Hello everyone
This has been an exciting
learning time for all of us. Thank you for your wonderful contributions
regarding how families work with schools in creating an inclusive learning environment
for children. Here is a brief summary of the stimulating discussions:
1.
Use of detailed registration forms that gives teachers an
idea of the child's background and how staff can work with the family
2.
Home Visitation Program- staff led by school administrators visit the homes of students
and talk with parents to learn about the learners culture, challenges
at home especially if bereaved and this
creates inclusivity.
3.
Integrating short development sessions for parents in areas
where they may need assistance including counselling,vocational classes for parents who may want/need, parent education
workshops which educate parents on child raring practices, as well as other
topics that may interest them.
4.
Starting parenting support group that are led by parents of the school and assisted by teachers. They provide parents
with resources (financial, etc) as well as a sense of empowerment and
belonging
5.
Inviting families (open door policy) to observe in the
classroom and quickly respond to families' concerns about their children.
6.
Enlisting help of parents with special skills eg reading, arithmetic,
cooking, traditional dancing, painting, fire fighting etc (career days) and children dress up like what they want to
be in future on that day.
7.
Having effective communication channels eg Newsletters, chat room forums
such as SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook etc. A parent/teacher
communication book ( diary) can be placed in the child’s bag and used for
communication on a daily basis for the young children in pre-school.
8.
Opening
Learning Management System every 3 weeks for parents to view the child's
academic progress. They not only see grades, but also specific comments by
teachers. They can refer their concerns to individual teachers and get advice
on how to help their child.
9.
Breakfast and lunch programs supported by
parent/guardian who take nutritious flour to the school
10.
Academic Review Conferences where Parents, children and teachers review academic progress
11.
Use of co-curricular activities such as Bazaars, cultural activities, sports day, food fund raiser events to meet and work alongside the parents for
the betterment of the school .
12. Use of Alumni Associations, Philanthropists, Female Leaders
groups who support their schools in areas of needs like providing books, uniforms for those without as well as
extra tutoring for those having difficulties.
13.
Parents make up the school board and
therefore help in decision making policies.
PTA chairperson is active and
available, someone who can convince fellow parents on the objectives that the
parents have to achieve.
14.
PTA body raises funds for different programs
at the school as the needs arise.
15.
Teachers raise money to do charity work within
the school.
I end with a question that we did not answer- How do we persuade parents who are hard to
get to value their child's education and welfare over other engagements? Food for
thought.
