GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

How to Get Involved in Your Kid’s School

How to Get Involved in Your Kid’s School

In the modern age of communication, schools inundate parents with messages about schedules, coffee with the principal, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in training. Like most parents I have spoken to, I often save those emails and texts for later, hoping that “future me” will be able to find a way to participate more meaningfully. In most schools, a small percentage of parents are highly involved, a few more come to monthly events and meetings, and the majority only come to major events like Back to School Night and Parent Conferences. I am one of the “Monthly Event” parents, and my wife and I are constantly trying to determine how we can get more engaged.

But some would ask, “Why bother?” If I go to the big events, I support my child by helping with homework. I provide meaningful learning opportunities at home. I also make sure my child attends school. Why do I have to take time to go to campus? This is an especially pertinent question given that many schools only offer engagement opportunities between 8 AM and 5 PM. This means parents have to leave work early or take time off to come to the school to support.

What Our Kids Observe

The answer is in the perception of the child. Our involvement at our child’s school reinforces the value and importance of education. It solidifies the child’s understanding that the adults in their life are working together to make sure the child gets the best education possible. It also helps to build relationships and understanding between teachers, staff, and parents making it easier for that team to collaborate and more difficult for the child to play adults against each other. When school adults and home adults are working in partnership to provide a great educational experience, the student will take his or her education more seriously and the adults will be able to better meet the needs of the student.

Strategies to Get Involved

So how can you get involved? Here are some tips for getting engaged in a way that is meaningful to you:

  1. If you are the parent of a child with special needs or the parent of an English Learner (EL), inquire about the opportunities your school has for you. Schools are required to have a School Advisory Council that includes parents as members, and they have to have an EL Parent Advisory Council. These meetings are led by the school principal and attended by a variety of stakeholders, including parents!
  2. Also, if your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), you should attend and engage in your child’s IEP meeting! Often parents think the educators know best, and they do have a lot of strategies that are great for your child. But so do you! You know your child best and you can offer a lot that would help them succeed.
  3. Most schools are looking for volunteers to help with field trips or fundraisers, and many schools would love to have some more adults around to help with supervision. Ask your school’s administration how you can sign up to be a parent volunteer.
  4. Bring fruit or water to your school’s sporting events. Of course, make sure you check in with the coach or athletic director first. The kids will love to have some orange slices or snacks after the game. This could make you the football hero mom/dad!
  5. When you see a need, offer your help! Instead of just bringing concerns forward, jump in like a partner. If you see traffic is crazy during drop-off, ask if you can be trained to help direct traffic a couple of days per week. If you see that the kids look bored during recess, offer to bring in arts and crafts the kids could do in the lunch area. If your kid’s teachers seem tired, bring them some coffee and donuts!

No matter how you get involved, think of a way that fits for you and just jump in. When you do, talk to your child about what you are doing and how you are engaging at the school. This should lead to more conversations with your child and a lasting impression of the importance of their education.

What Does Your School’s Student Performance Data Mean

What Does Your School’s Student Performance Data Mean?

Schools are required to share outcomes with parents.  Frequently, schools share information about the state student assessment outcomes on the school’s website or they invite parents to an informational session where they share and explain their outcomes.  Most schools even have a specific plan for addressing gaps or areas of lower performance, and they often share these plans with parents.  But parents need to ask, “Where is my voice in addressing this data?” [Read more…]

Special Education Parents Provide School Support and Leadership

Special Education Parents Provide School Support and Leadership

Parents of students with special needs know the importance of having a solid plan in place to support their child for success.  All students have varied needs, and students with disabilities need specific supports to help them reach the rigor of the academic standards taught in their classes.  Resource teachers work with the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team to develop a plan for supports, then share this plan with general education teachers and other support providers.  The goal is to ensure accommodations are supports are regularly in place so all of the students can find success.  In inclusive classroom settings, general education and special education teams work together to support these needs.  But, as many classroom teachers will tell you, even this amount of support is sometimes note enough. [Read more…]

Camping Adventures for ALL Kids

Camping Adventures for ALL Children

Just like the beach in California, when we moved to Colorado, the mountains became a playground. Camping looks easy right????? Not when you really think about it. And I know here in Colorado it has become an activity where you must plan your location months in advance.

Camping is a wonderful way for families to connect with nature, bond with each other, and create lasting memories. For parents of children with special needs, planning a camping trip may require some additional considerations and preparation. Here are 8 things you need to keep in mind as you plan your next adventure.

Choose the Right Destination:

Selecting the right camping destination is crucial when traveling with special education children. Consider factors such as accessibility, amenities, and proximity to medical facilities. Look for campgrounds that offer accessible trails, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and accommodations for sensory needs. National parks often provide accessible camping options and resources for families with special needs. As a child we always stayed at National Park but my nephews shared they have stayed at a couple Hipcamp sites that were just as cool. Google to see what’s in your area. It might take some time to find a place to try or to find somewhere new that becomes a family favorite.  Always remember to start small like close to home or just one night somewhere or even a day trip.

Plan Ahead:

Planning is key to a successful camping trip, especially when traveling with special education children. Create a detailed itinerary that includes activities, meal plans, and any necessary accommodations. Pack essential supplies such as medications, sensory items, and adaptive equipment. Consider creating a visual schedule or social story to help prepare your child for the camping experience. The National Park Service (NPS) is always a great place to start. In my travels, my family has found NPS to have great accessibility and great easy options for first time campers. Check out their website to find out what parks are near you.

Prepare for Sensory Needs:

Outdoor environments can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Bring along familiar comfort items such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys to help your child feel calm and secure. Create sensory-friendly spaces within your campsite where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. Allow plenty of time for sensory breaks and outdoor exploration at their own pace.

Practice Camping Skills:

Before embarking on your camping adventure, take time to practice essential camping skills with your child. Set up a backyard tent or have a backyard camping night to familiarize your child with the camping experience. Teach basic camping skills such as setting up a tent, building a campfire, and cooking outdoors. Practice safety procedures and discuss what to do in case of emergencies.

Embrace Nature-Based Learning:

Camping provides a unique opportunity for children to learn and explore the natural world. Encourage your child to engage in nature-based activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and identifying local flora and fauna. Use nature as a classroom to teach lessons about ecology, conservation, and outdoor survival skills. Encourage sensory exploration by touching tree bark, listening to bird songs, and smelling wildflowers. This also means teaching children how to interact with wild animals like deer, elk, moose, snakes, and buffalo.  Everyone needs to know; you don’t need to take that selfie with the moose. LOOK DON’T Touch! Don’t forget to hit up the Rangers–they know everything.

Foster Independence:

Allow your child to take an active role in the camping experience and foster independence. Assign age-appropriate tasks such as gathering firewood, setting up camp, or preparing meals. Encourage your child to problem-solve and make decisions independently, empowering them to take ownership of their camping experience. Provide praise and positive reinforcement for their efforts and accomplishments. It’s a good idea to make sure they understand the importance of remaining on the trail and what to do if they get lost. (I clearly remember being lectured as a small girl to “sit my butt down and don’t move” if I ever lost the trail.) Remember safety is always first.

Be Flexible and Patient:

Flexibility is essential when camping with special education children. Be prepared to adapt your plans and expectations based on your child’s needs and abilities. Allow for plenty of downtime and unstructured play to reduce stress and sensory overload. Practice patience and understanding and be prepared to provide extra support and reassurance as needed.

Connect with Other Families:

Consider connecting with other families who have special education children and share similar interests in camping and outdoor activities. Join online forums, social media groups, or local support networks to exchange tips, resources, and advice. Organize group camping trips or meetups where families can share experiences, support each other, and create a sense of community.

Camping with special education children can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the entire family. By planning, preparing for sensory needs, and fostering independence, you can create a successful outdoor adventure that allows your child to connect with nature, build life skills, and make cherished memories. Remember to embrace flexibility, patience, and a spirit of adventure as you embark on your camping journey together. With careful preparation and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable camping memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Student Learning Goals

Student Learning Goals

This post is seventh of a series based on excepts from my book on Student-Engaged Assessment: Strategies to Empower All Learners by Laura Greenstein and Mary Ann Burke (2020). You can purchase the book from Roman and Littlefield for charts, examples, and worksheets on how to engage students to become owners of their learning successes.

Sample Student’s Learning Goals and Assessment Plan

Students can personalize their learning goals to make them more relevant, achievable, and interesting. The chart below illustrates how Davi, a second-grade student, personalized his learning goals and plan in each of his subject areas. These goals combine his understanding of what he needs to learn at his grade level as well as his specific interests. As appropriate, this may start with peer feedback. Then Davi meets with his teacher to discuss his progress and in due course, with his parents at student-parent conferences. He continues to modify and revise his goals for each cycle after receiving feedback. [Read more…]