Back to School with a Twist

Hiya Conscious Community!

"Just remember, at the end of the day, we are working with other people’s children," a teacher once reminded us at the end of class. This was in response to a peer’s question about dealing with an overbearing family. I’ve had my fair share of families that I perceived as overly protective with their children to their detriment or perhaps appeared not involved enough. This was a struggle for me in my first few years teaching. If I’m being honest, I was a bit of a judgmental a**hole. But also, I had grown strong attachments to my students and in many cases I saw these children in my classroom more in a week than their own parents. 

Sometimes, as educators, we might see parents, guardians, and families as obstacles to teaching. I recall a conversation with a veteran teacher who mentioned that the worst part of teaching is dealing with parents. I used to share this sentiment too. I didn’t get into education to deal with adults. But when I stopped seeing families as my adversary and instead began to see them as learning resources, and partners my classroom environment changed for the better. 

Families may possess a wealth of background knowledge about their children that we, as educators, might not have. They understand their children's unique personalities, strengths, and challenges. By combining this intimate knowledge with our expertise in education and child development, we can create a powerful partnership. This collaboration can transform the educational experience, empower students, and foster a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Transitioning Students and Families into the New School Year

As we approach a new school year, it’s essential to consider how we can ease the transition for both students and their families. New environments, routines, and expectations can be overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, we can create a welcoming atmosphere.

Key Strategies for a Smooth Transition:

• Communication is Key: Regular, open communication with families helps build trust and sets the tone for the school year. Share updates, resources, and tips to help parents support their children at home.

• Orientation Programs: Organize events where families can meet teachers, tour the school, and learn about the curriculum and expectations.

• Personalized Welcomes: Send personalized notes or emails to students and families to show that you’re excited to have them in your class.

Funds of Knowledge

Understanding and valuing the diverse experiences and knowledge that students and their families bring to the classroom is crucial. This concept, known as "funds of knowledge," emphasizes the importance of incorporating students' backgrounds into the learning process.

Ways to Integrate Funds of Knowledge:

• Cultural Show-and-Tell: Encourage students to share stories, traditions, or artifacts from their culture. This not only enriches the classroom environment but also fosters mutual respect and curiosity among students.

• Family Interviews: Assign projects where students interview family members about their experiences, skills, and knowledge. These projects can lead to meaningful class discussions and help students see the value in their own backgrounds.

• Community Involvement: Invite family members to participate in classroom activities, share their expertise, or lead a lesson. For instance, a parent who is a gardener could lead a lesson on plant biology, or a grandparent who is a storyteller could share traditional tales.

• Classroom Resource Contributions: Families might have unique resources or materials that can enrich the classroom. This could include books, cultural artifacts, or even their time as guest speakers or volunteers.

• Skill-Based Workshops: Identify parents' and family members' skills that could benefit the class. Whether it's cooking, carpentry, digital literacy, or a particular hobby, these skills can be integrated into the curriculum and provide hands-on learning experiences.

• Community Service Projects: Engage families in community service projects that tie into the curriculum. This not only helps students learn about civic responsibility but also strengthens the school-community bond.

Authentic Family Connection

Building authentic connections with families goes beyond parent-teacher conferences. It involves creating ongoing relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

Tips for Authentic Connection:

• Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in parents’ perspectives and concerns. This builds rapport and fosters a collaborative spirit.

• Be Accessible: Make it easy for families to reach out to you with questions or concerns. This might mean being available via email, phone, or in-person meetings.

• Celebrate Successes Together: Share positive news and achievements with families. This reinforces the idea that you are partners in their child’s education journey.

Elevating Education through Active Parent Engagement & Involvement

These strategies perfectly align with the exciting themes of the upcoming Uplifted Education Summit session, “Elevating Education through Active Parent Engagement & Involvement,” This session will take us on a journey through the transformative power of parent engagement. Expect practical insights and heartwarming stories that showcase the true impact of this collaboration.

As we gear up for another school year, let’s embrace the opportunity to build stronger, more collaborative relationships with families. Together, we can create a supportive and enriching educational environment for our students.

So, What’s Next:

• Listen to my interview with Kylie Elizabeth on the Conscious Pathways Podcast for more insights on active parent engagement.

• Check out this blog post on The Power of Parent Engagement from my website.

• Sign up for The Uplifted Education Summit to join the conversation on elevating education through parent involvement.

Let’s make this school year one of growth, collaboration, and success!

See ya next time,

Brittney