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.
Danielle
ReplyDeleteThis had to make you feel like you just saved a life. I think we really don't realize how safety belts and car seats really matter. I was in a car accident last summer and I know with out a shadow of a doubt that it was God and my seat belt that saved me from flting out of the from windshield, it was a really hard impact
June 2, 2011 5:49 PM
I think that was a great idea for the teacher to put a graduation suggestion box out for the parents. The parent involvement in this graduation ceremony is great! I am glad you were able to be a part of this. I hope this involvement with the parents will help you with your paper.
ReplyDeleteI love that you were able to see that. So often, I think the parents love to be involved, but other commitments often keep them away from the school setting, other than the stigma we think of the parent who wants nothing to do with the setting.
ReplyDeleteApril-
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to write you a quick note to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading your blog over the duration of this quarter. You're funny, passionate and it has been a pleasure to learn your opinion about parent interaction in the Early Childhood setting. I look forward to working with as a colleague in the future.
Best,
Jessica
I like the suggestion box at graduation. I helped out with a graduation last weekend and they need a suggestion box. I feel like there was a lot of upset parents and people getting lost. I feel that a suggestion in a box are not people getting mad but give helpful advice for the next event and next years graduation.
ReplyDeleteApril,
ReplyDeleteThe center I am observing at had a wonderful graduation. The parents were so excited to see the children preform their songs. I thought I was attending a High School or College graduation that night. There were so many parents and families to see the children graduate. I do not think we had the parent involvement you had. That was wonderful you could get so many involved. I think the issue is most of our parents work full time.