The Many Uses of the Parent Pipeline

Parent Pipelines are used to inform families about what their child is learning during Daily 5, and to provide tips so they can support their child's work at home. The Pipelines are written in parent-friendly language and provide ideas that require little to no extra resources but will help continue the child's learning at home. Each time a new strategy is introduced to a child, a Parent Pipeline specific to that strategy is sent home with him or her.  

Although the main use for the Parent Pipeline is to provide clear and consistent communication with families, there are many ways in which this resource may come in handy. 

1. Send an introductory letter home to parents communicating the purpose of the Parent Pipeline so they will know how to use it as the year continues. Then, send a Pipeline home each time a child begins working on a new strategy.  It often helps to plan ahead and have these letters organized and ready for distribution.  

2. Introduce the Pipeline to instructional assistants, paraeducators, or volunteers. Explain how each form provides a brief, clear explanation of the strategy, along with three suggestions for practice. Then, keep a folder that holds the Pipeline for each strategy being practiced in your classroom. At the top, write the name of each child who is working on that strategy. Then, as support professionals arrive, they can grab the folder, read the pipeline, and get started supporting children as they read. Keep in mind this is for extra support and should never take the place of individual conferring with the teacher.

3. Using the CAFE Menu, we are always sure to make our thinking transparent. When working with students capable of reading and understanding the content of the Pipeline, provide them with a copy that matches the strategy they are practicing. Providing them with a form that not only explains the strategy, but gives suggestions on how to practice and improve, will empower them and encourage growth.