Working with parents & caregivers is inevitable in the field of education. Parents give educators insights into their child's personality, their thinking, creativeness, needs, wants, strengths, weaknesses, and their overall potential. Throughout this chapter you will learn:
1) Methods for keeping parents and caregivers informed about their student's work & behavior at school
2) How to structure a successful parent/ caregiver conference
3) How to deal effectively with critisim & confrontation from adults who are responsible for your students
4) Methods for working with parents of second language learners
Educators need to remember a child's attitude about school is influenced by their parents. Because of this, we need to create an atmosphere where students and their parents feel comfortable and make sure they have a positive school year experience with you.
What involvement did your parents have in your academic career? Discuss their involvement at the elementary level, the secondary level, and the post-secondary level. What type of impact did their involvement have on you?
Welcome to the blog created for Chapter 5!
ReplyDeleteThis is Emily and I am in.
ReplyDeleteAnna was here
ReplyDeleteThis is Kelli and I figured it out. I just sent up a new account and it let me in.
ReplyDeleteThis is Holli I got on today. My daughter just told me to create an account. Good job Kelli
ReplyDeleteAt the elementary level, my mom stayed at home with us while my dad worked so she stayed on top of our school work. She made sure that if we had homework, we’d get it done. On Fridays, she would check our scores from the papers that were sent home and would sign our progress reports. She put the fear of God in us and we did not want to disappoint. Both of my parents would help us if needed. They both went to parent/teacher conferences. They went to all of our sporting events. They both expressed their desire for us to succeed in school.
ReplyDeleteAt the secondary level, my mom was still not working while dad was. Since she instilled in us the fear of God, we did what we were supposed to do. She did stop checking to see if our work was done, believing that we were old enough to take accountability for our own work. Both of them still were willing to help whenever they could and they went to the conferences and sporting events. If we skipped class, we made sure it was one where the teacher didn’t take attendance. As long as our grades were good and there were no phone calls home, we were good.
At the post-secondary level, my parents wanted us to succeed but we were on our own. I had told them before college that I wasn’t going. My mom said that I was. I told her that she was going to pay for it then and she said that she wasn’t going to pay for it but I was still going. So I went to college and graduated because I was still quite fearful of what my mom would do to me. And, it meant a little more to me since it was coming out of my own pocket. And, I expected them to be at every softball game, which they were for the most part.
I feel that I was successful because of my parents. They cared that we did good and saw to it that we did early on in our educational careers. It was always great to see them in the stands watching me play and I always wanted to do my best for them. They refused to let me fail and for that I am thankful. For my kids, I am going to be like my mom. If they aren’t scared of me then I’ll send them to my mom. I’m still quite fearful of my mom and still don’t want to disappoint.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI was also influenced by my parents to go to school and do my best, so I believe that all children need to have an adult role model in their life. Unfortunately, many children do not have what we had, a strong personality and influence at home.
We went to a small school district and I was bussed to a small town from Kindergarten to 5th grade. My parents never missed a conference either. Unlike you Emily; only my mom went since my Dad taught middle and high school; he had conferences of his own. It always meant a lot to me that my mom made it to conferences because there were six of us with my older brother being physically handicapped. In that respect, I wanted to do well so my parents didn’t have to worry about me, so I made sure my work got done and my parents would help me when I needed it.
In secondary school, the middle and high school were built together in the small town where I lived, so I walked to school every day. I didn’t want to disappoint either of my parents but, my dad was now on hand to talk to if I ever acted out. I to, being one of the oldest, had more responsibility and didn’t want either of my parents to worry about me so I did my best. Having your dad in the same building is a strong motivator and I didn’t want to cause any trouble. My parents never missed a track meet or band concert, but always had a little one in tow. I would only skip my last class of the day my junior and senior year because it was P. E. and we were on our own to “ train” for our sports, if you were reliable the coach let us be. I didn’t want to disappoint either parent and was encouraged to do my best. My parents would make sure I would get my work done, but ultimately it was my responsibility to do my work.
I was always encouraged to go to college because both of my parents went. The thing I most remember about my parents encouragement was that they wanted me to be successful, but in something that I wanted to do. All they wanted was for me to enjoy what I do. My dad was a strong motivator in this aspect because he went against his parent’s wishes and became a teacher instead of working for the family farm. He worked hard and put himself through college with scholarships and after school jobs. On the other hand, my mother became a nurse, but it wasn’t what she wanted to do. Even though she was good at it, I think she resented the fact that she was strongly influenced to become a nurse and didn’t follow her dream to become a writer. She has a book of poetry and other things that she has written over the years. Now that I am trying to finish my dream I am encouraging her to pursue hers.
With the influence of my parents I try to be the same for my children. My daughter, at sixteen, is a good student and I try to encourage her, also. It hasn’t always been easy as I was a single mom for many years until just recently. A lot of responsibility was put on her to do well and she tries not to disappoint. My son is ADHD and has been successful without medication for the last two years. I like to believe that my parent’s involvement has been the motivator for me to do the same for my children. I have never missed a game, a concert, or a conference. If there is an issue I try to find a way to solve it. Therefore, I go back to my first statement; a positive adult role model, hopefully a parent, can be the strongest influence that a child has.
I went to elementary school in a small community. There were three towns that combined to form one school district. I was bussed to the school 15 miles away; to attend Kindergarten through fifth grade. I often finished my homework on the way to school because I wasn’t allowed to watch television at night if my grades were bad. Being the second oldest of six and having an older brother that was physically disabled caused me to want to do my best; I wanted to please my parents and didn’t want to cause any trouble so I did my job and got good grades. My parents did help me when I asked and since my dad was a teacher I was kept in line with the knowledge that he would find out. I didn’t want to disappoint them or make my dad look bad so I worked as hard as I could. My mom went to all my conferences since my dad had his own to attend. She never missed any although there was always a little one in tow. I think it is important at a young age to have someone to count on.
ReplyDeleteIn the sixth grade the schools combined with sixth through eighth in one part of the building and ninth through twelfth in the new part of the building. My parents stayed involved every step of the way with one little change; my dad was on hand so I really couldn’t do anything wrong and I didn’t want to make my dad look bad so I did well. I played the clarinet in the marching and concert band, I ran track and my mom was always at the finish line. My dad came to what he could when we were at home since he was working two jobs to help with my brothers medical bills. Having been a single mom until just recently I have never been upset that he couldn’t make it to everything because he did what he had to do, so that we could be successful. My parents both came to conferences now, although they pretty much knew everything anyway. I look back now and realize that it set a foundation for me. I have never missed any activity that my children participate in; I want them to know that I am there if they need me. I know it is hard and I have had to reschedule and juggled a lot of things, but it is important to me that they know they can count on me like I could count on my parents.
My parents encouraged all of us to go to college. The one thing that they stressed was to find something that we enjoy and go for it. I admired my dad because he studied to be a teacher even though his parents wanted him to take care of the farm. He worked hard after school and received several scholarships to achieve his goal. My mother encouraged me to find something I enjoyed because she attended college to be a nurse, but didn’t enjoy it even though she was good at it. She did this to please her dad. I attended college with the encouragement of both parents for different reasons. I had to pay for it on my own, so I do appreciate what I have. I feel fortunate that my family was encouraging and hope that I can give my children the same someday.
I feel that my parents have made me who I am today. I am confident in the work that I do now, and they are still encouraging me as I go back to school to obtain my BA. I will be able to accept what is thrown my way because my parents told me to never give up. The most important thing is to be who you are, don’t try to be someone you’re not because no matter what you do as long as you are happy we are happy for you.
Holli,
ReplyDeleteI do agree that it is a great motivator for students to be successful when they have full support from their parents. I have learned many things from my parents that I want to teach my kids. Because my parents were so involved with us kids, I am going to be that involved with my kids and hopefully they turn out like me! No, I hope they do better than me.
My childhood was much different than my peers. I had parents who came from families that didn't value education. I can't recall many conferences my mom made it too, my Dad never came to any school events/conferences. I went to several elementary schools so very little involvement, my mom went to college and worked full time with four kids when I finally got to a permanent school. Once I got to JR. High my Mom was done with school and worked first shift I got to see her a lot more and she was more involved at this level attending sporting events and conferences. I didn't really value school until I was in High School and then I got pregnant my Jr. year, in put a huge delay on my educational goals. I had an amazing forth grade teacher who inspired me to teach. I was determined to finish High school and graduate (the school did not support me) at the time the school told me to drop out and begin an alternative high school I refused and went on to finish. I then got into Upper Iowa right away but, was not able to continue. My mom tried to support me fully with child care and expenses but it wasn't enough.I think I began really understanding the value of education was when I became an adult and was balancing motherhood, work, and wanting education. I watched my mother do it because she wanted a better life and so did I. I try to encourage my kids to value education. Living the same life as my mother, I have very little time to interact with my boys and their school work but my husband does the at home stuff and I do the school conferences and events. We ensure the value of school into their lives by working as a team. Thank goodness for the student portal. This updates parents on everything. I plan to just document well and establish a good relationship with parents and continue to be open and available as much as possible to parents, students, and my own life.
ReplyDeleteI have to say my childhood isn’t as traditional as most are; I don’t think. We moved a lot since my dad was in the military. My mom is German so she didn’t understand very much that was going on in the school. And since my dad wasn’t around much he couldn’t help out either with school homework or other events. I had to rely a lot on my teacher. Since I was in the ELL program I had some extra help with that teacher. I worked really hard to do well in school; it was never that easy for me but I believe I used my resources well in school. If there was ever a problem I would not shy away from asking I always made sure my work was done. I don’t remember my parents going to many conferences or meeting with the teacher.
ReplyDeleteKelli,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you and Anna had a very different experience than I had. I don't know what I would have done without my parents involvement. Even though it was sometimes a pain to know that they were always in my business as a mother now I am glad that I know that they cared. I am glad that your mother was involved later on and that she is your inspiration to finish your education,as well as your teacher. A good teacher does make a difference to the students. I am glad that you stuck with school and have continued to work on your degree. You have good parental and spousal support. I know that working as a team helps out a lot. My new husband has taken on a rather hard role as he is the one that helps me with all the conferences and the process of going back to school. My ex-husband has not been to a conferences or school function since my son was in 3rd grade (3 years ). I know it means a lot to my kids that they can count on me, so the more you can be supportive the better. Keep up the good work and thank the people that make it possible, I called my mom after these blogs and let her know how greatful that I really am.
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteSometimes that happens when the parents have to work and go to school to support their families. That doesn't leave much time for family and the kids seem to have to grow up faster. It's too bad you couldn't have had more support but look where you are at now. It's tough being a parent and balancing work, school, and family. In the end, it will all be worth it to be doing something you enjoy and taking care of your family.
Yeah, I now feel like I live my Mothers life. My Mom is really involved with supporting me right now. My parents watch my kids on Wednesday and offer to watch my kids so I can study when my husband is working or on call.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started school, I would say that my parent’s involvement with my education was pretty strong. In my elementary years I attended a fairly small school district, so people actually knew their neighbors names. I guess the connection with everyone in town, including the tie between parents and teachers was stronger than what you might find in bigger cities. Of course I always did pretty well in school. Unfortunately as my grades continued to do well, my parents saw less and less of a need to be involved in my education. I remember my mom saying “What’s the use of going to your conferences. I know they’ll just tell me how good you’re doing”. I now realize that my folks were just busy parents, trying to make ends meat, and keep a roof over our heads; but I think a little more involvement might have been nice. Well my grades continued to be pretty good as the years wore on, and my parent’s participation in anything to do with my schooling seemed to become less and less frequent. By the time I got to high school I was lucky if my parents made it into the school more than once a year. I guess the moral of the story is it’s too bad that most parents and teachers only get involved in a child’s education when they’re doing something wrong.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were very involved in my academic career. From elementary through high school they attended parent/teacher conferences, pta meeting, and volunteered in the classroom as well as with school events and field trips. They helped me with my homework and supported my efforts when I needed them to. They showed interest in what and how I was doing in school. They allowed me to participate in many extra-curricular activities if I put forth my best effort in school. They would support me if I took my education seriously. Their expectations were high but fair. They made sure I always got to school on time. My parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard for it. Their attitude toward school dramatically affected my feelings and behaviors in the classroom. Their dedication and motivation toward school definitely impacted me in a positive way. Growing up I had a job and it was being a student. I never could have done it without them.
ReplyDeleteKelli- I totally understand where you are coming from. I had to grow up fast, since I to had Meghan my senior year of high school but I do my very best to be involoved in my children's school life and sporting events. I go to every conference and also voulunteer in each of the kids school events. I love that the kids are so involved with school things, but there are things that I need help with, which is their homework!!!
ReplyDeleteEmily-Having a great involved parents does do a world of wonders. I'm glad that your parents were so involved in your life; my parents didn't pay for my school either, but having scholorships and having to pay out of my own pocket means I am working really hard to getting what I need to accomplish. Showing up to sporting events means the world to children. I remember going to each of my sisters track meets because I knew my parents wouldn't be making it.
ReplyDeleteScott,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that is more common than I would like to admit. I don't go to any conferences for Austin because of the way they are set-up not because I'm not interested. A scheduled time conferences I really like but, the wait in line and visit with a large group (Jr High) I just can't do. I am still involved with his sports.
Chad,
Cool, I hope I am looked at by children the way you view yours. It sounds like your years were set for success.
My parents were not involved with my school years at all. Mom worked 2 jobs unitl I was out of high school and my dad worked 12 hour shifts. Mom always seemed to make it to conferences but never my father. My sister was a talented and gifted student who alwyas got straight A's. I was the opposite school was hard for me and instead of noticing a problem they always told me I wasn't trying hard enough or doing my best when I was. So by junior high I didn'[t care much about school. I did enjoy extracuricular activites though I was alwayus in chorus which my mom seemed to make it to my concerts but never my dad. I was a cheerleader and played volleyball and basketball but neither one of my parents came to my games they were working. Comming from a working class family education was never highlighted. It was just something you had to do and then on to work. When I graduated there was no talk about a university it was pick a job go to hawkeye and get a job. I think if there woiuld have been jmore focus on education and the reason why I wasn't doing so well I could have done better.
ReplyDelete