I have some parents that do not understand what is going on in the classroom because they do not see the cutesy (sp?) crafts that they like coming home. The feel like their child is not getting a full preschool experience. I have encouraged the teachers to be more specific about what goes on in class on the daily notes, but I was thinking to have parents come and volunteer so they will see what is going on. Any creative ideas for what they can come and do?
We always have a back to school night and talk about what happens with our children. Being a Montessori school, there's not much that comes home with the kids. We hear it a lot. Sharing the school's philosophy and focus on the process and not the product at this age really helps a lot.
We have many many parent nights through out the year. These are great for letting the families see what we are doing. One may be math night (board games and finger rhymes) one might be a cooking class with food we grew in the garden. We have them all year round. We also have family hours that must be fulfilled-bring things in, cook for us, decorate for us, read to us----whatever their skill is. These require them to talk about what they can do and lend a hand. It doesn't have to be in the room-it can be outside-since I know people work. NAEYC had a book I believe it was called "Strenghting families". It was on this topic.
We keep portfolios for the children that we put samples of their work and some of their prijects in. I tell parents right fromt he beginning that if they do not see alot of things cominghome not to worry-- I am saving it for the portfolio. I have a special file holder that I put the items I'm saving in and I put themin the portfolios at least once per month. then I put a notice up that the portfolios have been updated. I haven't had any complaints or concerns expressed about things not coming home--
We encourage parnts to chaperone on field trips---and we take lots of pictures and some of the teachers put them up on posters outside the classroom once a month so parents can see what the kids wre working on etc.
I took over a Pre-K from a teacher that did nothing but "cutesie" crafts. The first year I taught, word circulated that I was not as academic as my predecessor. Every year I explain my philosophy and curriculum in my handbook and at Back to School Night verbally and with a handout. I also sent home calendars and newsletters with everything going on in the class. This year I did a PowerPoint Presentation and had handouts for the families. It made a huge impact. Same information, different method of presentation.
I like to post pictures of children in "action" doing their "work". Kids like to see pictures of themselves and their friends. Parents like to take a peak at what the kids are "doing all day long". I most often post them at the children's eye level. Then the children can alert their parents and point out specifics! It's also helpful for parents of potential students to take a look at. While they may observe during center time, it may also be nice for them to peek at picture of your circle time or art time!
I'm also a big fan of photos. A digital camera is your best friend. They might not see the cutesie crafts, but they'll see Johnny hugging Phillip, and Amy and Brad playing in the housekeeping center, and all the kids digging in the garden, etc. We take tons and post them on a password protected site so that parents can order prints.
really,,,,how do you find the places where parents can order prints. That sounds like a wonderful plan. right now we have the line of parents all saying email the pix to me....but really that is a lot of pixs to attach and sort through. I like the photos-as stated before, but we also have a lot of parent/family story readers and guests for snack. As long as their child will still work and the parent knows who is boss I find that the images they take away from the classroom go a long ways toward developing the children for the better. If the children or the families can't make it work - then I find other options for them. I like family involvemnt-we have tons of it.
It is important to send home at least a couple of "cutesy" crafts about twice a week. Parents will never change. They want to see them. Be sure the classroom if FILLED with art that the children have made. Bright paintings and seasonal things. Be sure to post photos where they can see them as soon as they walk in. Change these photos often. It's pretty easy to be a parent pleaser and to teach academics at the same time.
I send home a parent letter about once a week. I have a real newsletter and calender combo once a month. I have scholastic book orders that go home once a month. Lets find out newspapers go home once a week. then we have a project or two a week that are free formish-but assigned. plus any free choice art they may choose. The scrapbook is on going and there, the bb is up to see what we are doing and once a month I try to send home something really nice and usually from oriental trading that they could take to work. Seems to work for my group.
you can upload the pics to sites like walmart and walgreens and the parents can go on and order prints--
wow, I had no idea that they could order from photobucket. I was trying to get that to work earlier to post classroom pictures but I got distracted-like the kids.
