The main topics approached in this study are: (a) parental preferences in family engagement activities; (b) the feelings parents experienced when they took part in open-school days; and (c) the effects of family engagement during open-school days on routines in the home-learning environment. Parents were interviewed, their discussions were transcribed, and their answers were categorised.

Results revealed that families preferred open-school days to other activities, and that they experienced many positive feelings during their participation. Additionally, changes in the home-learning environment were mentioned. This study revealed the importance of engaging families in their children’s early development stages and emphasised families’ willingness to engage. It also stressed the importance of hosting family engagement activities at schools. Limitations of the study are also discussed.

Keywords: family engagement, open-school, preschool, home school environment

Author: Eleni Nikoloudaki, PhD-University of Crete, Greece

This paper was submitted to the call for papers organised in 2023 and it has been reviewed by external peer-reviewers. See here all the articles selected within the same call.