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.
I agree with you when you stated that you belived that holding an hour meeting one evening 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 their children. I totally agree. I find that there are too many teachers who compain that they can't get parents to become involved in their child's educations and the classroom. When I further questioned them, many of them had never even invited a single parent personally to the school or their classroom. As an educator, I created many programs and activities in my classroom to promote family community, such as parent appreciation. I would decorate my room and have an open house during all major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This time served as a time for parents to see their child's classroom environment in a family and relaxed atmosphere. It also gave me time to observe my parents and better serve their and their child's educational and social needs. This is a win, win for everyone.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas and I truly feel that as teachers we should invite parents to their childs classroom and allow for them to engage in their childs education. This is once in a life time and we as teachers must make sure our children are properly cared for and educated while allowing parents to stay involved in their childs life every step of the way.
DeleteI like how you explain to the one parent about using parent involvement in their child's lives. It's a good way to let them know how children's process affects their education skills. Did you speak to more parents or just one parent? That way, you could get some ideas on what they think about parent involvement and hopefully used them in their home.
ReplyDeleteYes I spoke to several paernts already during this project of observation. I have had many great inputs and different views on parent involvment. I find it interesting and at the same time beneficial to me to learn what they feel and think. I believe teachers need to involve parents and ask them many questions in order to help support the students and parents.
DeleteIt is amazing how many parents don't know the affects parent involvement has on children academically and emotionally. It is so important for teachers to stress that to parents as much as they can and give the parents opportunities to help out at school or do activities at home together. You had a great idea about holding a meeting to teach parents how to help their children at home. Parents tend not to help their children if they don't know how.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your post. I think you are an excellent advocate for parent involvement. I see it at my school as well where parents simply are not aware all the different ways they can be more active at their child's school. The one on one meetings you have with the parents really shows you care about helping students and parents succeed.
ReplyDeleteDamaris,
ReplyDeleteYou can bring a horse to water but you can't make it drink. If a parent doesn't see the importance of being involved in their child's education that's a sad commentary. What has happened to the importance of good parenting? I guess we as educators have to keep trying
Damaris,
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for the positive feedback that you gave me about the family literacy bags. I just read your blog about parent involvement and it is so interesting how one parent did not mention how her being at the school was helping her child. But, the other parent wanted to know what she could do to help and did not realize that parent involvement is more than just picking up and dropping your child off. It is helping in the classroom whether they come read a book to the class or teach the class about a hobby of theirs that they like or tell them about their occupation. The list goes on and on of what parents can do to become involved in their child's education.
At my job one of the first handouts that we give the parents is a list of ways that they can become involved in their child's education. This helps parents realize that yes you can come and eat lunch with your child or read a funny story or just help out in the room wherever it is needed. I have found over the years that if you do not tell a parent some of the things that they can do as parents to help their child they will not have a clue. I mean some will but, some have so many other things on their mind they are just trying to get the child in the door to school on time. That is why I feel that this program -Family Literacy Bags will help parents to slow down and take the time to read with their child and do the activities with them. They have a whole week to do the activities then bring the bag back and talk to the class about their bag.