How do I make family engagement fun?

During the eight years that I have spent in Pre-K, I have seen a marked decline in the level of parental interaction in everything from parent meetings to visiting the classroom.  In the beginning, the state of Tennessee allowed us to make parent-meetings, conferences, and school attendance,  a mandatory requirement for enrollment in our program.  Like many other things that the government handles, the requirements have been watered down to the point that we cannot require anything of the parents today.  I am very committed to providing a level playing field for all students to enter Kindergarten, but I feel that we have lost an essential part of the process.  Forcing parents to attend meetings and participate in conferences were not ideal measures, but we did see the results of that engagement.  I have become so frustrated by the lack of interest that parents show in their child’s first year of school and I want to explore new and creative ways to involve families and help them understand how important they are to their child’s education.

In researching blogs on parent engagement, there are ideas that range from simple communication to putting on a major event.  The Connecticut Education Association has appealed to their Legislature to introduce a bill giving parents 20 hours of earned time in order to participate in their child’s school. “The participation of parents in all activities of the school community sends a strong message to children that school is important and part of the family culture,” said Cohen. “The more parents are involved in their children’s education, the higher the children’s academic achievement.”  For more information on this great proposal, go to http://blogcea.org/2013/03/05/parental-engagement-key/

I also came across a blog that mentioned a book that I have ordered called Do Parents Know They Matter? Raising achievement through parental engagement.  Written by, Alma Harris, Kirstie Andrew-Power, and Janet Goodall.  I believe that it will provide new ideas and resources to promote parent engagement in my classroom.  If you would like to read the blog, here is the address.

http://alyshiamarli.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/attention-parents-do-you-know-you-matter-when-it-comes-to-your-childs-academic-success/

My hope is that if I can be successful in my room, then I can share my ideas with my peers and together we can change the climate of parental inaction on a larger scale.  One blogger pointed out that when you get families more engaged in their child’s education, it not only benefits them but that benefit is magnified many times over in the community.

I would love to hear your input and ideas for my passion!

What is the first instance of parent involvement/communication in August for you?

How do you deal with the “eager beavers” that are always in your room?

How do you approach parents that have shown hostility towards you?

What roles do parents play in your center/school?

What methods do you use to communicate with parents?

How do you feel about using social media to communicate with parents?

Is your administration open to new and creative ideas to get parents involved in your school?

Universal Preschool With Parent Education

Really good article and follows research I am working on to create a parent training webinar to help families in poverty increase their child’s cognitive development.

goodparentsgreatkids

 

I must admit that it boggles my mind.  I know I should be more realistic. I am certainly aware that attitudes regarding parent education, although mostly positive, do not usually translate to any real action.

I am writing this blog about the recent push by our President to mandate universal preschool. I agree, in theory that children would benefit from extra stimulation and a positive environment in which to explore and thrive. Early intervention often allows children who have developmental delays or issues to be diagnosed earlier which is critical. I do support universal preschool. However let’s consider the fact that parents are a child’s first teacher. Parents contribute to the success of their child even prior to conception since a mother’s health and nutrition are important factors to a child’s overall health which includes intellectual ability. Providing a nurturing home life with a discipline plan in place, attentive…

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How Would Preschool For All Work: Is It All About Play or ABC’s?

Baby and Toddler Land

How Would Preschool For All Work: Is It All About Play or ABC’s?

In the above-linked article written by Bonnie Rochman on 3/8/13, Rochman discusses the controversial nature of the yet-to-be-created “universal preschool” program and what exactly universal preschool should entail:  a focus on academics or social skills development.  

Experts quoted in the article lean towards the latter, but there is no telling what the government will do with the power they have.  David Elkind, author of The Power of Play and a professor emeritus of child development at Tufts University, says “We’ve gotten so focused on the academic part when we need to be focused on the social part.” Erika Christakis worried in her Time’s Ideas Blog last month that the academic focus in kindergarten will trickle down to preschool.  The consensus is that kids need help developing “soft skills of success — persevering even when tasks are…

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