School for Mom and Dad

This concept was birthed upon continuing chapter 7 Teacher Leadership. Danielson indicates that “Many parents are genuinely baffled by what their children are learning in school and would like to understand it better themselves” (p. 109). In these outreach nights, parents can tackle activities similar to what the students will be accomplishing in the class that quarter. I can also establish a common language with the parents about basic skills like annotating, taking Cornell Notes, basic writing expectations, and so on.

I actually posed this concept on a senior who at first was defensive about the “parent night” framing that he likes that school is separate from his mom and dad, that he would not care to have them “nosing” into his schoolwork. I followed this reaction with a query about how parents can be more involved, explaining the objective: help connect school, student, parent relationship and common context. My student reflected for a moment and begrudgingly replied that this is a great option; and his mom would probably attend it.

I continue to breathe life into the parent/teacher/student emerging relationship as a teacher but also as a mother. I would love to have a better knowledge of what my children experience in the classroom. I would love to apply the common lingo my children hear from their teachers rather simply than asking, “How was school?” everyday. I am sending an email to my principal after I complete this assignment to extract feedback on such a relationship for next year, assuming my job remains.