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!
April if you have a good relationship with the teacher it should not be a problem, if not just approach the subject lightly and let them know that you would like to get more involved and try to help take some of the pressure off of them.
ReplyDeleteYes, first I would like to know has she actively tried to engage the parents into staying and what is the reason the she has given them for wanting to stay??? I have found that when you put the responsibility back on the parents and make them realize and see how volunteering can make a difference in the life of their child you may see.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of a food tasting is a great idea to introduce the nutrition part of your research. This really may be something that draws the parents in. Does the teacher you are working with give opportunities for the parents to be involved? Sometimes the fault is placed on the parents when it should not be. I know there are many parents who are not actively involved in their child's education, but we do have to look at the teachers as well. Some teachers are intimidated by having parents in their classroom or even getting them involved so they don't make the parent involvement opportunities known. Not sure if this is how it is at your site, but just something to think about. I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that in my case, I might observe and then right up some suggestions? A plan that the center might follow, or something like that, with references to case studies that have worked in the past. Maybe something like this could work for you.
ReplyDeleteApirl,
ReplyDeleteMy experience working with head start families it was always difficult to get parent involvement. We tried having child care for the children to having food and educational classes. It was never a good time for most in one program I worked in. It was a requirement for parent involvement but it was still hard to get them to come. The idea of a food tasting nutrition time is a wonderful idea. Maybe try cultural tasting with nutrition that might get more involvement.
The teacher should take idea's if she is having trouble getting parents involved just tread lightly depending on your relationship with her.
Hi April, I think the survey is a great idea to learn what the parents may need or may be missing with being involved with their child's education. You don't want to pressure the parents into doing something they are unfamiliar with, so I think starting the survey and having them to give their opinions will help you start where it is most conivienient for them. I also think the idea for food tasting is a good way to express nutritional benefits to parents, food is always a way to communicate with parents! Sitting with your host teachers and communicating your ideas with them I think will help you to not step on anyone's toes. Ask them questions about what they do or need help doing as far as parent involvement and ask about their parents, they should have information regarding the situations of their families, this could give you and angle to address using the survey.Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI really like that you want to learn what the parents may need. I think it is always interesting when I see some parents really into what is taking place in the classroom and others don't seem to care. I feel it is very important for students to see their parents interested in what is taking place in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of food tasting as a way to bring different foods into the center. I do this thing called taste test Tuesday where i have my girls try a new dish or type of food. it makes it really fun.