The topic I chose is Increasing Parental Involvement. I chose this topic because I have problems getting parents involved in our Head Start classrooms. It would make such a difference in the education of the children if parents would get involved. The questions that I had to go over in my head for the assignment were so many. I did enjoy coming up with them because it made me think about what is it I really want to know? I am also interested in knowing if anyone has any ideas for increasing parental involvement not just in the classroom but at home. This would involve using methods of teaching at home and being involved in homework and school extension activities?
My questions for researching increasing parental involvement are:
1. Why are parents reluctant to get involved?
2. What are some strategies that have been successful in involving parents in the past?
3. Should we offer an incentive to entice parents to be involved?
Anyone who has suggestions or comments on these questions please feel free to comment. Also, if you know where I can find resources for answers to these questions, please leave them here for me. Thanks!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteParent involvement is a passion of mine. I just won a grant from the Lego Children's Fund that focuses on getting parents involved in the program and with their child's development through creative expression. I absolutely love your topic. Young Child magazine by NAEYC discusses parent involvement quite a bit and might have articles. I would poll your parents. Ask them why they do not get involved, what they would like to do etc. We do that twice a year, a parent survey, put out by our Parent Advisory Board (PAB) and then go from there. Good luck in your research!
Sondi
Susann,
ReplyDeleteI read your comment on my Blog I would love to work with you during this course. Having a partner would really help get through the fears. Your topic is so important I think in this field this is a constant struggle to get parents involved. If I think of any ways that I would think will be helpful I will let you know.
Susann what a great topic. I firmly believe in parent involvement and this year I have a wonderful group of parents on my PAC (Parent Activity Committee). Their role is to help the manangement in planning monthly activities whether it is for the children, families, or staff. We asked for a representive from each class and the ones who volunteered were the ones who already were involved in their child's class. I think if the teachers have a good repoire with the parents that will help the parents to be more involved also. Our PAC love their child's teacher so they want to be involved. The Young Child magazine that Sondi mention is a good resource. Let me know if I can be of help in your research.
ReplyDeleteSusann,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic. I find that with my teachers the lack of parent involvement can be discouraging to them, especially with the children that need it the most. Unfortunately, we have had some parents openly say that they are too tired and when they get home they don't want to have to deal with what happened during the day. They just want to spend and enjoy the little time they have left with their children and get ready for the next day. I will be interested to see how your research goes.
What a wonderful topic and one I think most of us can relate to as well. I work for an Early Head Start program and we are soley home based and it is still difficult at times to get the parents involved. I look forward to reading what you learn from your research.
ReplyDelete