Jq2 kindergarten – a garden for children and parents

Author – Janette Quince Kindergarten A Garden ForChildren and their Families

Introduction Contour banks –– Early Years Learning Framework– Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines– C & K building WaterfallErosion occurs Parents give reasons why they are not involved Teachers also have reasons why they do not encourage parent participationLots of ideas on how to build contour banksFinally the benefits - Fertile land where a kindergarten can thrive

The Early Years Learning Framework oPartnerships oWelcoming environment oValue and respect diversity oRecognise connections between children, families and the community o‘children learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities’ o‘children are connected with and contribute to their world’

C & K Building WaterfallsUrges educatorsto ‘affirm and fostermeaningful partnerships withfamilies and the community’

Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines• ‘building inclusive partnerships’ by ‘involving and drawing together the experiences, beliefs, practices and social and cultural knowledge of many individuals’• all partners should ‘have a voice and share in the decision making...[in order to] feel empowered and connected with others’

EROSION OCCURS – parents attitudes• Lack of time• Lack of parking spaces• Not wanting to take up teacher’s time• Centre is the domain of the teachers and children

More erosion occurs• Lack of understanding of cultural differences• Aboriginal parents may lack ‘confidence and skills’ when communicating with educators• may not trust or understand the service

Further erosion happensLower economic status• Aboriginal people are among the most disadvantaged groups in Australia. May not be able to afford transport, lunches, clothes, telephones or a computer.• Absenteeism may be a further problem

Teachers’ attitudes cause erosion also• Disruption to routines and curriculum teaching• Shortage of time to communicate with parents• inconsistencies between the teachers’ beliefs and practices

Teachers’ Perception of theChild’s Culture Causes Erosion• difficulty understanding all cultures• culture does influence on a child’s learning• Lack of communication about how children can be connected to their families while in an early childhood centre

Staff beliefs relating to theproposed change at centres must be nurtured in order for it to be fully supported.

Contour banks – ways to involve parents• Open communication – Newsletters – Emails – Interviews

More contour banks• Assistance with excursions• Taking a leadership role on the committee• Attending meetings

Extra contour banks can be built• Guided participation

Contour banks - Portfolios• The child and family members may contribute content that reflects experiences outside the setting

Further contouring• teachers are urged to see parents as collaborators and to gain knowledge from parents about their child as this will complement the staff’s knowledge and therefore be a great resource

Contour banks – timetabling activities should be flexible• Some Family activies could be held in the evening.

Making contour banks by building bridges• Welcoming families• home-to-program connection

Fertile land• Teachers and parents appreciate each other’s role, promotes the exchange of information and enhances children’s learning• Parents remained involved in their child’s education• aided ‘school achievement and retention’

Fertile land• enjoy benefits such as maternal employment, increased self confidence and lower depression levels

Conclusion• Frameworks and curricula all urge educators to involve parents• Erosion occurs due to parents’ busy lifestyles• Teachers also cause erosion and may not want parents to be involved as the classroom is their domain

• Parents can be involved in many ways from – Communication – Assisting with excursions – Leadership roles – Sharing their expertise – Contributing to portfolios – Sharing their child’s interests, talents wants and needs with educators

Contour plans enable thekindergarten to be rich and fertile and truly a place where kindergarten children are able to grow and prosper .Contour plans enable the kindergarten to be rich and fertile and truly a place where kindergarten children are able to grow and prosper.

Jq2 kindergarten – a garden for children and parents

by janettequince on Feb 04, 2012

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Jq2 kindergarten – a garden for children and parents — Presentation Transcript