Liz+-+Families

Hi all this is my piece on families, please leave a comment. Ta Liz As a new teacher it is imperative to make a good impression and connect with the families in your class. On your first day plan time for chatting with caregivers at drop off and invite them to stay after the bell and join the class as you introduce yourself and meet the children. Within the first few weeks the school will hold an information night; this is an opportunity for caregivers to come to the classroom and be informed of the years learning journey, routines, volunteer registry and provides a time for you to meet and get to know the diverse families in you class. Understanding and supporting the variety and dynamics of your students, their families and the culture they bring to your classroom will promote inclusively and friendliness (Rosenburg, O’shea & O’shea, 2002). We encourage you to organise a get together for you class and their caregivers outside of school. For example an evening picnic at a local park. This provides you the opportunity to socialise with caregivers in a peer situation, remember they are the expert on their child and may hold vital information in how to manage behavioural or emotional issues (Pirola-Merlo, 2003). It also allows your families to view you in a less authoritarian manner (Carrington, 2009). There will be times when you will need to speak to caregivers about issues or concerns, it is best to do this in a meeting. Plan an agenda for the meeting with a set purpose and structure. Always lead with the child’s strengths, then outline the issue and work together to plan goals and objectives. Actively listen to the parent and respect their input. Remember it is **//the problem that is the problem not the child//** or their family (Porter 2008). Every family has hopes and dreams for their child that will last longer then the year you teach him/her, tread with care, value each child and the contribution of the people who love them.

I think you have done a wonderful job here liz. I think this piece is clear and simple to read yert also informs the new teacher exactly how to introduce families to the school setting (information nights etc). Great job :)