I want to reflect on the four core beliefs the authors state in Beyond the Bake Sale, and examine them through my own classroom
Core Belief #1: All parents have dreams for their children and want what is best for them.
I know how I feel about my own children, I would do anything for them. I want them to be and do all the things that I never could. I hope that one day they grow up to be The President, or a doctor, or anything they want to be. I can't believe it never occurred to me that my students parents could and do feel the same. I look forward to tapping into those goals and dreams, through a video assignment where the students interview their parents at the beginning of the year. Students will ask them what their dreams are for their student and what steps need to take place to achieve those dreams.
Core Belief #2: All parents have the capacity to support their students learning.
So many times I have thought of myself as the expert in educating a child. What I have forgotten is that my students first and most important teachers are their parents. I want to empower those parents to continue to take part in their education. I hope to implement a family night where parents can come enjoy a meal with their students teachers and learn how they can promote what is being taught at school at home. As well as how the school will support them. Through social media I hope to keep parents in the loop about what is happening at school. I want them to have conversation starters that will lead to discussion around the dinner table regarding school, rather than the age old; "What did you do at school today", "Nothing" conversation. I feel one tool that will be easy to implement that we are not currently doing is a parent survey about how they would like to be involved as well as how they wish to be informed. By giving parents options we are letting them know that we value their opinion and want them to be a part of our team.
Core Belief #3: Parents and school staff should be equal partners.
This might be the hardest of the three core beliefs for me. While I know that parents are a vital part of their child's education, giving up some of that control is very difficult for me. Also I have always felt as if I would be bothering parents if I invited them into my classroom, or sought their experiences and input on different topics. This is an area I really have to work on. I want to be partners with my students parents, not only because I believe it will lead to academic gains but also to lead to emotional gains. How much more influence can two caring loving parties have over a student than individuals pulling at opposite ends.
Core Belief #4: The responsibility for building partnerships between school and home rests primarily with school staff, especially school leaders.
I know as a parent myself I feel intimidated by my son's school I don't want them to think I am a helicopter parent who just wants to control what they do. Rather I want them to understand that I want to be their partner. "Reaching out to parents is easier for educators than "reaching in" to teachers and other staff is for parents" The quote from Beyond the Bake Sale really hit home for me. It is so much easier for teachers and administrators to extend that welcome than it is for parents to assert themselves into the school. The very first goal I am planning on setting for myself is to get out and greet the parents. Welcome them in the morning and at pick up in the afternoon. I also want to start sending out invitations for parents to come in and see what's happening or choose to volunteer in our class.
I love your idea on the video assignment at the beginning of the school year, asking parents the dreams they have for their students. I also love your idea of the conversation starters, most parents like myself have no idea what to ask my daughters about their school day. I truly appreciate having communication that tells me what is going on at school and in class. My daughter's middle school kept a google doc where teachers were able to share information and questions we could discuss at home with our students. My daughter would say, "How did you know we are doing ....... in Science class?" And she would tell me about her class and what she was learning.
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