Saturday, March 23, 2013

      
Research that Benefits Children and Families
       The topic I have chosen for this blog assignment that possesses the means and knowledge to conduct research studies would be family involvement.  I know this topic would make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and their families.  Educators has an ongoing challenge to develop and enhance skills that will offer students the best possible learning experience  at home, school, and also the community.  That’s why it’s always effective for parents to have a well established partnership with the teacher, because I always believe when a parent becomes involved, a child have better grades, improved test scores, improved self-esteem and improved motivation (Reschly, 2007). 

       When the No Child Left Behind Act included parent and family contribution in its requirements, it underscored the meaning of such involvement. It has been known that researchers have acknowledged a number of different characteristics that families of children who are doing fine in school have in common.  All together, they have regular daily routines, homework time, daily chores, and let’s not forget family time.  Many of the activities that occur outside the classroom are supervised and watching television is limited, which sets challenging goals and encouragement from their parents (Hill, 2010).
       You may want to ask parents to fill out a questionnaire on the first day of school or invite them to take it home and return it at a later date.

Questions might include:

·         Would you be interested in being a "guest" in our classroom? Could you be a story reader? Teach a song? Help with an art project?

·         Is there a special topic that you would like to see incorporated into the curriculum? (e.g., adoption, new siblings, moving to a new home.

Is there a special interest or talent you would like to share with the children? The staff? (Hill, 2010).

Hill, S. (2010).  Parent and Family Involvement in Education.  Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/77042-parent-family-involvement-education/#ixzz2ONXwpYQR

Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from
http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/family/engagingfamilies

5 comments:

  1. Janet,

    The more educators can learn about how to best involve families, the better the children will do in school. This topic will certainly make a difference to lives of children, families and schools.

    Do you imagine following teachers and families over the years to observe their involvement and interactions or do you see this study occurring with surveys that families and teachers would complete?

    Great post!

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  2. Hi Janet,

    I agree that family involvement is important to a child's success in school. It is important for educators to make families feel respected and welcomed, and to develop good communication and trusting relationships with families so that they feel comfortable participating in their child's school life. I think family involvement is a good research topic. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I strongly agree with you about parental involvement. It is very important that parents are involved in their children's education. By the parents showing the children that they care and are involved it does helps them to do better in school. Parents have to help children with homework, study, and also be apart of school functions. Without the parents being involved in the children education, the children will not be where they need to be in academics.

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  4. Family involvement is vital. Children should receive reassurance and security from their family. I believe that it is crucial for parents to understand the importance of parent engagement. Parents need to know that they also play a role in their children's development and future.

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  5. I agree family involvement is extremely important to the educational success of children. Strong family involvement provides a valuable foundation for children. When children have a strong family foundation then they are able to feel loved and supported in order to achieve in school.

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