Truth be told, I am not a fan of calling parents into school for more than one (maybe two) publishing parties a year. There are many ways to share writing with valued audiences, including parents, that don't add stress and guilt to already stretched-thin parents. Sending writing home, taping presentations, sharing videos, social media; think about it, there are SO many possibilities to keep parents in the loop and aware of what is happening in classrooms. As a teacher and as a mom, I used to "dread" those invitations, especially right after "flu" or "strep" season when I was already treading on "thin ice."
I'm not a fan of "muffins for moms" or "donuts for dads" or "goodies" with grandparents as not only can this be an additional stressor, not all students come from families with this structure or a ready person that fits that profile. Naming them for what they are, opportunities to merge home and school, and encouraging siblings, aunties, uncles and friends can make such events more inclusive and still meet their objectives.
I do think it is critical that all schools, nursery through high school, look for inclusive ways that help all students see learning as partnerships between homes and schools. It's important that students know family members care about them and their learning. It's vital that parents and caregivers understand and know about what is happening in schools.
Last week, I participated in such an event: I was the Royal Reader in a grandchild's preschool classrooms! I could have been an Auntie, Uncle, Sibling or a Parent...it did not matter, but I was crowned, "the Royal Reader of the Day."
Seriously, this is me sharing Dragons Love Tacos (Rubin) with 2 year-olds. We "Roooooareds" together and implored those dragons to NOT eat the spicy tacos, "No.no.no..." They did anyway.
I'm not a fan of "muffins for moms" or "donuts for dads" or "goodies" with grandparents as not only can this be an additional stressor, not all students come from families with this structure or a ready person that fits that profile. Naming them for what they are, opportunities to merge home and school, and encouraging siblings, aunties, uncles and friends can make such events more inclusive and still meet their objectives.
I do think it is critical that all schools, nursery through high school, look for inclusive ways that help all students see learning as partnerships between homes and schools. It's important that students know family members care about them and their learning. It's vital that parents and caregivers understand and know about what is happening in schools.
Last week, I participated in such an event: I was the Royal Reader in a grandchild's preschool classrooms! I could have been an Auntie, Uncle, Sibling or a Parent...it did not matter, but I was crowned, "the Royal Reader of the Day."
Seriously, this is me sharing Dragons Love Tacos (Rubin) with 2 year-olds. We "Roooooareds" together and implored those dragons to NOT eat the spicy tacos, "No.no.no..." They did anyway.
The idea of a featured reader who shares a new book is certainly not a new idea and many teachers do it regularly! The look on my grandchild's face was somewhat between, "What are you doing here?" and "You don't belong here!"
Truth be told, it is a whole lot less stressful for me to get to school during the day now!
Truth be told, I had a great time. I love books and I love reading to and with children, I could paraphrase Gillian Strickland in saying, "I may have tons of toys and experiences galore. But blessed am I to have a story read to me.
If you are "local" and need someone to be a Royal Reader, I can to the job! I even have references.
2 comments:
How lovely you could be there...but as a parent of three primary-school age children I can also testify the the challenges of attending too many events. We all just do the best we can...and appreciate the times we can!
I love your read alouds :) especially in grad school☺️
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