Artifact #1 Home & School Connection
Artifact # 2 Practicum Experience
Artifact # 3 Transcript Analysis
Artifact # 4 Multi-Genre Project
Artifact # 5 Vocabulary Lesson
Artifact # 7 Assessment & Correction
Context: The family literacy paper was designed during RE 5140 Advanced Children's Literature. I chose to focus on family literacy because of the vital importance of having parents actively involved in the classroom. The research supports how literacy is a team effort and that when everyone involved does their part, then the results will be exhibited in the students' academic growth. Parent Communication is an important aspect of the school environment. When the home/school communication is open and on-going, the students feel the positive effects. By teachers, parents, and students all working together then the results are numerous in the level of success our students feel.
During my four years of teaching I have made it a priority to involve my parents in the classroom. I make it a point to establish an open door policy at the beginning of each school year. As part of the 1st grade team at my school we hold an annual 1st grade parent night in which we provide parents with vital information in the form of handouts. The parents are constantly encouraged to volunteer in the classroom, as well as attend parent/teacher conferences throughout the year that focus on the most current research to aid in their child's academic performance. Promoting parental involvement is essential to helping our students succeed in school. I have included several methods I use to keep my parents involved with their child's classroom and school. My class website is very informative and helpful to the parents. The website includes homework information, calendar dates, a link to my email address and many other useful resources. The Huntsville Elementary school website also serves as an important resource for our parents. The school website keeps our parents up to date with school activities, as well as academic news. Every week our principal sends out a weekly school newsletter entitled "Pawprints" in which she keeps parents up to date with the latest school news and accomplishments. On the back of the newsletter is where I write my weekly parent letter informing the parents about what's being taught in the classroom and any other information I deem valuable.
Alignment:
Standard C: Research This standard shows that research has been read and applied to the educational needs of the students as it pertains to parental involvement. This also indicates the knowledge and the importance of having parents actively involved in their child's education.
Standard D: Content Knowledge This standard exhibits the current trends and applications in education. It reflects how content knowledge is communicated within the school environment.
Standard E: Professional
Development and Leadership This standard shows how I seek additional
professional development as a means for working collaboratively with
parents in addressing educational needs. .