Education
Volunteering in your child's classroom A teacher’s perspective
EDUCATION IN BRISBANE
T
here is an old African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child and at school it's no different. In the school setting, this village starts with the parents and teachers who share the common goal to work together to support the development of the whole child. When parents volunteer in the classroom, it enhances the program on so many levels.
The Social Level Parents assisting in the classroom creates a rich environment for our children and serves as a model for the children as they see adults creating and maintaining positive relationships with other people. This is evident when the children see the parents and teachers working together collaboratively. This develops a sense of community and parents and teachers alike recognise the importance of serving the community as a whole. The experienced parents offer support, guidance and reassurance which helps me immensely in my role. Although I try my very best to cater for
my parents’ needs as well, I am only one person so enlisting extra parent support helps me fulfil my role too. It also helps experienced parents to feel valued and builds a community of trust and friendship.
The Diversity Level Classroom populations are becoming more diverse. Teachers embrace this diversity and view parents as valuable resources in sharing their cultural heritage with the class family. This can help proactively reduce complications stemming from differences. As Scherer (1999) states, the fact that schools today mirror the world – a multicultural, multiethnic world children will live in as adults – positive diversity experiences in children’s younger years should give us hope for erasing inequities. Parents can help teachers construct "stronger mirrors". When children observe parents and teachers working together it not only assists with their learning but also assists in developing them as well rounded people who are more willing to accept and embrace differences in people.
EDUCATION IS CHANGING Times are changing and so is our approach to student learning. In 2015 Living Faith Lutheran Primary School official opens its Learning Plaza. This new learning environment acknowledges that we need to prepare our students for their future, not our past. It sees a shift towards learning that is personal, collaborative, adaptive and empowering, incorporating the latest technology. It aims to develop in students a strong sense of creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, courage and persistence, while still maintaining a strong focus on foundation literacy and numeracy skills. Come and be inspired. Take advantage of this opportunity, contact Alana Johnson, Enrolments & Marketing Officer on 3886 2677 or email enrolments@livingfaith.qld.edu.au
PREP - YEAR 6 • 50 BRAYS ROAD, MURRUMBA DOWNS 24
Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 8 - February/March 2015
The Academic Level Having volunteers in the classroom enables more small group time which helps with student engagement and on-task behaviour. This is especially so in the early years, as children at this age are less independent and benefit from more adult guidance. If teachers have parent helpers in the room assisting them, they are less likely to spend significant time on behaviour management and more time on learning. Volunteering in your child’s classroom has rewards not only for your child or for the teacher and classroom as a whole, but furthermore develops your understanding and appreciation of the education process. Sonia Priddis is one of three Prep teachers at Living Faith Lutheran Primary School, Murrumba Downs. She has a reputation amongst the parent body for partnering with parents and immersing them in the learning of their children through the establishment of a warm family atmosphere.