In our work at the Center, we have come to recognize that families, schools and communities make up one, unified system of education. The rapid and pervasive social, economic, and technological change that dominates life today impacts all teaching and learning. Our Learning Walks are an effective way to involve parents and other community members in the learning journey. Learning Walks are a tool which allows parents and community to feel comfortable, welcome and valued in what they have to offer to improve educational outcomes. It builds social capital between school and community to allow honest, open and empowered conversations about educational outcomes.
I developed the Learning Walk experience years ago, and at the time, parent involvement in the classroom was not as common as today. We had yet to learn about the many benefits there are to learning with and from the parents of our students. During our Learning Walks, school leaders walk alongside the parents. Since creating this particular approach hundreds of schools have successfully conducted a Learning Walk, and many schools make it an ongoing part of their parent engagement efforts. Here is one of our more recent reflections from a principal in New South Wales Australia:

“I wanted to share with you that we did our very first parent learning walk on Monday!
I have been wanting to do one and got sick of waiting until I was really planned, and all set and had the perfect time etc etc – so instead I just did it!!!!
I gathered 8 parents, 2 student leaders, and office staff member and my AP.
We pretty much followed your process (right down to starting w fav colour!!).
The debrief was amazing. Parents were so supportive – somewhat surprised at how calm and focused the rooms were. They said they felt a sense of safety and security after walking around… and wondered how teachers do it!
The Assistant Principal and I were so hyped up afterwards! You were right – it was a beautiful way to connect, partner, “reveal” and build really lovely relationships between staff, parents and students.
The parents said they felt very special and honoured to be a part of this!
Thank you!!!! We will definitely schedule another one – at least once a term.”
I wanted to share with you that we did our very first parent learning walk on Monday!
“I have been wanting to do one and got sick of waiting until I was really planned, and all set and had the perfect time etc etc – so instead I just did it!!!!
I gathered 8 parents, 2 student leaders, and office staff member and my AP.
We pretty much followed your process (right down to starting w fav colour!!).
The debrief was amazing. Parents were so supportive – somewhat surprised at how calm and focused the rooms were. They said they felt a sense of safety and security after walking around… and wondered how teachers do it!
The Assistant Principal and I were so hyped up afterwards! You were right – it was a beautiful way to connect, partner, “reveal” and build really lovely relationships between staff, parents and students.
The parents said they felt very special and honoured to be a part of this!
Thank you!!!! We will definitely schedule another one – at least once a term.”

What is unique about the Learning Walk, is that instead of asking parents what they can bring to the school, it provides educators with the opportunity to present what the school can bring to the family at home. The learning walk is not about schools telling parents what they are doing or why, it is not a back to school night; It is an invitation from the school to have parents and community see learning at the school with their own eyes. The learning walk has three parts and can be completed in an hour to an hour and a half. 

There are several steps, reflections and strategies involved in the Learning Walk, for more information on the entire process, reach out to me!  Today I will share with you Part One of the process. Just this first part of the process can be so effective when it comes to exchanging perceptions with parents about what learning looks like. The perspective you will gain from just this first step will surely encourage you to explore further. When you are ready to take a full Learning Walk with your community, reach out to us, we would love to join on your exploration.

What is unique about the Learning Walk, is that instead of asking parents what they can bring to the school, it provides educators with the opportunity to present what the school can bring to the family at home. The learning walk is not about schools telling parents what they are doing or why, it is not a back to school night; It is an invitation from the school to have parents and community see learning at the school with their own eyes. The learning walk has three parts and can be completed in an hour to an hour and a half. 

There are several steps, reflections and strategies involved in the Learning Walk, for more information on the entire process, reach out to me!  Today I will share with you Part One of the process. Just this first part of the process can be so effective when it comes to exchanging perceptions with parents about what learning looks like. The perspective you will gain from just this first step will surely encourage you to explore further. When you are ready to take a full Learning Walk with your community, reach out to us, we would love to join on your exploration.

I think that if you walk through this first step with your fellow educators, parents and students, you will discover just how informative and exciting taking the time to have this sort of focused discussion can be. If you would like to find the Picture Cards that I use for my Learning Walks, head to the “ Articles” page on our website. You can also choose your own images and create your own Picture Cards with your classroom or team.

If you would like to have a full Learning Walk with all three steps facilitated by a RelationaLearning Fellow –  please reach out to us here at the Center! I would just love to receive a comment or an email from teachers who are exploring new and easy ways to connect and learn.