If you're looking for a way to increase parent involvement at your school, you might want to consider Family Game Night. At our schools, we've found that this is an event that helps build a sense of community by giving parents an opportunity to interact with school staff and students in a non-traditional way. When parents are line dancing next to the principal, they are more likely to have a different perception that can result in a more positive relationship.

While this kind of opportunity is good for all families, it's a particularly effective way to bring on board those parents who have not previously been involved, often due to their own or their children's history of difficulties in school. By offering Family Game Night, our hope is that students and families not only will share a positive, school-based experience, but that they will be inspired to play games together on a regular basis.

It takes time and organization, but not a lot of money, to run a Family Game Night. The evening can be set up formally, with sign-ups in advance so that people know exactly what they will be doing and that sufficient materials can be provided. Or it can be an informal event, with families coming together to do whatever sparks their interest.

Since classrooms will likely be used for various Family Fun Night activities, involving your staff is a must. They need to be assured that their rooms will be left in good condition when the evening is over. Better yet, staff members should be invited to actively participate by volunteering to lead an activity.

A Fun Time for All
There are many different ways to organize a successful Family Game Night. YOu might have all the participating families initially gather in a central location for a large-group game, such as bingo. Then they could break into smaller groups to play games in various rooms under the supervisiion of teachers or community members. These games could include board games such as chess, checkers, Chutes and Ladders, and Candyland, as well as physical-movement games like line dancing, volleyball, basketball, Twister, juggling, or limbo.

Be sure to have a variety of games to interest everyone. For example, a card room supplied with decks of playing cards and cribbage boards may appeal to those who prefer sedentary, non-competitive activities.  Conversely, having a room set aside for knowledge-based games such as Outburst, Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy, or Password can attract people who like this type of challenge.

Hands-on activities like Legos, dominoes, or Lincoln Logs are populaar with families who have young children. Bedtime Story Hour also is appealing for young children and gives older children and community members an opportunity to participate.

Because there are always families who like to work on crafts projects, it's a good idea to have a room with supplies that people can use to create greeting cards or decorations for an upcoming holiday.

Don't Forget the Food...
A good way to guarantee Family Game Night success is to provide a meal. At one school, organizers set up tables with paper tablecloths, napkins, and silverware and served pizza, veggies, and dip. Each family brought a dessert to share, buffet style, with the school providing milk and coffee. Alternative approaches could have families bringing in hors d'oeuvre to share, serving only desserts, coffee, and milk, or ending the evening with ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings spread out on a long cafeteria table for make-your-own sundaes.

...Or the Door Prizes
Another great way to end the evening is to give out door prizes. these can be inexpensive items or gift certificates solicited from department stores, bookstores, restaurants, and other area businesses. Door prizes give families an incentive to stay until the end of the evening, create a lot of good will and excitement, and end the evening on a positive note.

Family Game Night shows school staff, parents, and community members that they can make something  good happen if they cooperate and work together. Children are happy to see their parents involved with their school in such a positive way, and the increased goodwill and good felling between home and school go a long way toward improving students' attitudes and performance.

Beth A. Chamberlin is principal of Lura Libby School  13 Valley Street, Thomaston, Maine, 04861. She was  a 1999 National Distinguished Principal. Her e-mail address is beth@sad50.k12.me.us.