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The Harvard Family Research Project separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to become the Global Family Research Project as of January 1, 2017. It is no longer affiliated with Harvard University.

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In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often inundated with information. Our SNAPSHOTS allow you to get to the heart of anywhere, anytime learning through short overviews of ways that communities are supporting this inspired approach to learning. Just like photographs, SNAPSHOTS offer quick glimpses—in this case, of innovative programs and practices, creative partnerships, and inventive tools that promote anywhere, anytime opportunities for children and youth to learn.

The programs, practices, tools, and partnerships featured in the SNAPSHOTS are only part of a bigger picture. To be implemented effectively, they all required time and planning, a deep understanding of the communities in which they were introduced, and meaningful collaborations. As you read about and consider these ideas for your own work, we encourage you to think about what it will take to introduce and carry them out. Who needs to be involved? How will the idea be received? What resources do you need? How will families and children benefit?

 

Family Place Libraries
Currently available in more than 450 libraries in 29 states, Family Place Libraries is a nationwide network of children’s librarians who provide rich, engaging opportunities in their library spaces for anytime, anywhere learning for very young children and their parents.
     
boy doing early math puzzle   Helping Teachers of Mathematics Integrate the Knowledge and Culture of Families Into Their Practice
Mathematics is not culture-free. Marta Civil and Diane Kinch from TODOS: Mathematics for ALL share four interrelated ways to develop and support mathematics educators to engage families from diverse backgrounds in culturally appropriate ways.
     
  Everyone for Education, and Education for Everyone: Promoting Family Engagement in Brazil
Find out how a movement for universal, quality education in Brazil promotes family engagement.
     
Supporting Children’s Learning Through Play   Supporting Children’s Learning Through Play
Learn how community locations are being transformed into learning environments that engage children and families in guided play to impact child outcomes.
     
  Tech Goes Home: Learning Together
What happens when preschoolers and their caregivers encounter technology through a co-learning process? Anywhere, anytime digital learning sets the foundation for family engagement throughout a child’s school career!
     
Welcome to the Parent Cafe   Welcome to the Parent Café!
A simple cart with snacks, coffee, and conversation can lead to increased parent engagement and pave the way for parent leadership!
     
Get Your Professional Development Notes Organized: The Office of Head Start National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness Noteworthy App 2.0   Get Your Professional Development Notes Organized: The Office of Head Start National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness Noteworthy App 2.0
Looking for ways to better organize your note-taking during workshops and conferences? If so, explore this app that lets you take and organize notes, plan action steps, and share with others what you learn at professional development events.
     
  Brain Building in Progress
The science is clear: Early nurturing interactions shape the architecture of the brain. But how do you communicate the neuroscience to strengthen early childhood care and education? The “Brain Building in Progress” campaign is a statewide public awareness effort in Massachusetts that focuses on the importance of investing time and resources in young children.
     
Photo of the STEAM Express mobile classroom  

Full STEAM Ahead: A Mobile Classroom for Students and Families to Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
Providing children with access to high-quality STEM experiences is challenging—sharing those experiences with parents can be even more difficult! Check out how one Texas school district is bringing family engagement to a whole new level with a STEM career-focused mobile curriculum!

     
Parents and Children Preparing for Kindergarten Together   Parents and Children Preparing for Kindergarten Together
Durham’s Partnership for Children has developed a community-wide initiative and mini-grant program to provide fresh, creative events to enhance family engagement for kindergarten-bound children.
     
Tips for creating engaging maker spaces that encourage co-learning among family groups.   Make Your Own Maker Space
Maker spaces, which promote creative exploration of physical and digital materials, are popping up at many museums, libraries, and community centers. MAKESHOP at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offered some tips for creating engaging maker spaces that encourage co-learning among family groups.
     
Boston Children's Museum's Countdown to Kindergarten   Celebrate the Transition to School
Museums are perfect spaces for children, families, and community members to get together around the transition to kindergarten. Boston Children’s Museum and Boston Public Schools have partnered to create an annual celebration for incoming kindergartners and their families.
     
The Holidays Are Here. Which Apps Will You Share With the Children in Your Life?   The Holidays Are Here. Which Apps Will You Share With the Children in Your Life?
What high-quality apps can families use as a jumping off point for building rapport, language development, and creativity, and exploring the world over the holidays? Educators Julie M. Wood and Nicole Ponsford share ideas for making the most of your time with children and media.

 

If you’re doing something that you think others should know about, we invite you to send us a description with a photo or short video to fine@gse.harvard.edu with the subject line: SNAPSHOTS.

© 2016 Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College
Published by Harvard Family Research Project