Administrators at my school are constantly stresses the connection between home, school and the community. While many teachers have blogs or send home weekly letters the connection just isn't completely there. We all know that students with family involvement succeed more in school than those without. This article provided a few ways to keep the connection alive.
For me having a blog is very time consuming, and just how many parents actually read it?! I liked that the author mentioned using twitter. How great! It is much faster and more convenient for both parents and teachers to use. I actually think I might start a twitter account with my students. Along the same lines is Facebook, I did use this in years past, and parents loved it, however it was pretty time consuming again for me. One idea I wouldn't have thought of that would be great in a classroom setting was student-led parent workshops. Basically students invite parents in and "teach" them 1 on 1 about whatever they are currently learning. This could even be doing via youtube!
Great ideas!
Nielsen, L. (2013, November 10). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2013/11/5-ideas-to-strengthen-home-school.html
These are great ideas, although I am wondering what the legalities are behind publicizing your classroom. I believe getting information out to parents is very important because communication between parents and teachers helps students in many forms. Another thought is how could you connect with kids parents in low income areas where they do not have luxuries such as the internet or phones to access twitter?
ReplyDeleteI am not trying to play the bad guy, your ideas are great, and these are a few questions that came to mind after your post. Thanks!
I love the concept of student led parent workshops. I think that would actually bring the parents out. I am so going to use that in.... so many ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks