Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
My advocacy plan has changed since I posted on this plan, so let me fill you in. I was really struggling with it, even in my last post you can see it. It just felt too big and was scary. I kept thinking about how to strip it down, what would be the advocacy that would lead to this advocacy. I thought about how in world did I even have all this information in head. And it hit me. I learned all about Chicago Public Schools and daycares from being in them! Once my children started going to daycare I sat in the classrooms, eventuallly volunteering and even working there. I was in school for teaching and changed my major to Early Childhood Education. I even learned about Kendall from those teachers. That is when I understood where my advovacy had to be, it had to be with parent volunteers.
The thing that excites me most is getting parents involved with their children. I often encourage my friends to go to their children's classrooms. When they call and complain about their schools, I always ask if they have been in the classroom. I just really believe it makes a big difference. I see how proud my own kids are when they see me in their school. I also see form the other end how beneficial it is for the the teachers.
One of my worries is not being able to get parents to the school. I also worry about personality clashes among teachers and parents. I am also worried about not getting others on board with my advocacy. I get nervous and shy about talking to others, and I do think this can hold me back. To get over this I just have to do it. It is nerve wreaking, but I have given myself a timeline, and I am sticking to it. I make all types of list and I look at them to be inspired and to keep myself on track. I also have talked to those I am comfortable with, and it really helps me get my head together.
To encourage others I will be a listening ear, and offer suggestions on how to carry things out. I can also offer them any resources I may have. I would love to have the same in return. Sometimes I just need a soundboard, a written plan, a set of goals and a schedule. This has helped me a great deal so far.
I think that many parents feel it is not their place to come into the class for fear they may interupt the routine. Parents should get involved in their children's development because they will be able to give insights on how their learns. Children will also feel good that their parents are taking an interest in their lives, which is good for self esteem. I think this action plan is a good one and it will help many people.
ReplyDeletei do think that many parents feel like they are stepping on toes, it is our jobs as teachers to male them feel welcomed. These are their children and they need their parents to be involved. It doesn't always have to be in the form of volunteering in the classroom, it can happen in many ways. I think the most important part is that the school is ran to its best capacity and that the children know their parents care about their education, and are part of it.
DeleteNmduka,
ReplyDeleteI get nervous too I find that I found ways to get around this isuue. Focus on some type of prop that will help you stay on taget. Big poster, a power point presentation is what I feel is going to work for me . I can play so well infront of people with singing and playing my instruments. Parents will get a better idea when they see something up in writing and it is explained to them.I would actually bring some information that will be helpful. articles and such will help them especially when you talk about something from the article. They may want to read if you quote or summarize something.
Darlene
I think that many parents feel it is not their place to come into the class for fear they may interupt the routine. Parents should get involved in their children's development because they will be able to give insights on how their learns. Children will also feel good that their parents are taking an interest in their lives, which is good for self esteem. I think this action plan is a good one and it will help many people.
ReplyDeleteHi Eve,
ReplyDeleteI am teacher for preschoolers at a daycare center and I believe by what I have observed that many of my parents want to be involved in the classroom but they do not know how to approach this issue. I feel they will interrupt the classroom like my classmates have stated above, but once the teacher reaches out to the parents it is unbelievable how much the parent wants to get involved. We just had a Valentines Day party and every single parent was involved. Whether it was by being there personally or by buying the treats to bring to the class. I ended up with 19 parents willing to support my party. In return, I brought my personal camera and took pictures of every student at the party and gave the parents a copy of their child with their treats. I was very proud of my parents.:)
I loved that this happened in your classroom! I do believe it is different in daycare centers versus public schools. I hate to say it, but even in public schools you see the parents less and less as children get older. I know teachers who might see parents two times in the whole school year, and that is for report card pick up. I think once parents find their flow, there place in the school they will be more then willing to stick to it throughout the years. Funny thing is i started volunteering because I didn't really trust the teachers, once they let me in, they couldn't get rid of me!
DeleteI applaud your efforts to get parents into their children's classrooms. However, I do agree with several of my classmates above. Involvement is more than physically entering the classroom. I believe that your plan may be more effective if it involves more suggestions on how to be involved. For example, reading with your child every night is a way for a parent to be involved in his/her education!
ReplyDeleteLonni
I agree with you also. I know there are teachers that do not want volunteers. I also thought about those parents teachers do not want to volunteer. I was thinking of teachers making times or needs they may need from parents. And parents also providing a list of talents and/or abilities that they could provide the class. you never know what parents can do unless you ask. You may have an artist among your parents who will do your boards for you, or seamstress that will make everyone Dr. Suess hats (which has happened :).
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