<\/p>\n
Children and families arrive at the school doors, full of possibility. As children learn\u00a0to do school, parents and families learn to do\u00a0school\u00a0all over again, this time with a much different purpose.<\/p>\n
The role of parents and families is discussed at length in research publications, curriculum and policy documents, even the media where families are charged, as consumers, with providing just the right school supplies, clothing, even snacks to help their children fit in, belong, and be successful.<\/p>\n
There are so many decisions\u00a0to make, so many bits of advice, and so many ways of being in school and society. Where do we begin?<\/p>\n
\nA Note to School<\/h3>\n
As I prepare\u00a0my daughter\u00a0for a new school year, I spend a moment reflecting on the\u00a0school years that have passed. When I sent her\u00a0to kindergarten, it was with wonder and excitement, but also\u00a0apprehension. I wondered whether we, as family and\u00a0school, could learn to play collaboratively\u00a0in the sandbox of life – her formal schooling for the next 14 years? Could we collectively share her hopes and wishes, support her wellbeing, and \u00a0keep\u00a0her\u00a0moving in the direction of her dreams?<\/p>\n
I know that my\u00a0roles and responsibilities do not begin and end with the school day. There are lots of things we\u00a0do as a family, and lots more\u00a0we\u00a0can do. I\u00a0know that the\u00a0school\u00a0wants me\u00a0to be\u00a0involved\u00a0and engaged, but I am\u00a0not always sure what that means. And… there are days when I don’t know\u00a0which questions to ask, who I\u00a0should be asking, or whether they are even valid questions.<\/p>\n
Looking for guidance,<\/p>\n
a\u00a0hopeful but\u00a0apprehensive\u00a0parent<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n
Parents play a vital role in education. When parents are engaged and involved, everyone \u2013 students, parents, and families, teachers, schools, and communities \u2013 benefits, and our schools become increasingly rich and positive places to teach, learn, and grow. (Ontario Ministry of Education)<\/p>\n
\n
- What is the role of families in your school community?<\/li>\n
- How do you support families who are feeling nervous, overwhelmed, and apprehensive about their engagement in their children’s lives – school and out-of school?<\/li>\n
- How do you help to build family confidence from their initial\u00a0engagement with your school community?<\/li>\n
- Do you help them to see\u00a0how they are engaged as opposed to asking them to\u00a0do school at home?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is a reality that some families feel more comfortable on the landscape of school than others. Some recall positive experiences as a child that now allow them to show up and be seen at School Council meetings, volunteer at school, or help with fundraising. Others are not interested in doing school at home nor are they interested in school-based\u00a0involvement; instead they willingly engage in events and rituals that extend their hopes, dreams, and interests as a family. And yet other families do not feel comfortable in the school building for a variety of reasons: negative experiences, fear of judgment, lack of confidence and comfort, and of course, inability to meet some of the school\u2019s expectations. It is important for schools to understand that just because some don’t show up on the school landscape does not mean they are not involved or that they don’t want to be involved. Many of these parents need a friendly voice on the other end of the phone, encouraging them, inviting them, reassuring them that they are not alone and that they are not the only ones with these questions and concerns.<\/p>\n
Consider\u00a0setting up a family-to-family buddy system.<\/strong>\u00a0Encourage incoming families to\u00a0touch base with families already engaged with the school community. This provides a non-threatening forum to ask questions,\u00a0and an informal way to build\u00a0community within the school.<\/p>\n
Invite\u00a0families to share strengths, needs, hopes, dreams, and wishes for their children’s futures.<\/strong> Set this up as a conversation for children to have with their families in order\u00a0to demonstrate legitimate and authentic interest.<\/p>\n
Ensure that open houses and school functions have time for families to mix and mingle.<\/strong> Have children\u00a0serve beverages\u00a0and snacks, making introductions and facilitating connections among their friends’ families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Children and families arrive at the school doors, full of possibility. As children learn\u00a0to do school, parents and families learn to do\u00a0school\u00a0all over again, this time with a much different purpose. The role of parents and families is discussed at length in research publications, curriculum and policy documents, even \u2026 Continue reading