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PARENTS : Academic Life at Brilliant Star : Observing Your Child
Observation
Parents are invited and even urged to observe the children at work throughout the year and particularly prior to parent conferences. Contact your child's teacher to let them know when you would like to visit. In order to limit the number of adults in the classroom at the same time, and maintain the classroom as a "children's environment", we need to schedule observations so that they do not overlap or so that there are not too many observations scheduled within a short period of time.
For these reasons all observations must be scheduled in advance. You will want to see the class at its normal routine and not responding to the novelty of your presence; therefore, when you visit, please sit in the designated observation chair in the classroom. A great deal can be learned by patient and quiet observation of your child and his or her classmates at work. You will be given "Guidelines for a successful observation" to prepare.
During the first sensitive weeks of the school year, students (especially the younger children) are familiarizing themselves with a new routine and new environment. For this reason, we ask parents to avoid class observations during this period.
Our Toddler classroom has an observation window in the Office where a parent can watch by scheduling with the office staff. Even if your child is not in one of the toddler class, you will enjoy a view of the students at work and will gain a better understanding of the program.
All visitors for observations need to sign in at the office upon arrival.
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Click photo to enlarge.
Click photo to enlarge.
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How to find out what your child did at school
Have you experienced frustration when asking, "What did you do at school today?" Did you get the common answer, "Nothing." Or possibly they tell you everyday that they did the same thing such as cylinder blocks or spooning beans. Don't be alarmed. We can assure you that your child is very busy at school doing a variety of learning activities designed to support his development.
Young children often have difficulty talking about what they do at school. They have done so many things that they often cannot sort out the specifics. Sometimes they don't remember the name of the materials that they used, such as the trinomial cube, the metal insets, or the addition strip board.
In addition to the difficulty children may have talking about their school experience, you may have noted that not many papers come home. They can be doing complex math, word building, writing in a sand tray or on chalk boards, geography, and science lessons, all with manipulative materials that will have no paper work to show you their progress.
Click photo to enlarge.
Click photo to enlarge. |
So how can you find out what your child is doing in school?
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Ask your child questions that are more specific. "Did you do a counting lesson today? Did you build the tower or work with colors?"
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Set up a time to observe your child in class.
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Stop in after school and talk to your child's teacher, or set up an appointment for a formal conference if you prefer.
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Come to school meetings and workshops.
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Play school with your child at home. Sometimes children will show you through their play what they are learning.
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Be patient. In time it will be obvious that your child is growing and learning everyday.
"Joy is the indication of internal growth" – Maria Montessori |
Next: Parents and the School : A Place of Community
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