Our Families and Communities
Supporting
When working with students in meaningful ways, it's equally important to include the other stakeholders that have a place within your classroom. Engaging your parents, school community, and outside community members enrich the learning experiences for all students.
Prior to entering a learning experience related to a book that presents controversial material, Sarah seeks input from her students' parents as a means to moving forward while also being in-tune with the needs of the community.
Linked above as well as pictured to the right, you'll see an example of this parent survey Sarah used when entering a learning experience around Samira Ahmed's young adult novel, Internment.
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This survey not only outlines to parents and community members what topics students will explore throughout this reading experience but it also seeks feedback as the unit moves forward.
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Providing this communication, it states that these texts will be read and topics will be explored, however parent voice can help strengthen this experience as we work together to help students navigate through tough concepts related to the world.
What do you do in your practice that speaks to parents and other community stakeholders beyond your classroom spaces? When it comes to engaging students in meaningful and important topics relative to our world, transparency and support are two key factors.
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To the left, you'll see a snapshot of a weekly parent update Sarah uses with her parents to capture, communicate, and educate those at home with her students.
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Updates like this cannot only inform those at home with glimpses of student classroom work but also provide insight to some of the questions students may be asking as well as resources on how to talk about those questions at home.
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Creating and encouraging a space where families can come together and seek answers to questions connected to relative topics can empower families to think critically about today's world.
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