Making Education a Family Affair for Student Success

February 2nd, 2026

In today’s busy world, there are many factors affecting children’s home lives: parents juggling multiple jobs, both parents working full-time, and even one parent working hard to run the household alone; therefore, it is not uncommon for extended family members to help care for the children in the family. As education and family dynamics evolve, schools and educators are recognizing the importance of getting the extended family, in addition to the parents, involved in contributing to a child’s education.

With family involvement, a child has a better chance of overcoming learning obstacles and thriving in school. A report from the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory found that regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to:

  • Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
  • Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
  • Attend school regularly
  • Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
  • Graduate and go on to postsecondary education

In California, many early childhood education programs are focusing on ways to get families involved with the educational growth of their young dual language learners (DLLs), those who are learning two languages at one time. Immigrant families there often include grandparents and other extended family members who care for the children.  An article from Sarah Tully at EdSource states , “strengthening dual language learner family engagement in preschool may be especially important, since the early years of development set the foundation for future learning, and since families who are engaged early on with schools are more likely to maintain engagement across future educational settings.” She notes that advocates are even replacing “parental involvement” with the term “family engagement” as they work to get families more involved. Tully explains that “the goal is to integrate family members into the school culture, including looking at how they are welcomed at the front office, workshops that they can participate in, what they can do at home to contribute to their children’s educational growth – to engage them in “shared leadership” with their child’s education.”

Parents, family members, teachers, the school, and the community all play a key role in a child’s education. If all of those pieces are communicating and working together, the possibilities for the child’s future are endless!

Parent Night, Nellie Reed Elementary
Corunna Public Schools, Vernon, MI

HOW GRAPESEED ENCOURAGES FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

GrapeSEED is much more than an early childhood education program. It is a complete solution for meeting community expectations for quality English education. The developers of GrapeSEED recognize the importance of family engagement for a high-quality education that promotes student development in literacy and language fluency. For this reason, they created Repeated Exposure and Practice (REP) materials to be used in class, as well as at home for practicing and sharing with their families. It gives parents and caregivers a chance to see what their child is learning and to take an active role in the learning process.

In order to introduce the new program and its benefits to your community, the GrapeSEED Support team can help you craft an informational campaign. Working with the principal and teachers in your school, a GrapeSEED trainer will help organize this event that gives parents, family members, and other members of the community a great opportunity to learn about GrapeSEED and ask questions.

To learn how GrapeSEED is helping young learners in preschool through 2nd grade, including DLLs, English Language Learners (ELLs), and struggling readers, grow in literacy,  contact us !

Planting Seeds for Summer: Why February Is the Perfect Time to Think About Language Growth

February 16, 2026
February is a unique moment in the school year: routines have been established, students are settled, and teachers can clearly see areas of growth as well as emerging needs. It’s also a natural pause before the busy spring months. All of this makes February an ideal time to reflect and to look ahead. For multilingual learners, what happens after the school year ends matters more than we often realize. The Summer Learning Opportunity Extended breaks can unintentionally slow language development, particularly in listening, vocabulary, and verbal confidence. However, when summer instruction is intentional and well designed, it can do more than maintain progress—it can accelerate it. The key is ensuring summer learning feels inviting, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. What Works for Young Language Learners Effective summer language programs share common elements that support growth without feeling like “more school”: A low-stress environment where students feel comfortable taking risks with language Consistent exposure to English through stories, songs, shared reading, and movement Natural repetition and routine that strengthen foundational English language skills Multi-sensory learning experiences that keep students engaged and motivated When language is experienced rather than practiced in isolation, children remain curious, confident, and connected. Why February Is the Time to Think Ahead February isn’t about making immediate decisions—it’s about asking the right questions: How can summer learning support language development without burnout? What experiences will help students feel successful and excited to learn? How can summer instruction align with the strengths of our school-year approach? Exploring these questions now allows schools to plan thoughtfully rather than reactively. A Season for Planting Ideas Strong summer programs build on what young learners love most—music, stories, movement, and interaction—while quietly reinforcing the language skills they need to grow. February offers the space to imagine a summer experience that supports continuity, confidence, and joyful learning long after winter fades. Ready to learn how GrapeSEED can be a meaningful part of your school’s summer learning?

Smiles, Snacks, And Sanity A Self-Care Guide for Teachers

February 3, 2026
If you’re an elementary teacher working with multilingual learners, you already know your work is full of heart, hustle, and highlighters. But let’s be honest—supporting language learners takes a lot of energy. That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a must. You’re juggling language development, academic growth, cultural connection, and emotional support. And while your students are growing every day, you need time to recharge, too. Here’s a quick self-care recipe to keep your cup full: 🧡 Smiles: Find Joy in the Little Things Celebrate the small wins: a new vocabulary word, a student’s laugh, a kind moment. Write one highlight on a sticky note each day. It’s a mood booster—and a reminder that you’re making a difference. 🍎 Snacks: Fuel Your Body (and Soul) Don’t skip lunch! Keep a stash of healthy snacks (and maybe a treat or two) nearby. Food is fuel, and sometimes chocolate is emotional first aid. 🧠 Sanity: Protect Your Peace Say no to that extra committee if you’re overwhelmed. Take 5 minutes to breathe or stretch between lessons. Step outside during a break of any kind, even for just a second or two. Talk to someone who “gets it”—sharing helps lighten the load. You Matter Your students need you AND they also need you to be okay. When you take care of yourself, you’re showing them how to care for themselves, too. So go ahead, teacher: smile, snack, and protect your sanity. You can’t do it all , but you CAN do a lot more when you’re well. At GrapeSEED English for Children, we value teachers and work to make certain that those using our curriculum feel supported. With a personal Professional Learning Specialist that teaches can communicate with anytime, a teacher portal, on-demand PDs and so much more, we’ve got our teachers covered! Ready to learn more about getting started with GrapeSEED in YOUR classroom? Just click here for more information.

New Year, Clearer Path: Decluttering for Stronger Language Learning

January 20, 2026
January is the season of decluttering, but in schools, it’s about clearing space for what truly matters! This month’s blog explores how thoughtful organization supports multilingual learners and why strong language systems are worth keeping. A little clarity now can create momentum that lasts all year… and beyond!

Midyear Glow-Up: Refreshing Routines in Your Classroom!

December 11, 2025
The new year is a perfect time for reflection and renewal—not just for us, but for our students, too. After a long winter break, January offers a natural opportunity to revisit and reinforce classroom routines and procedures, especially in multilingual classrooms where clarity and consistency are key to helping all students feel secure and successful. For multilingual learners, routines are more than just classroom management—they provide language-rich structures that support understanding, reduce anxiety, and foster confidence. Whether students are newcomers or have been learning English for years, a clear and predictable environment helps them focus on learning rather than guessing what’s expected. Start the month by gently reviewing procedures: entering the classroom, transitioning between activities, participating in group work, asking for help, and using classroom materials. Model each step and invite students to demonstrate, using visuals, gestures, and multilingual supports when possible. Pair verbal directions with pictures or sentence stems to help students connect words with actions. This not only aids comprehension, it builds community and shared responsibility. Remember, reviewing routines isn’t about enforcing rules—it’s about resetting the tone for a peaceful, productive, and joyful classroom. Make space for students to share what helps them learn best and celebrate the positive habits they already bring with them. By investing time in January to revisit expectations with warmth and intention, you're setting the stage for a second half of the school year filled with growth, laughter, and learning—for every student, in every language.
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