Module 5 Blog

I would like to thank all my classmates that followed me on my journey through this first internship class. I really appreciate all the positive feedback and insights I gained from all of you. I am thankful we had a wonderful instructor and she remained patient while it took some time learning how to blog. Blogging is something I had never done until this class. I wish all of you the best and good luck in the future!

Module 4 Initial Post

This setting, I was able to observe the staff and parents planning graduation. The lead teacher put a suggestion box at the entrance door and met with every parent. She ask each parent if they had any suggestions for making graduation the best ever. Many parents wanted the teacher to have songs the children had learned throughout the school year. The teacher and parents decided which three songs would be performed during the graduation. Many of the parents would stay around and help the teacher cut out shapes and such art work needed for the week.

I loved that I was able to interact directly with three parents. My research paper is on parent involvement and this setting really helped me gain direct insight toward my research paper. I had brief interviews with the parents where I received direct feedback about my focus questions for the research needed.

I also received insight from the teacher on how to allow parents to volunteer without it disrupting the classroom. The parents flowed right into the daily routine and the children were not distracted at all.

Many parents want to do more and be active in making the ratios smaller and having a voice in the decisions made about curriculums and nutrition.

Module 3 Blog

I have been given the privilege of observing a four year old classroom at Head Start for the past several weeks. This week I was able to observe a parent involvement day planned with the children and staff. The center provided the materials and the shirts and the parent and child worked together to design a create summer shirt. It did not go smooth at first because the class had a huge amount of parents to come and participate. I interacted with the teachers and did the best I could helping them organize and make certain all the children had the correct size of shirt and their name written on it. I am always present during the early mornings when the parents are arriving and dropping off their children. I have actually been able to share and discuss the purpose of my visits with several parents. I have received direct input from some parents on whether or not they feel parent involvement is important. Every parent has answered yes, but one parent shared with me that they sometimes feel they disrupt the classroom instead of benefiting the classroom.

I had a special learning experience last week because I got to meet with the nutrition specialist for Head Start. She discussed her concerns with getting parents to attend the nutritional classes. I ask her when she has them and she responded late morning. I suggested early morning when the parents drop the children off or late in the afternoon when the parents pick the children up. I have learned from talking to many parents that we must consider their available time and think about how expensive gas is right now. Head Start serves low income families, so we must consider economic components. One of my focus questions is about nutrition and how to better encourage parent involvement. These encounters over the past couple of weeks helped with ideas toward my topic and focus questions.

Module 2 Blog

I have been observing and viewing the daily actions of a preschool teacher and teacher assistant in Head Start. I am also making it a point to observe the parents and their interactions with the teachers and the classroom in general. I see both teachers greet the parents and child but most parents walk in, sign their child in, and leave. Many parents do not show any concern or desire to know what is taking place in the classroom. During my time spent at the center, I have only seen one parent stay and read a small group of children  a story.
My question for classmates, how do I help and suggest new ideas to create or begin a home base plan for children and parents? I feel like I am stepping over the teachers when I suggest new ideas or ways to involve the parents. I may try to pass out surveys to get some parents input on what types of involvement would interest them. Any ideas or suggestions?
I am planning on having a health food tasting to welcome the nutrition part of my research. I think food will attract many parents!

First Initial Blog

My topic of choice is helping poverty families feel important in their child's education. I would discuss High Scope, nutrition, and smaller ratios under this topic. Parents need to feel important and be a part of the development of their young child. The center I am doing my internship with a nationally accredited center. The children are four years old and being prepared to enter Kindergarten in a few months. I met with a lead teacher and her assistant for my interviews. They shared their biggest concerns. The number one concern was getting the parents involved. So many parents are busy today going back to school or working and they just do not take the time to come volunteer in the center. I suggested maybe an in home based program to help with the very busy parents. I also suggested having meeting at the local college some of the parents attend.

I work at a local Head Start just about ten miles from the center I will be doing my internship at. I am very familiar with my own center but each and every Head Start center is unique. I have worked with three year old children for ten years at Head Start. Parent involvement is very difficult to obtain at our center as well.

I am very unsure of my research topic at this point but the interview did help me get my brain rolling. I hope all my wonderful smart classmates will help me think of an excellent research paper topic. I look forward to helping some of you as well.

Hello everyone

I started this blog for my class at Kendall College!