The Community
This chapter really connected with the book I just read called Black Ants and Buddhists. I read many ideas and thoughts that related to the topics in the chapter such as activism, parent involvement, community liaisons, and bridging the school/home culture.
A very important point I gained from this chapter and actually the book I read as well is that we cannot say that parent involvement is coming into the school constantly. We need to see parent involvement as anything form sending in glue sticks, reading a book to their child, responding to a note sent home, and of course coming into the school. Many families have two working parents and life is busy. I also see the point made in the chapter about past experiences and we may need to be the teacher that helps a parent get past their fear of schools and involvement and gain trust. All parents want the best for the children some parents may just not know how to express it or be an advocate for their child–as teachers we can help. Removing barriers is a term in the chapter that was enjoyable to me as well–a great way to put it.
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Thought you might like to use this video as an example of how simple things can make such a difference. Your comments are right on. http://www.ourschool.ca/i-dont-have-time-i-work-all-day.html
Please wander over to ourschool.ca and let others know what you think
I agree…as teachers we need to find wyas in which we can connect with our parents and create trusting relationships with them. This is so important to a child’s academic success within your classroom. Once the child sees that the parent is not trusting of you as the teacher, the child begins to respond negatively as well. Trust is key!
I love your thoughts about looking at involvement differently. It seems to me that parents who are a constant presence at the school have a better repoire with teachers and administrators and are more likely to get things done their way when they make “requests.” Many parents work and are not able to be at the school to lend a hand for every event and they should have access to the same education as the kids whose parents are not always hovering. I also think of that in terms of IEPs- parents who know how to fight and have resources get what they want and usually all kids could benefit from the same. Is school really free and appropriate for all if we play favorites?