Please post your question, quote, and fact for chapter 10 here. Also, please respond to at least two of your peers' posts and answer my questions.
Questions:
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program.
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter).
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs?
Question: If you were a new teacher in a completely new environment (think of Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers), how would you go about finding out things about your new community? Or finding out factors that will affect students in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteFact: What a neighborhood or a community offers to the child and their family will affect their experiences and their ability to cope with life (p 391).
Quote: “Collaboration, identified by some as a current buzzword in the field of early childhood education, refers to the quest to remedy the inequalities and sparse existence of social programs and services (Couchenour & Chrisman, 2004)” (p 374).
Questions:
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom.
Fundraisers, class/school plays or performances, parent teacher conferences, sporting events, band competitions, town meetings.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program.
The role of families and communities is the basis for a multicultural program. After all, family and social environment are what make our culture unique to us as individuals. Families today are not the “nuclear” families that we used to know. Culture is defined by the different types of families that exist and how they exist as their own little unit. Their beliefs and practices are what have made multicultural programs exist. We need to acknowledge not only the differences that exist in these families but also how the community is involved to work with those families and schools-Collaboration!!
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter).
Our book says, “Early childhood educators need to develop a close involvement with families and parents to jointly build a common foundation that will brighten a child’s future. Failure to bring parents closer to their children’s school causes even the best of interventions to fail…creating the atmosphere for learning both in the classroom and at home is a necessary component of effective education” (p 370).
Every community has a variety of agencies, civic organizations, services and programs that can contribute to what we do for families in our classroom. Schools can use countless resources in the communities.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs?
Collaboration! One of the main goals of multicultural education, according to our text, is to have parents share with teachers the miracle of their child’s learning.
Another way we can develop support is having a positive outlook. In order for any program to be successful, it must be characterized by openness and tolerant attitudes, especially one’s in a multicultural program!
Quote: All men (Individuals) know their children mean more than life. Euripides (480-406 BC)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Are we doing all we can to incorporate families and our community in the education of our children?
Fact: Parents are a child’s first teacher.
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom.
Curriculum activities - parents and community can come and do demonstrations, read stories, sing songs, teach dance, adding their knowledge of what we are teaching during the week. We use all resources available at the center where I work. This being fire safety month we have the fire department come and do a presentation for the children. If given advanced notice many community helpers will be glad to come and visit your school. I try to get at least 2 monthly visitors for my center. We currently have a librarian and a health nurse that comes once a month to do activities with the children.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program.
With the growing diversity of the children we serve, parents and community can help to teach those differences for example Native American Dance, we have the boy scouts come and demonstrate the Mic-O-Say Indian tribal dances. Parents can share their work experiences. We had a parent come and talk about her job as a cook for Pizza Hut. Just sharing our knowledge is an additional way to educate our children and also teachers. We too learn from the diversity that we incorporate into the class.
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter).
Knowing your families and your families knowing you can bridge the teachings of their child. Letting a parent know that you are interested in them and their child is the most important aspect to give a family. Head Start has an open door policy that parents are welcome to come and work with their child whenever they would like to. We always look for ways to include our families in what we do. We send home parent involvement activities for our families to further reinforce the lesson we are currently working on. As I stated before a parent is their child’s first teacher. Use what they have to offer to assist the children in learning.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs?
Again asking families to share their culture is the most important way to include multicultural education. Incorporating their beliefs so they too can feel comfortable in the education of their child.
Kelli
ReplyDeleteUsing my eyes and ears I would see what is around the area, listen to what others have to offer, and ask lots of questions. I would check out other schoools and get what referals I can. Then I would check with the various state level departments to see what they have available. Also check out the local library and there is always the internet to do research.
I have even gone to companies to inquire what they would be willing to offer to the program. Check out the local colleges and I even accessed the conservation department.
Kelli Hovey said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If you were a new teacher in a completely new environment (think of Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers), how would you go about finding out things about your new community? Or finding out factors that will affect students in your classroom?
Kelli,
To add to what cllibby said...I have found that walking around the community, you get to see various posters and events that are coming up in the surrounding area. That would be a great way to experience a new community. Also, the newspaper is filled with area events and attractions.
Chapter 10 Blog Posts
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Is it really feasible to organize a Saturday event where your students and/or their families participate in such activities as cleaning an elderly person’s yard or painting a park fence? Or organizing a potluck meal for the families to come to some evening at school? Does this really happen?
Quote: “We envision a nation of strong and stable families, where every child has an equal opportunity to reach his or her full potential and where public policies and personal values give highest priority to healthy, whole children” (p. 375).
Fact: “According to the Department of Justice, 7.3 million children under the age of 18 have an incarcerated father” (p. 372).
Questions:
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom. Families can become involved in a number of ways: volunteer to read a story, teach a special dance or a song, demonstrate and talk about particular cultural materials, play an instrument, or demonstrate how to wear a piece of clothing. The community can be involved in the classroom by offering their services, providing their expertise and contributing to classroom resources.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program. Families and the community have a tremendous impact on all the students in the classroom. Families and parents should have opportunities to be involved in their student’s education. Also, the community should be allowed opportunities to be involved to produce a better society as a whole.
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter). We (the schools and teachers) want to foster a partnership with both families and the community—this collaboration establishes a connection that is important to the student’s world. Retention levels are also higher by involving families while the community offers resources that can definitely support children in school. This three-way team helps to achieve a better society in which we live.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs? We can survey the families, gathering their input and other information about them, inquire if they would like to help in the classroom and in what ways—be a translator, storytellers, helping out by completing projects at home—volunteer work. Teachers can engage them by tuning in to their interests. Teachers can maintain communication, allow families to have a say in their child’s education, provide additional academic work that allows the parents to become involved in their child’s learning and gathering information that can help families and the children in the classroom.
1.) Food Drive, Penny Drive (for animal shelter), guest speakers about specific topics
ReplyDelete2.) Families and the community service as resources, information and support. We I taught I brought in menus from local restaurants. Some students may have or may not have been to those restaurants. Also some local businesses may give your classroom some free stuff or they will come to your classroom to talk to your class.
3.) Families offer the classroom support and as a teacher I want to support the family. That way there is open communication between families and myself. Some families come to me to state concerns at home or school, and together we can work to solve the concern. Some parents if you ask will come in and read to your student or share their knowledge/experience on a particular topic. The relationship between families and teacher needs to be a give and take.
4.) Communicating with families about what’s going on in the classroom and why their child is discussing this. Also stating any items that you are needing to do a project, that you think families may have.
Question
Do you think parents should be surveyed on hot topics before they are brought up in the classroom? Example, religious practices at Christmas.
Quote
“One of the most important things teachers must learn is how to work with adults from different cultures.” page 410
Fact
“Classroom practices reveal that when parents work together with their children’s teachers, there are positive emotional and intellectual gains.” page 368
Kelli Hovey said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If you were a new teacher in a completely new environment (think of Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers), how would you go about finding out things about your new community? Or finding out factors that will affect students in your classroom?
Kelli, I had the opportunity to expereince what it would be like, and the only way it worked for me was talking with teachers who had worked with the families, and going to community events. I was lucky enough to go to a school that was a smaller school, and everyboby new everyones business. This did take time. They just don't expect you at once, you have to stay persistent and open to the fact that they are not ready to talk with you.
cllibby said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Are we doing all we can to incorporate families and our community in the education of our children?
I think yes and no. I think that there are some topics that are easier to talk about and that families enjoy being apart of, then there are other things that families don't want to be apart of talking about or we as educators are not as interested in talking about.
Question: Our text highly encourages parent and family involvement. At what point does this exclude some children?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Educators Sharon Kagan and Ann Rivera (1991) define collaboration as 'those efforts that unite and empower individuals and organizations to accomplish collectively what they could not accomplish individually'".
Fact: "The secret to who [children]really are rests with their families."
1) Family involvement can take many forms. Some of them include: being a room parent, helping prepare materials at home, attending school events, reading to the class, reading to the child at home, or sharing cultural traditions and information with the class. Community involvement can come from different sources such as businesses, church groups, YMCA's and other service organizations. They can provide materials, volunteer assistance, or financial support. They can also be a source of field trips or cultural enrichment in the classroom.
2) Family and community involvement is especially helpful in a multicultural classroom to bring in outside sources for materials, guest speakers, and for information or support in an area the teacher may not have first hand knowledge. If a particular student has a special need, the parent may wish to help the other students in the class by educating them on the subject.
3)By getting to know each family, we as teachers, can gain insight into the lives of our students. We can learn about their needs and can better help them in their educational process. Understanding the attitudes of parents helps to guage the personality of the children.
4)Teachers can gain family support by simply inviting them into the school environment. Some parents will feel comfortable responding and some will not. Teachers can also reach out by phone and by making home visits. Children, especially younger ones, love to have their teacher visit their home. Another method of gaining parental support is by written communication as in surveys. Special care should be taken in all communication that parents who do not speak English are not alienated by the language barrier.
Cheryl asked if parents should be surveyed on hot topics before they are discussed in the classroom. I actually do think that parents should be made aware of the subject matter and any potentially controversial materials that are being used. Also, certain things just aren't appropriate for the grade level. As a parent myself, I have found that common sense is not as common as I once thought it was. My daughter's 7th grade social studies teacher showed an R rated movie because she thought it depicted the time period of the crusades in a realistic mannor. There was no prior communication to parents letting us know that this was to be shown in class.
ReplyDeleteMillie asked if it is really feasible to organize an evening or Sat. event for students and their families. In my past experience, all-school events that are held on Saturday are well attended by children and their families. We held an evening event for ESL children and their families where they each brought a dish that was traditional in their country. It was very well attended. Some even dressed in cultural clothing. They were very proud to share their background with us. Other events that we have held at the school for students in the Title I program have been fairly well attended if we serve food and provide childcare for younger siblings. From my observation, families want to be involved, we just have to try and remove as many obstacles to that as possible.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How can you get your company to understand the importance of field trips? It provides so many opportunities of diversity. Our program still sponsors field trips but I have heard of so many that are not.
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Failure to bring parents closer to their children’s school causes even the best of interventions to fail.” P. 370
Fact: The need for collaboration among teachers and families of young children is most critical because the parents and the family are the child’s first and most influential teacher. P .368
1. Some activities that involve the community would be having them come in as a class visitor to share their knowledge with the children and their families. For example the American Red Cross brings Sparky the Fire Dog to teach fire safety. Families can be involved as visitors as well, room parents, help prepare activities, help on field trips, serve on committees, decorate bulletin boards, and even help prepare meals.
2. Families and communities play a vital role in a multicultural program. Diversity can’t exist without including them. Children’s lives are enriched by bringing them into the classroom
3. As I mentioned previously it is so important to work and communicate with families in order to provide a diverse classroom. Multicultural programs can’t exist without this. We are all products of our families and of our close environments and this is what influences our behaviors. By understanding and working together the better equipped we will be in responding to children’s needs.
4. Teachers can develop family support by first starting off with an open and accepting attitude. The teacher will need to continue to build a strong relationship with positive communication and interactions. It will be important to develop and achieve a sense of trust. The teacher will also need to be knowledgeable about the families and communities so that the activities planned respond to the families we support. Once you achieve family support it will be important to consider their schedule while always showing appreciation. Some activities can be having a family a month display, have a family potluck get together, creating a family story time, and create special projects.,
Question: How do you reach an unwilling parent for the sake of the child? – “Research in early childhood education has shown that family and parental involvement are central to successful schooling experiences.” Pg. 370
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Serious economic pressures have caused the deterioration of many neighborhoods, forcing their character to change (Children’s Defense Fund, 2005). Pg. 369
Fact: Results from research done by Miller Wackman, Nunnaly, and Miller confirm that in an interpersonal communication, many more things are “said” throughout gestures and movements and our tone of voice than by words alone: “Oral, verbal messages (the spoken word) account for only 7 percent of the input; vocal and tonal messages (the way in which the word is spoken) account for 38 percent; visual messages account for 55 percent.” Pg. 401
1.
a. Planned meetings and conversations
b. Classroom news (newsletters, emails, etc.)
c. Social activities incorporated into curriculum
2. Family involvement consists of efforts aimed at providing parents and families with opportunities to participate in the children’s classroom and school activities. One of the main objectives of multicultural education is to have parents sharing with teachers the miracle of the children’s learning. The proper development of any program about diversity must include the issues and needs of the families. Combining the issues and concerns of parents and families improves the quality of the service provided to the child and increases the responsiveness of the program to the child’s needs. Successful collaboration also includes the community. Now more than ever, public agencies and the private sector are willing to offer their support to schools. We have to consider them as partners and as a part of our team for multicultural education.
3. Professional early childhood educators promote positive communication and interactions with families. As a person who believes in equity and in the rights of all families and children, your attitudes and behaviors affirm your aspiration and desire to engage in practices geared to meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children. This positive attitude should also extend to the families of children in the classrooms.
4. Open communication is imperative to get support. Support from parents does not always come naturally; however, it comes easier if the parents know what’s going on. Also, another huge factor to promote involvement and in turn creating support is to understand the needs of the families and helping meet the needs as much as you can as a teacher in a public school.
Lori asked:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Our text highly encourages parent and family involvement. At what point does this exclude some children?
I can see this becoming a problem but I can remember back to my school days for some answers. My parents worked school hours; therefore, were not able to attend a lot of events or activities that the stay at home moms from my class. I knew that it wasn't possible for my parents to miss work for these things so I looked forward to my friend's parents coming. Most parents are pretty good about helping and caring for students that were not able to have their parents there. So, not only did I have a great time but I got great guidance and positive attention from another adult figure that lifted my spirits even more.
Kelli Hovey said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If you were a new teacher in a completely new environment (think of Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers), how would you go about finding out things about your new community? Or finding out factors that will affect students in your classroom?
First, I would start by subscribing to the local newspaper to stay connected to the current local news. Also, just experiencing and exploring the community. Get out of the house on the weekend and make it a goal to go expeience the activities or life that your students might. Go visit local stores, shops, etc. to get a feel for their culture.
Culture is defined as a particular society at a particular time and place. Too often, I think that another culture would be in a foreign country, but another culture could be expeienced just another town over.
Question:What can we do to give parents a positive outlook on their child's education? Especially the parents that don't take their child's education seriously....
ReplyDeleteFact: Each cultural group holds its own concepts about the role of education in the lives of their children. pg. 373
Quote:"Education for diversity cannot exist without including and considering families as a fundamental element in the lives of children."
1. Some activities that involve the family and the community are:
> Have guest speakers from the community come and speak to the class
> Parents can volunteer to help in the classroom
> Parents can come on field trips with their students
>Parent-Teacher Conferences
> Classroom Newsletters can be sent to Parents weekly or monthly
> Invite parents and members from the community to watch students present their portfolios and projects
2) Our text discusses that families bring valuable knowledge and skills that become the best resource for multicultural education. That said it is very important that families are apart of students learning. Involvement from the community is also vital to students learning because they are citizens of the community.
3)Getting to know the parents helps to get to know the students in the classroom. Our text discusses that, "Learning about the families, who they are, and what problems and issues they face provides ways to intiate appropriate actions." Teachers can meet the needs of their students by knowing what parents what for their child.
4) Teachers can develop family support by communicating with the families of the students. Send emails to parents and send notes to parents. Teachers should always earn the families respect they can do this by keeping an open-mind and not being judgemental towards the family. Always be open to listen to parents concerns. Being a good listern and showing parents that you care helps earn their respect and trust in you.
Question: What are some appropriate ways we can show parents and community guests our appreciation for their help?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Developing and achieving a sense of trust among families and early educators is essential to a successful program.” (pg 380)
Fact:
Family Configurations and Living Arrangements of Children
Two-Parent families: 69%
Living with mothers only: 22%
Living with fathers only: 4%
Living with neither parent: 4%
1) There are countless ways in which the family and community can integrate into the classroom. In my opinion, the most beneficial would be to enhance the curriculum. As teachers we will lose touch with the outside world to a certain extent. Brining in family members and community leaders to talk about topics, in which they are the experts, is both educational to the students and teachers. Having a local meteorologist come a talk about weather or a fireman talk about fire safety are just two examples. And we can’t forget parents too – they might have jobs in fields that tie right into the curriculum. Of course, there are other ways families and communities can help. Supporting social activities and field trips; storytelling; directing a play; or providing materials and instruction are just a few examples.
ReplyDelete2) Like I stated in the previous question, it can sometimes be easy to fall into a rut and isolate the classroom from the outside. The role of families and community would be to bring the outside in and provide an authentic classroom experience. In a multicultural classroom variety is a must. We can talk, read, and discuss various cultures all we want. However, without assistance from parents and the community, students are limited to what they experience in the classroom.
3) Working with families and the community is significant because it enables us to prepare our students for the world they will face outside of the classroom. How can we teach students about culture, diversity, and the outside world if we close ourselves off from it? There is also one thing we must remember as teachers: Our students may be our number one priority, but it is the community that pays our salaries. If the community didn’t have a vested interest in educating our children, there wouldn’t be any public schools. There is an expectation that we are preparing our students to be thoughtful, useful, and participating citizens. Part of that is educating them about different families and the diverse culture that they will face when they grow up.
4) The first thing a teacher should do is to establish communication lines and be available to families. Writing letters, surveys, and publishing newsletters are just a few ways to do that. Teachers also have to make time to be available. There is nothing more frustrating to a parent than a teacher that doesn’t call back or respond to their questions. Furthermore, we have to be flexible; which sometimes means that we will have to meet parents half-way. In a nutshell – BE NICE! Parents will want to get involved and help. However, they will not want to help if you have a bad reputation or have a history of being a “bad” teacher.
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ReplyDeleteTrista asked... How do you reach an unwilling parent for the sake of the child?
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes impossible to reach some parents. This could be frustrating. However, I think it is important not to jump to conclusions and give each and every parent the benefit of the doubt. There could be numerous reasons why they are difficult to reach or unwilling to participate. It might be something private as well. So, all we can do is keep trying.
Millie asked... Is it really feasible to organize a Saturday event where your students and/or their families participate in such activities as cleaning an elderly person’s yard or painting a park fence? Or organizing a potluck meal for the families to come to some evening at school? Does this really happen?
ReplyDeleteis it feasible... yes. Would I do it? Not likely. I personally value my weekends and the weekends of my students and their families. I also think it is important to take a step back from school and not live it 24/7. However, arranging something (i.e. pot luck) in conjunction with something else like a holiday party is totally feasible. As far as volunteering, I think it is important to go with established agencies like the Red Cross or United Way. They have programs and activities tailored for schools and students that can be conducted during school hours. Going about it on our own could get us in trouble.
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteI think that using veteren teachers is an excellent source for finding out information about events in the community.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI think Head Start does a really good job with incorporating families and the communities. Family and community involvement has always been centered around this due to our performance standards.It would be nice to see others schools embrace this. However, I know that some Head Start's are cutting out field trips due to expenses and this really upsets me. In fat my posted question this week was, how do we get our companies see the importance of field trips.
Question: What if the families do not want to be involved? I know I have had many kids that I went to school with, that their parents do not help any way.
ReplyDeleteQuote: HOME IS THE FIRST CLASSROOM.
Fact: Serious economic pressures have caused the deterioration of many neighborhoods, forcing their character to change.
1.)
• sharing ideas in writing
• classroom news
• planning meetings and conversations
• using modern technology to enhance collaboration
• support and social activities
2.) . Combining the issues and concerns of parents and families improves the quality of the service provided to the child and increases the responsiveness of the program to the child’s needs. Successful collaboration also includes the community. Public agencies and the private sector are willing to offer their support to schools.
3.) Education for diversity cannot exist without including and considering families as a fundamental element in the lives of children. The process of teaching and learning is enriched by bringing parents and entire families into the classroom as our partners. One of the main objectives of multicultural education is to have parents sharing with teachers the miracle of the children’s learning. The proper development of any program about diversity must include the issues and needs of the families. Combining the ideas and concern of parents and families improves the quality of the service provided to the child and increases the responsiveness of the program to the child’s needs.
4.) Our classrooms can become the best kind of bridge between home and school. The early childhood professional is characterized by an open and tolerant attitude. This facilitates success in the endeavors to build strong relationships with families. Professional early childhood educators promote positive communication and interactions with families. As a person who believes in equity and in the rights of all families and children, your attitudes and behaviors affirm your aspiration and desire to engage in practices geared to meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children. This positive attitude should also extend to the families of children in the classrooms.
Thomas Kimberling said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What are some appropriate ways we can show parents and community guests our appreciation for their help?
I would think having the students write thank you notes would be very appropriate. They would also feel appreciated being included and seeing they work they helped with around the room.
Trista Gambill said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How do you reach an unwilling parent for the sake of the child? –
You can not make the parents be involved, this was similar to my question. I would just say just send the items home, letters and news letters etc. asking for the parents involvement it would be up to them if they wanted to be involved or not.
Tara asked....How can you get your company to understand the importance of field trips? It provides so many opportunities of diversity. Our program still sponsors field trips but I have heard of so many that are not.
ReplyDeleteI believe field trips are important and I have heard that students aren't being able to go on field trips anymore because of funding. I think if the teacher presents a valid reason to attend a field trip and come up with a way to fund it then I would not see why the principal or school district would not let students go on field trips. In Freedom Writers Ms. G worked two jobs so that she could take her students to the museum and have dinner at a nice resaurant with guest speakers.
Millie asked...Is it really feasible to organize a Saturday event?
ReplyDeleteReading our text I had the same question is it really feasible to have a potluck on a saturday with the families of your students?
I would say yes. When I was younger I remember attending different activities that the school would have on a Friday or Saturday night. All parents and students like to eat so I wouldn't see why you couldn't have a potluck and have activities where you could get to know the families.
QUESTION:Think of a gesture, phrase, or a acquired taste(s) then identify one of them, and explain its origin.(pg.381)
ReplyDeleteQUOTE:"Show your interest in a child, and parents are on your side. Be casual, off-handed, be cold toward the child and parents can never work closely with you...To praise the child is to praise the parent. To critize the child is to hit the parent. The two are two, but the two are one." (pg.398)
FACT: Finding from studies reveal that children exhibit higher achievement when parents are directly involved in the children's school activities (Henderson & Mapp, 2002; Pelletier &Brent,2002).
Dr. Hendrix's Questions:
ReplyDelete1.Some of the activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom are
:Bring in people from the community to talk to both your students and their families such as the fire department or a story teller from your local library.
:Put on a play and invite not only your students families but the community as well.
:art activities sponsored by community or civic group.
:field trips to places in the community. Parks, museums, etc.
2.The role of families and the community in a multicultural program are essential. The family and the community is what makes your students who they are. If you do not let them play a role in your classroom you will not have a multicultural classroom.
ReplyDelete3. The significance of working with families and the community early on is so important. Working with them shows our students who they are and what they are capable of. It opens there eyes to not only who they are but to who the students sitting next to them in class, the class next door, and people outside their school doors. It opens their eyes to the big world around them and how it works. Truly prepares them for the outside world when Family, Community, School, and Children all join hands in the learning experience.
2. Fact: Oral, verbal messages(the spoken word) account for only 7 percent of the input; vocal and tonal messages (the way in which the word is spoken) account for 38 percent; visual messages account for 55 percent (Miller Wackman, Nunnaly, and Miller (cited in Berger, 2007)
ReplyDelete3. Quote: Every school and home will engage in partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children (Goals 2000, Educate America Act of 1994)
1.) Some activities that involve family and community with the classroom are found through various social services, consultations, referrals, and workshops for parents and families of the children. Any activity that would involve neighborhood safety,recreational facilities, health and social services that could benefit the families and their children should be researched and use this knowledge to develop plans on how to bring it to the classroom. Perhaps police and firemen, doctors and nurses, city officials, the facilities that offer the health and social services, and counselors.
2.) The role of family in multicultural programs is to share their concepts about the role of education and the lives of their children, relay any economic pressures, illnesses, presences of disabilite,s how they balance time and set priorities so the teacher and school can give sources of help and support in the community. When the teacher understands all of these situations/problems/beliefs and values they to can work to help, facilitate, research, and be a friend to the families while maintaining and developing professional confidentiality and trus. The role of community in multicultural programs is to unite with individuals, families, education system and health and welfare services to get the information out to the public. They should also support and provide resources. As with the St. Joseph programs, Educare/St. Joseph Youth Alliance and the YWCA provide awesome services.
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ReplyDeleteChandra B. asked: What if the families do not want to be involved? I know I have had many kids that I went to school with, that their parents do not help any way.
ReplyDeleteI just wonder if you could build some type of rapport with them...something, that would make them feel valued in hopes that they would build a positive experience with school and become more involved with thier child's education. I firmly believe that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I love making people feel good from all walks of life...I would say that it is not always well received - I have been to homeless shelters numerous times and the interaction is not always welcomed, but most of the time it is.
Quote:” Real education for diversity cannot exist without including and considering families as a fundamental element in the lives of children.: page 400
ReplyDeleteFact: Relationships between young children and family members are essential for positive development
Question: How can I as a teacher make my families feel more comfortable or trusting with me as there child's teacher?
1.) School functions like plays,performances, parent teacher conferences, etc. But I like the idea of trying to get these families involved in lesson or other activities to help my class learn about the cultures of their fellow classmates. I think getting the families to take a hands on approach in specific lessons would not only make the lesson more interesting by having someone from that culture talk about it, it would also help my students to be able to put faces to real people that come from the cultures that we are studying.
2.) The families and the community play possibly the most important factor in out kids multicultural eduction. By keeping the families and community evolved it allows for lots of outside learning, both cultural and social.
3.) Working closely with families and the community will help to foster a community based attitude for our young learners. We are products of our environments, so the more diverse our environment is the diverse our children will be.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs? I believe the best way to do this is to be open the the families ideas and concerns. Talk to them and explain how important multicultural learning is in your classroom. Offer them times to come in and help with lessons that pertain to their culture. If you send news letters home to the parents and they don't speak English, send it in their native language, and make a attempt to get to know them on a more personal level. If they trust and believe in you as a teacher, they are more likely to be involved!
Trista asked... How do you reach an unwilling parent for the sake of the child?
ReplyDeleteSometimes it may not be possible to have contact with parents. As a teacher you just have to live with it. But you can maybe show that child a little more attention and show them that you care about their education.
cllibby said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Are we doing all we can to incorporate families and our community in the education of our children?
I have asked a couple of my friends who are teachers this same question, and basically they all told me that they do a number of things to get the community involved in their classes, but that they dont really expect to much from the community outside of your typical expectations. To this is the sort of problem that can be a little confusing because I m sure there are lots of people or groups in the community that are willing to paticipate or help anyway they can, they just may not no how they can help, and teachers may not know who to ask for the help they need.
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteEstablish a relationship with your students and learn about what their environments are like. Do get to know you activities in the beginning and that will help. Erin Gruwell used the journals to discover this information, and that is a good strategy too.
Keep up the good work!
Class,
ReplyDeleteGOOD JOB HERE! Keep up the good work!
Millie,
ReplyDeleteYes saturday programs can work for students and their families. Where I teach we have held weekend events that were very successful in student/family turn out. May also be a way to reach out to families that may be more comfortable attending a more relaxed event that could lead to more family involvement. I feel its a great chance to get to know your families even better.
Clibby,
ReplyDeleteI really think all educators need to do more to incorporate families and the community into our classrooms. The great importance of this has been proven on every page of our text. I have seen myself the impact it makes on my students in early childhood. It to has taught me a lot about my students and myself.
Question: With the serious budgets cuts in our school systems, will preschool programs still exist in five years from now?
ReplyDeleteFact: Research in early childhood education has shown that family and parent involvement are central to successful schooling experiences.
Quote: All men {individuals} know their children mean more than life. Euripides (480-406 B.C.)
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom.
Some activities that include the family are helping in the classroom, reading a book to the class, eating a meal at school, teaching a skill that they may to the class, prepare a bulletin board for the class, sharing cultural materials with the class, prepare and cut out materials at home that are needed for the classroom or make a take home project with their child and send back to school to be hung on the Wall of Fame board and make a Star of the Week board with their child to share with the class, Some activities that include the community are to invite visitors of the community such as Sparky the Fire Dog, Scrubby the Bear (who teaches about germs), Fire truck, Ambulance personnel, The Health Department (they have programs for children that they teach), the Police Department with the K9 dog, & the Conservation Department will bring animal pellets, the Mic-o-Say group, & the Librarian as a Storyteller.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program.
The role of families and the community in a multicultural program is to bring the culture into the classroom. This enriches a child’s self esteem and confidence and gives them experiences that they might never have known otherwise. Families can bring cultural materials and skills into a classroom that can enhance the learning of the children. The community can bring resources into the classroom that enriches the learning of the class. Our program has cut out field trips, so for the children to experience our community I invite them into the classroom to share their skills.
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter).
Working with our families and the community will get the children ready for experiences that are outside of the classroom. We all follow our family traditions and learn from the community that we live in. By understanding this and working together we can meet the needs of the children that we serve.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs?
The first thing I do is ask the parents to fill out a survey about their child, and there are a variety of questions which includes their culture. Invite the parent into the classroom to share their culture. We hold Family Fun Nights each month to encourage the parent to come into the school and if I know a parent has a special skill I’ll ask them to share with us that night.
Trista asked... How do you reach an unwilling parent for the sake of the child?
ReplyDeleteKeep trying to reach that parent they may think you are there to judge them as a parent. Send them words of encouragement, and always look them in the eye and address them by name. I always let parents know that they are their child's first teacher and that we are a team with the same goal for their child.
Chandra B. asked: What if the families do not want to be involved?
I always encourage the parent to be involved and I send home a monthly project that they can do with their child at home. Then, the child brings it back to school and hangs it on the Wall of Fame which is above the cubbies in the halll.
Question: Is it up to the individual teacher how much communication comes from their classroom? Or, does, or should, administration require a certain amount of communication and involvement in their classroom?
ReplyDeleteQuote: If our classroom doors are truly open, the futures of children will be brighter.
Fact: There are many benefits for children when parents and families participate in classroom activities. Such involvement influences student performance and individual development. Among the outcomes noted are successful schooling and higher retention levels.
1) There are tons of activites planned throughout the year that provide parents opportunities to be involved with their child and their child’s school. These include field trips, classroom volunteering, room parents, reading to the class, walk-a-thons held at the school, field days, and many others. Youth Friends is a great program in which parents or members of the community can be a “friend” to various children. There is a lot out there. However, it is imperative that communication is transferred in multiple ways from the school to the home, including reminders.
2) Familes and communities need to bring their individual cultures into the classroom so the other students and teacher can experience them. This may include a parent or grandparent coming into the classroom to explain and show items from their holiday traditions.
3) I have heard so many teachers say that their relationship with the child, first starts with their relationship with the parent. It is so important that teachers understand where the children are coming from, physically and emotionally. This will better equip them with the proper teaching approaches in order for the child to receive the most benefit.
4) I think communication is so important in reaching involvement and support from family and community. Teachers must invite family and community into their classroom. Weekly newsletters, emails, personal notes, and phone calls. I don’t think there can ever be too much communication when it comes to your student and their family.
Eric said: How can I as a teacher make my families feel more comfortable or trusting with me as there child's teacher?
ReplyDeleteI think the best way it to be real, open and honest with them. When I look at all the different teachers my childen have had, I really connected to some of them. These were the ones that encouraged my involvement, admitted they made mistakes, and seemed to truly have the kids' best interest.
Chandra asked: What if the families do not want to be involved? I know I have had many kids that I went to school with, that their parents do not help any way.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult for some parents to make it into the classroom since they are working. I would include these parents on the list to help with room parties - just to send in a food item. This makes them feel like they are participating. Even send home notes or a small survey asking for their input, such as asking about some of their family history so their child can present it in class.
Question: In a classroom where there may not be enough funds to support having a classroom party, can the teacher ask to have contributions made towards such an event?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Acceptance of the diversity of family models in your classroom is essential for the success of your multicultural program." (pg399)
Fact: Get to know a student by getting to know their family. Have questionaires on the first day of school that a child can fill out with their parent so one can get to know one another.
1.) List some activities that involve the family and the community with the classroom.
One may want to take the time to learn about the different cultures that the children come from. Incorporate families how you see fit. Can a child bring a unique item from their culture for show and tell? Can a food item be contributed during a classroom party? There are fund raising activities that may go on in the community that the class could be invovled in.
2.) Describe the role of families and the community in a multicultural program.
Share with the families what is being taught and discussed in your classroom. This is a good step in letting the family in on what is going on in their child's life and is a good way to make them feel that they are part of it. If they have an idea or concern that needs to be addressed, then this would be a good time to discuss it, once you have been proactive in including them.
3.) Discuss the significance of working with families and the community of early childhood students (any students for that matter).
Once you can incorporate a family into the classroom then you are enriching the students experience, this would florish if you can take their prospective into advisement when coming up with creative lesson planning.
4.) What are some ways that teachers can develop family support for their multicultural programs?
Again the teacher would want to include the perspectives of the parents. By making them feel that they have a say in what goes on in their child's learning experience will empower them to think of ways they want to contribute to the classroom. Families may lack knowledge of what goes on in the childs school but by sending home weekly news letters and emails about what is going on in the classroom and perhaps having some open ended questions will help the parent feel more comfortable with making suggestions.
Marci, I am sure there will be times where you have to contact a parent for one reason or another, but it is good to develop a relationship prior to a possible incident where you may HAVE to contact them.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I sure hope preschool still exist. Headstart programs, for one, are great opportunities for some kids to become engaged with a good learning process prior to starting school.
Chandra B. said...
ReplyDeleteWhat if the families do not want to be involved? I know I have had many kids that I went to school with, that their parents do not help any way.
We can only keep offering them the opportunity to help. Everyone's situation changes from time to time.
Marci said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Is it up to the individual teacher how much communication comes from their classroom? Or, does, or should, administration require a certain amount of communication and involvement in their classroom?
Schools these days have a tendency to set communications goals for teachers. Sometimes they even help. But, like most "good ideas" there is rarely anybody who will enforce it, unless they have received a communication from a disgruntled parent. But I try to communicate with parents as much as possible, especially if I have something positive to say about their children. In any case, you can never do too much, and most likely you will find yourself in a situation of having done too little.
Kelli Hovey said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If you were a new teacher in a completely new environment (think of Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers), how would you go about finding out things about your new community? Or finding out factors that will affect students in your classroom?
I would attend schoolboard meetings and community meetings. These would give me much insight to how the community is run. I would also put together a dinner either at my house or at a local restaurant and invite the faculty. I might do a few seperate dinners to make it more personal. Maybe a dinner with one or two grades at a time, but this way a more relaxed conversation can be held and you I could get to know my co-workers!
Cllibby said:
ReplyDeleteFact: Parents are a child’s first teacher
I completelly agree with this statement. I work with babies anywhere from 4mnths old to a yr and I see everyday the effect parents have on their children. It is very obvious (in most cases) to see which children have parents who are involved in their progression and teaching, and those who simply expect it to happen.
Question: What steps can you take to get your community to become more involved in the childrens' education?
ReplyDeleteQuote:"We are all products of our families and our home environments." (p. 379)
Fact:A helpful way to learn more about families' cultures is the questionnaire developed by Saville-Troike (1978).
1.) Show and tell with items from home or the family culture, food days or parties, singing and dancing days, classroom discussions and journals
2.) The role of families and the community is very important. Each personal family and family in the community has their culture. This gives the perfect opportunity for children to learn! If each family took it amongst themselves to incorporate culture into their home lives, the students will more fully understand their own culture. This will give each student the opportunity to teach other students and friends within the community about their culture, thus, spreading multiculturalism.
3.) Incorporating families and the community into the classroom is very important. Once this is accomplished, multiculturalism will flow without force. We need to make the families and community aware of the importance of culture teaching at an early age.
4.) One way to gain family support is to get the families involved! An idea I want to implement, with great caution and care of course, is to have a family of the week. Each week a certain family will be in the spotlight. We will learn about their culture, family members, where they came from, etc... I would also love to have meetings with parents outside of the typical parent/teacher meetings. These could be dinners or little parties. Simply something to intise the families to come and while they are there, they will have the opportunity to become a part of the classroom.