At the beginning of this course we were all given the undertaking of choosing
a topic that we want to investigate. The topic that interests me is the importance of
family involvement and how building partnerships with families have a positive
impact on children’s learning. It is important for educators
to not only understand the needs of children, but to understand that we need to
be mindful of our families’ needs as well. As a professional working in the field of early childhood, I have become
cognizant of the fact that many educators do not feel that they have the skills
needed to build partnerships with families. The best way to support children’s
learning is to provide environments where families and educators feel
comfortable working together.
I recognized that my initial topic was too general to research effectively, so I worked on the task of breaking down my topic into three sub topics that would in the end make it a bit easier to research. I had to ponder and take time to figure out how I was going to break down my topic. As I tried to think of sub topics, I began to think about the benefits of family involvement, how a number of educators feel that they don't possess the proper skills to build partnerships, and how many educators do know how to work effectively with the diversity that families bring. I finally broke down my topic into three sub topics, but then came another challenge....which sub topic was I going to pick to do my research simulation for the remainder of the course?
When deciding on which path to follow, I reviewed Dr. Parrish’s feedback
and thought about how I could turn theses sub topics into research questions. I
reviewed each one carefully to examine which sub topic would bring out the best questions and although it was challenging, I did in the end choose
a sub topic that I will use for my research simulation. My focus will be ways to build positive partnerships with families. I came up with an array of questions that will help guide me through researching this topic. The first question which I feel is a good starting point is; "What is a partnership and how do educators and families define partnerships?"
I look forward to your feedback and will embrace any insight that you have on this topic! I wish everyone the best throughout this research journey and it is great to know that we are here to support one another!!!! :)
Stephanie, if only more people would realize the importance of family involvement in early childhood education. Children need their families for survival. The teacher has to find ways to not only incorporate the family within the lesson plan, but also make them aware that they are welcomed within the classroom. Teachers should stay in constant communication with families via face to face, phone calls, emails, newsletters or even Facebook. Make sure that the family knows that you want them to be involved. Assignment homework that the child will have to do with their families to complete, like a family tree. Do a career day and let the parents come and explain to the kids what they do for a living. It does not matter whether they work in fast food or they are a stay at home parent, make them feel welcomed within the classroom. Our children need to know that there families love and support them. This was a wonderful topic you choose. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteYour real job is to teach young children, right? Well, yes, and since every child is part of a family, part of your job is to interact with families. Most often, child care providers and families learn from each other building a partnership together. An effective partnership requires communication, and in many cases, determination. It is a commitment that cannot be over looked. Parents of a child with a disability, for example, may have unique or more specific questions about the program, your ability to care for their child, and your willingness to learn the new skills you may need. Families need assurance that you will work with them and their child to create a warm, trusting relationship.
Hello Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI think you chose a topic that is so important to the development of young children. I think when the relationship between families, teachers, and the community are all in sync, children are better able to thrive and succeed. I look forward to reading more about your research topic.
I enjoyed reading your post Stephanie! Family involvement is indeed a vital part of children’s learning. I agree with you that the best way to support children’s learning is to provide environments where families and educators feel comfortable working together. With families being the first means of education a child receives, they have already established an impact on the child’s life. Children tend to excel better when it comes to learning. Children also have better behavior and are more comfortable when family is involved in their educational endeavors (Adams & Baronberg, 2014). I feel that it is important for educators to do all they can in order to get family involved in children’s education. In turn, families should do all they can to be active in their child’s education.
ReplyDeleteReference
Adams, S. & Baronberg, J. (2014). Importance of Family Involvement.