizes to the families of his son's victims

From CNN's Antoinette Radford

James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, addressed the courtroom, opening his statement by apologizing to the victims, something he said he had not been able to do yet.

"I want to say I can't imagine the pain and agony ... for the families that have lost their children and what they are experiencing and what they are going through. As a parent, our biggest fear is losing our child or our children, and to lose a child is unimaginable. My heart is really broken for everybody involved," he said.

"I really want the families of Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St Juliana, Tate Myre and Justin Shilling to know how truly sorry I am, and how devastated I was when I heard what happened to them," Crumbley said.

Crumbley added that he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked Judge Cheryl Matthews to "sentence me in a fair way."

Jennifer Crumbley says previous statement made in court was misinterpreted

From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury

Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families.

"I sit here today to express my deepest sorrows for the families of Hana, Tate, Madisyn, Justin and to all those affected on November 30, 2021," she said.

Crumbley said that a previous statement made on the stand was "completely misunderstood."

When she took the stand in her own defense during her trial in Februar y, she had said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.”

On Tuesday, Crumbley said that she did not foresee the actions of her son and therefore would not have done anything different, and that is how she interpreted the question.

"With the benefit of hindsight and information I have now, my answer would be drastically different," she said.

Crumbley added that if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."

 Father of Hana St. Juliana says Crumbleys "choose to blame everyone but themselves"

James and Jennifer Crumbley continue to deflect blame, the father of a victim of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting said at the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday.

"The defendants, through their choices, through their indifference and gross negligence, enabled their son to murder my daughter Hana and three other children," Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana St. Juliana, said in a victim impact statement Tuesday.

"They chose to stay quiet. They chose to ignore the warning signs. And now, as we've heard through all of the objections, they continue to choose to blame everyone but themselves," he said.

Steve St. Juliana said his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."

"I will never think back fondly on her high school and college graduations. I will never walk her down the aisle as she begins the journey of starting her own family. I am forever denied the chance to hold her or her future children in my arms," he added.

St. Juliana said his position on the Crumbleys' sentencing evolved throughout the trial as the defendants' "defiance" increased. "Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin are the ones who have lost everything — not the defendants," he said before requesting the parents receive the maximum possible sentence.

Buck Myre, the father of victim Tate Myre, gave his impact statement following Steve St. Juliana. He was the last person to give an impact statement.

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Parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley both sentenced to 10-15 years for involuntary manslaughter

PONTIAC, Mich. — The first parents to ever be charged , then convicted, in their child’s mass shooting at a U.S. school were both sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison after they faced the victims' families at a sentencing hearing in a Michigan courtroom.

James Crumbley, 47, and his wife, Jennifer, 46, were sentenced one after another by Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews as they appeared together for the first time since they attended joint hearings before their landmark trials were separated last fall. Their son, Ethan, now 17, pleaded guilty as an adult to the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit and was sentenced to life in prison.

Matthews' sentencing decision was in line with what Oakland County prosecutors had asked for after both parents were found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each of the students their son killed.

Matthews told the Crumbleys that the jury convictions were "not about poor parenting" but about how they repeatedly ignored warning signs that a "reasonable person" would have seen.

"These convictions confirm repeated acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train," she said.

The couple will get credit for time served in an Oakland County jail since their arrests in the wake of the shooting on Nov. 30, 2021. The pair sat apart at the defense table with their lawyers beside them as the families of the four students who were killed asked before sentencing for the maximum terms to be imposed.

"When you texted, 'Ethan don't do it,'  I was texting, 'Madisyn I love you, please call mom,'" Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of shooting victim Madisyn Baldwin, 17, told the Crumbleys. "When you found out about the lives your son took that day, I was still waiting for my daughter in the parking lot.

"The lack of compassion you've shown is outright disgusting," she added through tears.

Jill Soave, the mother of another slain student, Justin Shilling, 17, said the parents' inaction on the day of the shooting "failed their son and failed us all."

Justin's father, Craig Shilling, said he was troubled by Jennifer Crumbley's testimony during her trial in which she said she would not have done anything differently, even today.

"The blood of our children is on your hands, too," Craig Shilling said.

James Crumbley wore an orange jumpsuit and headphones to help with his hearing, and Jennifer Crumbley wore a gray-and-white jumpsuit. He did not look at his wife, while she glanced in his direction.

In Michigan, prosecutors said, felonies that rise out of the same event must run concurrently, so the most Matthews could have imposed is 15 years in total. And while prosecutors wanted the parents to receive sentences that exceeded the advisory guideline range, Matthews had the ultimate discretion, weighing factors such as past criminal behavior and the circumstances of their crimes.

Before she was sentenced, Jennifer Crumbley told the court that she felt "deep remorse, regret and grief" about the shooting, but she also deflected some of the blame onto school officials and took offense to the prosecution's strategy portraying her as a neglectful mother .

"We were good parents," Crumbley said. "We were the average family. We weren't perfect, but we loved our son and each other tremendously."

James Crumbley also addressed the court, explaining to the judge that he did not know beforehand about his son's planned attack on his school and telling the victims' families directly that he would have acted differently on the day of the shooting.

"Please note that I am truly sorry for your loss as a result of what my son did," he said. "I cannot express how much I wish I had known what was going on with him or what was going to happen."

Matthews said during Tuesday's sentencing that the family would not be housed together and that the state Corrections Department has indicated James and Ethan Crumbley specifically will not be in the same facility given their relationship. Ethan is being held in a state prison 17 miles from Oxford High School. Jennifer Crumbley would be sent to the state's only women's prison.

James and Jennifer Crumbley have not been able to communicate as part of a no contact order since their arrests.

In both parents' cases, prosecutors wrote that their "gross negligence changed an entire community forever."

They both could have prevented the shooting with "tragically simple actions," prosecutors wrote, adding that they "failed to take any action when presented with the gravest of dangers."

Legal experts had suggested James Crumbley could have faced a harsher sentence than his wife after prosecutors said he made threats in jail.

During his trial, Matthews restricted his communication to only his lawyer and clergy.

The sentencing memo for James Crumbley referred to allegations that he made threats against the prosecutor and said that "his jail calls show a total lack of remorse" and that "he blames everyone but himself."

The memo details the expletive-ridden threats he is alleged to have directly addressed to the prosecutor on multiple recorded jail calls. In one call before the trial, he said, "Karen McDonald, you're going down," according to prosecutors. In other calls, he threatened retribution, they said.

James Crumbley’s lawyer, Mariell Lehman, wrote in court documents that the calls did not include threats to physically harm the prosecutor but that he expressed his desire to ensure that McDonald is not able to continue practicing law as a result of her actions in the case.

"It is clear Mr. Crumbley is venting to loved ones about his frustrations related to the lack of investigation done by the prosecution prior to authorizing charges," Lehman wrote, saying her client is understandably angry at his situation.

The prosecution's memo also says James Crumbley asserted his innocence in a pre-sentence report, indicating a lack of remorse.

"I feel horrible for what happened and would do anything to be able to go back in time and change it! But I can't. And I had nothing to do with what happened," he wrote, according to the prosecution memo. "I don't know why my son did what he did. HE is the only one who knows."

Lehman has not said whether she plans to appeal James Crumbley's verdict, while a lawyer for Jennifer Crumbley, Shannon Smith, has written that she will.

Two separate trials

James Crumbley did not take the stand during his trial. His wife testified that she placed the responsibility of securing the 9 mm semiautomatic handgun used in the shooting on her husband.

Asked whether she would have done anything differently, Jennifer Crumbley told jurors, "I don't think I'm a failure as a parent."

Prosecutors argued that she knew of her son's deteriorating mental health and social isolation and that he had access to a gun but that she cared more about her hobbies and carrying on an extramarital affair than about being present at home.

Her defense lawyer attempted to portray her as a caring mother, albeit one who did not know her son was capable of such violence — suggesting instead that his school failed to fully inform her of his troubles and that her husband was responsible for the weapon.

Smith continued to defend her client in her sentencing memo.

"Criticizing Mrs. Crumbley for being 'rarely home' is a sexist and misogynistic attack on a mother," Smith wrote.

In a pre-sentence report, Jennifer Crumbley said she has the hindsight now to know she would have handled things differently.

"With the information I have now, of course my answer would be hugely different," she said. "There are so many things that I would change if I could go back in time."

Both her and her husband's trials centered on the day of the shooting.

A day after Thanksgiving, prosecutors said, James Crumbley bought their son the handgun, while Jennifer Crumbley took him to a gun range that weekend.

On Tuesday, a teacher said she had found a note on Ethan's desk with a drawing of a gun and a person who had been shot, along with messages including: "The thoughts won't stop. Help me."

That discovery prompted the school to summon the parents for a meeting, but school officials testified that they declined to bring him home because they had to go back to work.

The officials also said that if the parents had informed them that their son had access to a gun, they would have been more authoritative to ensure immediate safety.

Ethan would go on to commit the school shooting later that afternoon, killing Baldwin; Shilling; Tate Myre, 16; and Hana St. Juliana, 14.

Victims' families want accountability

In the aftermath of the trials, the victims' families have demanded further accountability. They are seeking changes to governmental immunity laws that protect schools from being sued and want to see a requirement for independent reviews after any mass shooting.

Oakland County prosecutors have said they do not plan to charge anyone else in connection with the massacre.

Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre, said during Tuesday's sentencing that families still want a government-led investigation.

"It's time to drive real change from this tragedy," he told the judge.

Later, James Crumbley stood and addressed Buck Myre directly when he was given the chance to speak.

"It is time that we all know the truth," he said. "I, too, want the truth, because you have not had it."

Selina Guevara and Maggie Vespa reported from Pontiac and Erik Ortiz from New York.

Selina Guevara is an NBC News associate producer, based in Chicago.

NBC News Correspondent

Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.

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Tax Day is here, but the expanded Child Tax Credit never materialized

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: April 15, 2024 / 12:36 PM EDT / CBS News

Earlier this year, the federal Child Tax Credit appeared headed for an expansion that would have helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. But the expanded CTC failed to materialize ahead of the April 15 tax deadline, and its future appears uncertain. 

The bill, called the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, easily passed the House in February with bipartisan support. But it currently remains mired in the Senate, with Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, telling NBC News earlier this month that the bill is "on life support."

Some parents were watching the bill's progress because it had a provision that could have boosted their refund for their 2023 taxes, which are due on April 15 (unless a taxpayer requests an extension .) The expanded CTC would have bumped up the credit's maximum per-child refund amount to $1,800, up from $1,600 in its current form. 

Tax experts caution it's not a good idea to delay filing your taxes with the hope that tax legislation could pass, given the unpredictability of the political process. While April 15 is the regular tax-filing deadline, taxpayers can request an extension that gives them until October 15 to send their returns to the IRS. 

"Don't wait to file," said Mark Jaeger, vice president of tax operations at TaxAct, told CBS MoneyWatch. "I'm not saying it's impossible — there are people on both sides of the aisle that would like it to happen — but I wouldn't hold my breath."

Child Tax Credit: Could it start in 2024?

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act still hasn't been scheduled for a vote in the Senate, with the New York Times reporting that Republicans have pushed back against some provisions. 

One of those issues is a so-called "look back" provision that would allow parents to use income from a prior year if it would help boost the amount they could claim through the CTC. Some Republican lawmakers claim it could weaken parents' incentive to work, Politico reported .

Even so, advocates are still holding out hope that the tax bill could pass. The National Parents Union, an advocacy group for parents, urged lawmakers at an April 10 rally to move the legislation forward. 

"Both Republicans and Democrats, doesn't matter what area of the country we're talking about — there is unanimity," said National Parents Union co-founder Keri Rodrigues in a statement. "American families are in support of this Child Tax Credit."

What happens if expanded CTC goes into effect after you file?

If Congress passes the legislation, the IRS says it will automatically make adjustments for parents who already filed and claimed the CTC. 

The IRS is urging taxpayers not to wait to file their 2023 tax returns in anticipation that Congress could pass the expanded Child Tax Credit. 

What can parents claim for the 2023 Child Tax Credit?

Without the bill's passage, the Child Tax Credit is $2,000 for each eligible child for the 2023 tax year. 

There is an income limit for claiming the $2,000 credit, which is $200,000 in adjusted gross income for single filers and $400,000 for joint filers. 

A portion of that $2,000 credit is considered fully refundable, which means that you can receive it as a tax refund even if you don't owe any federal taxes. That's noteworthy because some tax credits will at most reduce your tax liability to $0, and any amount of the credit beyond that has no impact on your refund. 

But in the case of the CTC, the tax credit is refundable up to $1,600 per child, potentially boosting their tax refund by that amount.

• Child Tax Credit

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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