Sep 07 2009
Classroom Assistance Part 5: Educating Parents
Even though educator’s main responsibility is to the children, we also have the task of helping parents understand what are developmentally appropriate preschool standards and practices. If you agree with the premise that most parents want to do what is in their child’s best interest, then, you would also agree that those same parents would listen and learn from the well informed, conversant teacher. For instance, it is up to us to explain why children must develop muscles in their hands, arms, and shoulders before learning to write. It is up to us to explain how play helps children explore and build a solid foundation and a love for learning. It is up to us to help parents understand that the process of creating is revered, rather than the finished product. It is up to us to communicate that active, hands on learning is far superior to information obtained by passively interacting with a computer. I believe that if we are knowledgeable, respectful, and passionate about our subject matter, parents will have confidence in our abilities to plan programs that are developmentally appropriate and in their children’s best interest.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
