Workshop Host Guide Script

Welcome & Overview (10 minutes)

Host (smiling, welcoming families as they settle):
“Hello everyone, and welcome to our workshop How Can Families Fuel Learning? My name is [Your Name], and I’m so glad you’re here today. We’re going to explore simple, practical ways you can support your child’s learning at home—because when families and schools work together, students thrive.

First, let’s look at our Slide 1. [Advance to the Families as Learning Partners slide]
Slide Title: Families as Learning Partners
This slide reminds us that your role in your child’s education is powerful. Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, the support you give at home makes a big difference.

[Advance to Slide 2]
Slide Title: Workshop Objectives
By the end of our next 60 minutes, you will:
• Discover practical ways to support learning at home
• Engage in hands-on station activities together
• Develop a personal action plan you can start this week

[Advance to Slide 3]
Slide Title: Why Family Engagement Matters
Research shows that when families are involved:
• Learning routines become consistent beyond the classroom
• Students build confidence and motivation
• Communication between home and school strengthens

(Pause briefly)
I’d love for you to think silently: What’s one thing you already do at home that supports your child’s learning?

[Advance to Slide 4]
Slide Title: Agenda
Here’s how our time will flow:

1. Welcome & Overview (10 min)
2. Interactive Station Rotations (30 min)
3. Group Reflection & Sharing (10 min)
4. Personal Action Planning (10 min)

[Advance to Slide 5]
Slide Title: Interactive Stations
We have three stations set up around the room:
• Station 1: Creating Effective Learning Spaces
• Station 2: Establishing Homework Routines
• Station 3: Leveraging Family Strengths & Resources

Here’s how it works:

1. Form three groups—please move to the station that matches your table letter.
2. Each family reads the prompts on the Station Instruction Cards.
3. Spend 10 minutes discussing and recording ideas on the flip-chart.
4. When you hear my chime (or see my raised hand), rotate to the next station on your left.

Let’s take a moment to find your first station. I’ll begin timing as soon as everyone is settled.”

Interactive Station Rotations (30 minutes)

(After families are at their first station, set a timer for 10 minutes.)

Host (walking around, checking in):
“Great work so far, everyone! I’ll give you a 2-minute warning before it’s time to rotate.”

(At 8 minutes)
“Two minutes to wrap up—what’s your top idea for this station? Jot it down!”

(At 10 minutes)
“Time’s up! Please move to your next station on the left. Read the card, record your thoughts, and I’ll be back with a two-minute warning.”

(Repeat warnings at each station until all families have visited all three stations.)

Group Reflection & Sharing (10 minutes)

Host (reconvene everyone at the front):
“Welcome back! I hope you generated lots of ideas. Now, let’s share highlights. I’d like one spokesperson from each station to share two top takeaways in about one minute each.

• Station 1 spokesperson, what stood out when we talked about learning spaces?
[Pause for share]

• Station 2 spokesperson, tell us your best tip for establishing homework routines.
[Pause for share]

• Station 3 spokesperson, what family strength or resource inspired you most?
[Pause for share]

Thank you!
Follow-up question to the whole group: What challenges might come up when you try these strategies?
[Listen and capture key points on the flip chart]

Great discussion—your honesty helps us all learn together.”

Personal Action Planning (10 minutes)

Host (handing out materials):
“Now we move to action planning. Please take a Family Reflection Worksheet. On the worksheet, write down TWO specific actions you will implement at home this week—one could come from any station.

For example: ‘I will set a 30-minute quiet reading time after dinner every school night,’ or ‘I will create a colorful schedule chart on the fridge to track assignments.’

(After 5 minutes)
“Time check! Who would like to share one of their commitments? This can help all of us stay accountable.”
[Invite 2–3 volunteers to share aloud]

“Thank you for sharing. Remember to hang your worksheet somewhere you’ll see it daily.”

Closing & Next Steps

Host (slide to final “Thank You & Next Steps”):
“It’s been a pleasure working with you today. Your participation and ideas are powerful ways to fuel your child’s success. Please keep this worksheet, try out your two action steps, and let us know how it goes.

Stay connected with your child’s teacher via email or our school website for more resources and support. We look forward to partnering with you all year long.

Thank you—enjoy the rest of your day!”

Station Instruction Cards

Station 1: Creating Effective Learning Spaces

Goal: Identify and optimize a dedicated study area at home.

1. Describe the spot you chose for studying (location, lighting, seating):
   
   
   
2. List three ways to organize supplies and materials in this space:
   
   
   
   
   
3. Identify potential distractions and brainstorm two solutions to minimize them:
   
   
   
   
   

Station 2: Establishing Homework Routines & Accountability

Goal: Develop consistent routines and tracking methods.

1. What time(s) of day work best for homework in your family, and why?
   
   
   
2. Name two tools or reminders (apps, charts, timers) you could use to track assignments:
   
   
   
   
   
3. How will you check in with your child to ensure they stay on track? Describe your plan:
   
   
   
   
   

Station 3: Leveraging Family Strengths & Resources

Goal: Use family talents, interests, or community resources to support learning.

1. List three special skills, cultural traditions, or interests your family brings to learning at home:
   
   
   
2. For each strength listed, suggest one way to connect it to a school subject or project:
   
   
   
   
   
3. Brainstorm one family activity (e.g., cooking, storytelling, a field trip) that reinforces a learning topic:
   
   
   
   
   

Family Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to capture your insights from the workshop and commit to actionable next steps.

1. What is one new strategy or idea you discovered today that you’d like to try at home?

1. List TWO specific actions you and your child will implement this week (be as concrete as possible):

• Action 1:

• Action 2:

1. What challenges or obstacles might you encounter when putting these actions into practice? How will you address them?

1. How will you and your family track progress and stay accountable to your commitments?

1. If you need extra support or have questions, who will you reach out to? (teacher, friend, community resource)

Thank you for taking the time to reflect and plan! Keep this worksheet visible at home to remind you of your commitments and celebrate your successes.