Family Involvement

We feel so fortunate that parents and family members take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer in our classroom.  Each volunteer brings something new to the table; whether that be a skill, an activity, a culture or simply another perspective. Family involvement includes things like parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home and collaborating within the community. 

 There were two siblings in our class who were overjoyed when Mom, Aunt and sister came in to do a project with the class. You could see the pride on their faces when their family was introduced. 

Having volunteers in the school promotes a more wholesome learning environment that encourage respect for different family structures, values, culture, language and knowledge. When children see their families and cultures reflected in their learning environment they feel a sense of pride and confidence and will want to actively participate in their education. 

Snuggling up with her Aunt.

Erin brought in the book "Something From Nothing" by Phoebe Gilman, a story based on an old Jewish folk song about a man who turned his old coat from a jacket, to a vest, to a tie, and finally a button. The story that she chose was engaging and fun and exposed the children to another culture. Erin was an expert story teller using different voice tones to keep the kids engaged. She had a very special helper acting out the story as she read.

Their little sister blended right in and sat very well at the carpet throughout the story. I think she might be ready for Kindergarten.

Family involvement is not only important for the children; it is beneficial for the parents as well. Being involved in the classroom allows parents/caregivers to observe how their children are learning and recognize  strategies they can use to support their child's learning outside of school. 

Once the story was finished, the children got a chance to make something from nothing. Each child got a Ziploc baggie full of bits and pieces and they got to decide how they wanted to assemble them on their paper.  

At a school like Churchill, families that are involved gain a better understanding of the alternative school values and practices. Involvement in the classroom also allows families to observe the expectations and strategies used at school to create consistency in expectations for their children at home.

Such a good big brother!

Parents, don't be shy!

If you can sing, dance, act, write, draw, juggle, bake, play a sport, have come from or have visited another country or just want to help out in our classroom you are always welcome. If you have a specific activity you would like to do please let us know in advance so we can prepare.