Blogg 4 - Parent Involvment

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with several parents and volunteers during “Adventure Day” a fun day filled with activities for the entire school. I was able to speak with a mother who currently has two of her children in school named Mrs. L. I asked her how she felt about parent involvement and she could not stress how wonderful it is to be able to help out and be able to volunteer in her child’s class, allowing her to be near her children. I noticed as we spoke that she did not once say how important it is and how her support is helping her children academically. I explained why I ask and referred to the paper I am doing as she thought it was a great topic. I began to explain to her how her involvement is a big deal and how it allows her children to be motivated, gain better grades and have a more positive attitude and behavior. She was very appreciative and said she never really looked at it that way.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. M. who has 1 child who attends the school. I spoke with her about parent involvement and she stressed that she does try to help her child at home but does not help in the school. She asked me how can she help, puzzled, I explained that there are many ways she can participate or help, through assisting in the classroom, helping in the lunchroom, volunteering, tutoring, field trips, or share history with the classroom. She said she had no idea that she can even help in so many ways. I strongly feel that this is part of the problem, parents are not aware of how they can help, how their support helps their child, and what they can do. That is why I said to both Moms; “this is why I choose parent involvement” they just looked at me and smiled.  

I believe that holding an hour meeting one eveing with parents to inform them how they can help in school and at home with resources can help those parents who are clueless and allow them to help there child. Parents would appreciate this and have a better understanding.

Blogg 3

Observing and Interacting With Program Director(s) and Other Administrative Staff in Your Setting

I had the privilege of meeting and gaining some insights with the Bilingual Coordinator Mrs. Smith and the School Director Mr. Pitt. I was able to speak with both and I was able to learn what tools are given to parents as well as what the school does to help parents be involved. I was told by the Bilingual Coordinator that every quarter they conduct a night where all parents who do not speak English are invited to learn about early literacy and ways to help their child. Because many parents are discouraged on attending due to language, they conduct it in Spanish with a more formal invitation allowing parents to come and ask questions or address any concerns they may have. I felt this is a great way to allow parents in, where they feel more comfortable and allowing them to do so in within their own language.

I have also learned through the School Director that they always try to communicate with monthly school newsletters to parents in the two highest language of population within the school, so parents stay informed. I thought this was great, but I was concerned for the other lower population of which in this case is of Indian ethnicity, and how are they informed? But I found no other source is used to communicate with them. I felt that if there are parents whom are not able to read English that a teacher should find someone or use translator type software to address those who are not. Although after speaking with both, they agree there are some areas that need attention. But overall the school and community seem to be doing a great job in providing help for students and parents. Getting parents to take their child to the local library where free classes are given to both children and adults. It seems many resources are shared so parents are involved and helping.  

Within the week I was able to observe the school host a dance night with glow in dark items for the entire building k-4^th students. The School Director thought it was not going to be a big success, and expected 100 people, turned out to receive 300 people. Music, pizza, and refreshments were provided. This was conducted on a Friday night 6-8p.m and seemed the turnout was higher than expected.  This was a great event that allowed students to have fun as all the families got to know one another. I was also able to observe the school hold a night for Music/Art night, where students were given the opportunity to show off their art project while doing a sing-along right after.

Although this was a big success and many enjoyed it. I think the school is providing great events to involve parents to come and see their child bloom, but I do feel that they should provide more evening enriched classes with activities where parents can also gain more on how to help their child during school and at home. I know several classes are given throughout the school year, but I believe more should be provided and weekends should be an option of which at this point it is not. I would approach the school director after having done some research on ways and what type of enriched classes will benefit the parents. I would do my own research based on several similar schools within the area and I would also include the input from parents to make it a success in keeping parent involvement one of the priorities.