Parents in the Classroom

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Home : 2003 : September : 19

Parents in the Classroom
By Horrified

We always hear how over worked teachers (which they are) and how parent involvement is so important (which it is.) Yet your comments truely undermine the very idea of parent-teacher partnership.

Parent involvement is very
imporatnt to the successful development of all children. It should be encouraged at every turn.
How tradegic if your parents are being sidelined from day one of THEIR children's education. What a horrible and damning message being sent home. Shame on you.
This is not your "choice" - it is your duty. Kindergarten is training parents of school age children what to expect and sets

the tone. You are the parents' professional - paid partner in educating their children for 1 year. You should take this unique opportunity in Kindergarten to reenforce with the parents that THEY are responsibile for THEIR children's education. School is a professional aid - it is not the complete process. Parents should be involved and hands on in the education of their children.

Parents, in general, are well qualified to aid kindergarteners, very gifted, creative, respectful that your classroom is your domain and very supportive.

Respect them and dignify them as members of the community you serve. I am sure that is how your administration views them and supports their involvement in the classroom.

I encourage to ask yourself - honestly - why you dont want parents in the classroom - is it that your have to have everything done exactly your way - (control issue); is it that your fear critizism or being questioned and having to explain or is it a power struggle? Whatever it is - you are not thinking about what is best for the children.