Blog 2

I am currently observing a 1^st grade bilingual classroom with students who are of age 6-7. I had the opportunity to talk with the Classroom teacher Mrs. H and 2 parents that currently come in and volunteer. I have learned from Mrs. H that, out of the 22 students only 2 parents have come in to volunteer throughout the school year. When there are classroom parties more parents have participated and helped. I was amazed that only 2 parents were volunteering but as the teacher shared, it seemed that many of the parents either worked or had little ones they could not bring or get a sitter. Mrs. H mentioned that she does see that half of the classroom receives support on homework at home while the other half does not. She can see it through the homework. Mrs. H mentioned that she gets to meet the parents during conferences and only then is she able to have a face to face meeting about there child’s education. Although the school does not allow for home visits, she did mention that they try to send home weekly newsletters informing parents what they are working on for the week and any other news feed. Mrs. H. also provides her actual cell number for parents to call her at anytime if they need her. I think this was something extra that a teacher is doing, she is providing a open communication with her parents.

I was also able to speak with the 2 parents Mrs. A and Mrs. N and they both seemed very interested and supportive when it came down to her children’s learning. Both parents come in during centers for language arts.  I asked them if they had any idea to why other parents are not volunteering and they told me they believe it was because they work, and other reason being that the parents may not feel comfortable helping. I asked the parents how can we invite more parents to participate, and they said by possibly calling them giving them the option on when and how they can help. So it sounded like they may need more direction. I was also given a suggestion on possibly holding events on a Saturday where parents will be more then available and not feel rushed. I was also told that many parents don’t know how to help their child at home and may need more resources then the school is already providing.

I found this very interesting, but overall it gave me a bit of a direction to approach.

Blog 1 - Parent Involvment

 I have interviewed several teachers on my topics of interest for my internship paper. I wanted to advocate Child Obesity, Parent Involvement, and/or Head start prior to Kindergarten. I am currently leading to do my paper on Parent Involvement, as it seemed to be as important for teachers as it is for parents/students. I have gained that it would be wise to start here with parent involvement considering the number of parents that are not involved and are not well informed on how to help their own child. Children need more support and therefore, I feel it is of interest for all students to have that opportunity to receive that support from their own parent. This will empower the child’s education now and in the future.

I interviewed a Bilingual teacher and an ESL Director. I have asked questions and have gained some insights and thoughts about the topics I would like to cover which are; challenges and barriers as to why some parents do not or are not able to participate in their child’s school functions, or events; different ways that parents can be involved at school and at home; the possible cultural aspects/possible language barriers. I want to learn how as a teacher, school and community we can gather and help our children.

I look forward to interviewing and preparing more research on how to help advocate in this area. I would like to ask my classmates how they feel about this topic and if anyone who is a parent ever thought about parent involvement? I know when I was a young mom I never thought of it. I would help my kids with homework, look through folders for notes but never thought of this. This is why I do feel some parents may be as naive as I was once. It is important parents learn that this is benefiting their child in many ways.

Early Childhood

Hello Everyone! Looking forward to learning and sharing my experiences through my Internship Class.