Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Chapter 7: "Creating Dialogue Throughout the Year"
In thinking about your school, what kinds of on-going (as opposed to one-time) opportunities might be most beneficial to your extended learning community? Parents reading aloud to children? Family writing and sharing workshops? What are you doing now that draws families in that you might modify for more regular involvement of adults and children learning together? pg. 99
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More parents in the individual classrooms. We invited parents in for a Dr.Suess birthday celebration. The parents enjoyed reading to the kids & the kids enjoyed it. We could do similiar activities with reading to bring the parents in. The dances or school plays where the parents help create the props, direct, and maybe even star in the play with their child. Maybe even a Saturday morning meet at the McDonalds where the teacher,parents, and children can come together for a time of fun and bonding. Michelle
ReplyDeleteI think we need to have more parent night/ parent morning to go over ways they can help their child achieve, and have hands on activities at these functions so the parent understand what they can do to help. I have let parents/grandparents come in and read to the class, I have had parents help me out with reading counts, cutting laminated items, and i ask them to help out when we have "special" snacks. Like Michelle said, maybe we need to do a Saturday activity where families come into read or share stories, or their favorite game or activity the family does together- we might learn a new game.
ReplyDeleteDawn Bradberry
At Yargo, we do a number of things that draw families in: Muffins for Moms, Grandparents' Day, Doughnut for Dad, Talent Show,Spring Fling, Field Day, Awards Day, Open House, and regular PTO meetings. These do not usually evolve into continued family involvement. However, they do give us opportunities to meet and talk with family members that we might not otherwise meet.
ReplyDeleteI think the ideas brought out at our last class could lead to more participation. A family information booklet at the beginning of the year is a great idea to tap into the "Funds of Knowledge" available. Tena Miller
Personally, I participate in events throughout the year that are held at school, but the only thing that I do directly to bring family members into the school is the Book Fair. We have two fairs each year. I really enjoy meeting parents, grandparents and extended family members and listening to them communicate with the children about books. Because of time constraints and it being a whole school affair, I would really have to think about how to modify these events to make it more meaningful, but I would love to! Children, families and books are such a wonderful combination. It always does my heart good when families share this experience together.
ReplyDeleteWell during open house parents are invited to meet the teacher and ask whatever questions they may have. We also do Book fairs, Fall Festival and Field Day every year which bring families in to be with their children. We could use these events in the future to reach out to families and involve them more. Make them a learn about each other time.
ReplyDeleteWe talked alot about the things we do here to bring families in to our school. But if the goal is to build relationships with the parents in order to help make the student more sucessful, then we must offer more opportunities for the parents to come to our school. Not only for formalized events but for things that go on in the classroom daily. Everyone knows how to do something well. When each parent is encouraged to come and teach what they know in the classroom, they will begin to feel welcome. When they feel welcome and valued, getting them to the school will not be a problem.
ReplyDeleteOne opportunity that draws parents in that could be modified to become beneficial to extend our learning community would be PTO. If time was allowed for grade level presentations maybe the children could present a lesson on subjects they are learning to their parents and families. This would draw more families in to see their child giving a presentation.
ReplyDeleteAngela Verdetto / Yargo
I enjoyed the Curriculum Nights that we had a couple of years ago. We watched a play written by the students in the class during the Literacy night, did Science experiments for Science Night, and raced our children on math problems (which weren't all that easy) for Math Night. We had dinner catered in and it made for a nice evening. I think more nights like these would be great! I like the idea of putting on a play where the parents help out with props, costume design and sewing, and, even some acting.
ReplyDeleteAt our school we offer things such as PTO, Field Day, and Fall Festivals every year. We also have open house which allows families to come in with their children and be a part of their learning experience. I think we need to incoporate our parents involvement more into the classrooms. This is where they will begin to feel welcomed and have more of an interest and understanding in their childs experience with learing. Kimberly B
ReplyDelete....learning. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that at open house to speak to parents and families as a whole and give them personal questionnaires to fill out at home would be a great way to get relationships started. Then I think starting conferences early is also another way to form the relationship. I think that PTO that also invites the parent to the childs room for sharing of school work and activities is a great idea to make it more personal. We all know that when their child is performing or sharing their work it brings more parent involvement because the child goes home excited to tell their parents. We had a parent come in this year to read to the class and it seemed to be a great experience for the parent as well as the child. If more parents felt they were welcome it could benefit the other children as well. It could also bring a better understanding of the cultures just by the book that they pick out and the way they present it. It could give the opportunity for questions from the children that could open a whole new world of opportunities.
ReplyDelete