Home/School Connection
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When thinking back on my Elementary School experiences, there was a sense of separation between school and home. Teachers primarily reached out to parents when there was an issue arising from school, and I have little to no memory of my parents coming to class unless for some performance taking place at the school. Therefore, videos such as Putting Parents to Work in the Classroom are excellent ways to see collaboration between teachers and parents in recent years (Borovoy, 2012). In addition, the notion of Parent Mentors within a school highlights how the working together of parents and teachers brings out success within the classroom (Borovoy, 2012). The beginning of the video was inspiring, watching parents receive their certificates in aiding in the success of the various students graduating (Borovoy, 2012). The teamwork of parents and teachers not only models to students how working together benefits all involved but inspires parents to see their potential and continue with their education (Borovoy, 2012). Providing welcoming opportunities for parents to be involved in the classroom is a beneficial strategy for bridging the gap between home and school ( Dell'Angelo, 2014). An example is designating a time in the classroom for "15-minute experts" where parents teach the children an exciting or helpful skill -- cutting vegetables, grooming a pet, folding towels, or any number of activities (Dell'Angelo, 2014). Connections can be made in various ways, with the key focus being communication between the parent and the teacher ( Dell'Angelo, 2014).
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When considering the parent and school collaboration, the board of education and their meetings is a significant part of the process. I had the privilege to attend the Board of Education meeting in the district where I grew up, worked as an aide, now student teaching, and a parent with a student also in the district. Attending the meeting gave me insight as a future educator and a parent. During this meeting, many high school students were there to speak about the potential letting go of a beloved school guidance counselor due to the expiration of a covid grant funding. Witnessing several testimonies from students and parents sharing how mental health in teens is crucial during this time, letting go of this beloved guidance counselor would be detrimental to the students. The students spoke proudly and eloquently, and several parents also provided insight. During this process, I remained focused on the board, gauging their thoughts and feelings about the situation. Though the audience had many strong feelings, the board of education allowed time, listened to each individual, and provided respectable responses. Reflecting on the situation where no decision was made was a great learning experience. I was grateful for meetings where parents and students could voice their thoughts and ideas on change can be heard by the educational board.
Reading articles such as Family Engagement: Engaging the Disengaged supported the underlying notions of the board of education meeting ( Aguliar, 2016). Aguliar expresses how a school incorporated participation from parents on hiring committees and professional development (2016). Though the concept might seem non-traditional, many parents want to be involved in their child's education as much as possible; this process will promote learning together and make sense of the instructional practices together ( Agulair, 2016).
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So how do we as educators learn the best strategies to promote communication with parents? From what I have learned thus far, this is not a one answer fits all type of question (Vestal's 21st-Centory Classroom, 2021). Every parent is different, every class is different, and how one strategy might have worked one year might not be the best strategy the following year ( Vestal's 21st-Centory Classroom, 2021).
I plan to be an educator in an elementary classroom in grades first through sixth, and a strategy I would begin with is sending out prior to the first day of school a post car type of letter focusing on Introducing myself to the parents as the student's teacher for the upcoming year. In addition to introducing myself, I will include a QR code with a survey on which communication the parents prefer during the school year and introduce the Class Dojo Application. The Class Dojo App is a Free application that is compatible with any smartphone device that parents can download to see updates on activities within the classroom. Additionally, I, as the teacher, can share group announcements with the parents, share photos of student's work, and private message parents if necessary. Parents can also contact the teacher at any time through the Dojo App. During the first week of school, I will also send home a "getting to know you" activity where the parents advise which form of communication and involvement they would be interested in for the school year. Open communication is vital for a successful year for a student, and utilizing the best form of communication with the parents is essential.
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The 6 Do's and 3 Don'ts in the article, Empathy and Research: Engaging Parents in Tech Initiatives, emphasize what you say as a teacher and how you say it (Heitner, 2014). The most compelling thing I found is communicating with parents early and often (Heitner, 2014). Invite them to attend events where they will experience the approaches, applications, and projects their students are investigating (Heitner, 2014).
References:
Aguilar, E. (2011, September 23). 20 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships with Parents. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-developing-positive-relationships-parents-elena-aguilar
Borovoy, A.E. (2012, November 2). 5-Minute Film Festival: Parent-Teacher Partnerships. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-parent-teacher-partnerships
Dell'Angelo, T. (2014, December 10). The Beginners Guide to Connecting Home and School.Edutopia.
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/beginners-guide-connecting-home-school-tabitha-dellangelo
Heitner, D. (2014, November 3). Empathy and Research: Engaging Parents with Tech Initiatives. Edutopia.https://www.edutopia.org/blog/engaging-parents-with-tech-initiatives-devorah-heitner
Vestal's 21st Centory Classroom (2021, August 22). 9 Ways to Communicate with Parents for Teachers // INCREASE parent communication! [video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8aHJkRXgbcE
Hi Ashley, great reflection on the module. It is interesting to me that when you think of grade school you cannot recall many instances in which parents were involved. For me it is the opposite, there was seemingly always a parent in the classroom. The PTA were very involved and constantly organizing events in and out of the classroom for parents to participate in. I love that since you noticed that in your experience, you have come up with a plan on how to bridge that gap. Although your students may not recognize it, I know the parents will be extremely grateful for the access you would be giving them into experiencing your classroom. I also plan on utilizing a QR code for parents so they can access my classroom dojo, and within that I plan to provide "important information" links so that the parents constantly have access to them. In this I plan on including things such as how they can reach me, classroom rules, expectations of the parents and their children and so on. Since I will be working with adolescents, preferably 10th to 12th grade, I would like to foster that sense of inclusion while still encouraging students to take responsibility for their work. For example, rather than sending updates weekly, I will do it either biweekly, or monthly. Thank you for sharing your plans for your future classroom, I think you will do great when creating the environment and relationships you are striving for.
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