From Classroom to Community: Inviting Parents to Parties
|
Hey Reader! This is the time of year that many of us schedule class parties and celebrations! While it sometimes gets a little chaotic at class parties, I want to encourage you to consider inviting the parents IN to participate in your celebration. I know I just made some of you groan because bringing in parents sometimes adds to the chaos, doesn’t it? Give me a few moments to show you the benefits of bringing them in. By inviting parents to participate, we create a warm, welcoming environment where relationships can flourish. Here are three ways class parties benefit everyone: 1. Strengthening Parent-Teacher RelationshipsInviting parents to join classroom celebrations fosters trust and communication between parents and teachers. When parents experience the classroom environment for themselves, it gives them a peek into their child’s day-to-day life. They can watch YOU in action as you confidently manage your classroom. This helps parents feel a bit more involved in their child’s early school experiences and it builds a collaborative bond with teachers. Parents see first-hand the hard work that it takes to run a classroom and they watch you, the expert, as you model positive, age-appropriate interactions and activities. 2. Creating Community Among ParentsSo many young parents feel stressed, isolated and lonely. (check out THIS advisory from the Surgeon General) Class parties are an ideal setting for parents to connect with each other. These connections encourage support networks, friendships, and a stronger sense of community within the classroom. As parents get to know one another, they learn from each other, they start supporting each other and build a strong community for the sake of the classroom, as well! This is especially powerful, when your Christian parents build relationships with the many unchurched or less-churched parents in your school. Just think…you could be facilitating the beginning of a relationship with Jesus through parent friendships! 3. Engaging Parents in Age-Appropriate ActivitiesInviting parents to experience age-appropriate activities—like craft stations, sensory play, or story circles—gives them insight into what their child enjoys and learns in the classroom. You model for them what is actually age-appropriate. Parents get first-hand awareness of the skills their children are developing. These shared experiences strengthen parent-child bonds and reinforce learning at home, as parents get ideas and inspiration for at-home activities. In many cases, parents are learning from YOU how to engage their children well. You are a part of equipping them to really enjoy their children at the stage that they are in today! You might need to set some expectations…be clear about what you want parents to do (help their child with a craft, etc) and about who is still in charge (YOU!) of schedules and routines. Overall, though, encouraging parent involvement in class parties creates a community that benefits teachers, parents, and most importantly, the children. A connected community helps develop a positive, inclusive environment where the children benefit the most.
Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team
Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” |
