Artifact # 3: Reading Assessment & Correction
Artifact # 4: Beginning Reading & Writing
Artifact # 5: Children's Literature
Artifact # 6: Multi-Genre Project
Artifact # 8: Parental Involvement
Context: During the course of the school year, my colleagues and I host two Parent Night sessions. Invitations were sent out in the early September, asking parents to join us for our first parent session called "Everything You Wanted to Know about Third Grade but Were Afraid to Ask." Each of the third grade teachers took a subject area to discuss with parents. Specific strategies were modeled for parents that are taught during our literacy block of Guided Reading. Parents were informed of what takes place during each component of guided reading and given a Guided Reading packet to use as a reference later while helping their child with assignments at home. Our second Parent Night was held during the first week in March. End of Grade test preparations were shared with all parents. Each third grade teacher chose a component of testing to discuss with parents. I chose to discuss the importance of using comprehension strategies while reading both fiction and nonfiction texts. After the workshop, I gave each parent a packet of information containing Comprehension Strategies that would be helpful to them while helping their child prepare for the End of Grade Tests. Each of these workshop enabled me to inform parents about the reading process and how to achieve the goals and objectives needed to master the End of Grade Tests.
I feel that it is my responsibility as an educator to keep parents informed about the happenings within their child's daily school life. One way I inform parents about vital information pertaining to the children is via the web. Each week, I update my classroom webpage with information such as homework assignments, weekly spelling lists, literature that we are reading, upcoming events, and web sites for students and parents that offer assistance on third grade content material. In addition to my class webpage, the principal of my school sends home our school newsletter, Pawprints each Friday. On the back of the Pawprints, I list any classroom information that is of importance to parents. I hold parent/teacher/student conferences twice a year, so that parents are informed about their child's academic progress. Keeping parents informed and up to date with academics and school related functions and events, helps to bridge the home-school connection.
Alignment:
Standard B: Knowledge of Learners: This standard reflects my encouragement for parental involvement within the educational setting.
Standard C: Research: This shows my determination to help educate parents and keep them informed about the latest inquiries in education.
Standard D: Content Knowledge: This standard reflects my knowledge of the curriculum and my resolve to educate parents so that they take a vital part in their child's education.
Standard E: Professional Growth and Leadership: This standard shows my leadership abilities in
working with parents and strengthening the home-school connection.