#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!
#kinderchat Hello I am Sydney and I am going into my second year of elementary education and am excited to hear knowledge as kindergarten is where I would like to teach after my degree!
Please introduce your self! Tell us your name, what you do in the ECE field, where you are from, and what is something you are looking forward to this summer. #kinderchat
Hello #kinderchat ! My name is Alex and I am not in the ECE field but work along side ECE's in kindergarten classrooms as a supply teacher. This summer (teacher related) I am looking forward to graduating my MEd.. (unteacher related) I am looking forward to my wedding!!!
Amy here, principal(ish) of the ECE division of a private preK-12 school in The Canada. One month from TODAY, I will kick off summer w/a 10 day visit to my 7 month old nephew (& his parents) in BERLIN. #Kinderchat
I still want to be connected to everyone but still need to navigate how this can look and feel! I'll be looking for advice, guys. And probably some people to meet for coffee! #kinderchat
To get us started on the conversation and to move away from an “us versus them”, here is question 1! Q1: tell us about your daily drop off and pick up routines. #kinderchat
A1: My kids either take the bus, or their parents drop them off. They go straight to the playground unless the bell has rung, then they come into the school and get ready for the day. Not much parent/teacher interaction at all. #kinderchat
A1: Our 3s & 4s, parents come right into the classroom, help kiddos get settled, check in w/teacher, etc. In KG, we work on a gradual transition to kids coming in on their own, working w/ea family on an appropriate pace. #Kinderchat
A1: Our admins greet students at the doors as they come in from buses and all staff wave our buses off at the end of the day! Kinder (all) parents meet us at the door! #kinderchat
#kinderchat A1: During my first month of working at the daycare I realized that many parents do not like to hang around, they drop and go. At the end of the day they love hearing about their child's day and are much more talkative!
From my placement and supply experience in kindergarten, all of the beginning/end of day routines looked pretty much exactly like this as well #kinderchat
A1: We are a small community school so most Ss are walked to school which is nice so I say hello every day to parents. A virtual part of my AM routine includes my daily “What’s Rocking in KR” e-mail w/ 3 questions to ask their Kindergartener once they get home #kinderchat
I feel like parents sometimes don't want to over step in our space because they maybe don't feel as welcomed! However, I have learned we need to welcome families, not just the child #kinderchat
I've had to "encourage" some parents to drop and go and not follow the child to the classroom. And not carry their backpack. Or their lunch kit. #kinderchat
We are a k-5th grade school. We have bus riders, car riders, walkers and day care. Parents are encouraged from the beginning of the year to drop students off in front of school. We have lots of staff to help them find their classrooms #kinderchat
Q1 (continued): Each of my Ss have to give me a handshake, hug or high five to say good-bye (and they enjoy choosing which they’ll give each afternoon). #kinderchat
It very much sets up the “this is school not day care” mentality, for sure. It’s actually not encouraged for parents to hang around, even come down to their child’s classroom. In a school of over 600 K-gr 3, I can see why 1/2 #kinderchat
A1 In the ECs kids are brought to the classroom. Parents stay till kids are comfortablesaying bye. At this time of year pretty quick goodbyes. #kinderchat In Ks they’re dropped off on the yard till line up bell. In beginning kinders broughtband picjed up from room
A1 - cont) After schoo, TAs will take bus riders and day care riders to their vehicles, classroom Ts stay with walkers. We walk walkers out to their parents #kinderchat
We need to know who is in the building at all times. We have too many instances of parents with restraining orders, etc. It’s sad, but it’s our reality at this time #kinderchat
It is one of my favourite routines. I do the same at the end of most days - standing at the bottom of the main stairs, telling kids goodbye, getting hugs (mostly from big kids), hearing about their day. #kinderchat
It seems from the answers, that in preschool families go into the classrooms to drop off and pick up, but once the child hits kindergarten that changes. Why? #kinderchat
It’s so easy and it actually helps me quickly reflect on my “purpose” of the day. It’s a win win in my opinion. (didn’t mean for that to rhyme but I’ll go with it since I’m a kindergarten teacher lol) #kinderchat
For yrs, we insisted that KG students enter on their own, even on first day. After I observed the routine in younger classrooms, we switched to a gentler, more family-friendly approach. #Kinderchat
I think it goes back to even when they were in school. There is definitely a mentality that school is school and it’s the domain of children and teachers #kinderchat
They are beginning to get older and lots are independent and no longer need mom or dad to help! Maybe they feel embarrassed if mom and dad come into their classroom #kinderchat
For us, it is a safety thing and to help them to transition to being elementary students. #kinderchat Also, many ride buses or go to daycare so those parents are not at the school for pick up #kinderchat
A1: My kids either take the bus, or their parents drop them off. They go straight to the playground unless the bell has rung, then they come into the school and get ready for the day. Not much parent/teacher interaction at all. #kinderchat
At our school, once the kinder students enter for the day, they never go anywhere alone - always a staff person with themfor safety reasons #kinderchat
We don’t really-I think we’re @ 150,000 give or take. But I teach in one of the fastest growing communities on the Island. There are 2 communities with large primary and elementary schools- the 1 I teach in and the 1 my kids went through. The rest are fairly typical. #kinderchat
Our kinders have parents drop off and pick up from the classroom the first month of school (approx) We found that most kids were ready to line up on the yard for both after then. If a kinder needed more time parent walked in to room. Flexibility to meet needs #kinderchat
Maybe a mix of things? Academic expectations some elementary schools have don't give time for a daily "Meet & greet"; the idea that elementary school means promoting a bit more autonomy; the myth that ECE needs more parental involvement than elementary school #kinderchat
Our KG students can also be dropped off at our ECE playground before school. This is an option we provide as a service to families; also helps make goodbye easier for some kiddos. #Kinderchat
I agree. But I think it’s a cultural mindset that has been put into place since the beginning of public education. Things like that don’t change overnight. #kinderchat
I think teachers sometimes just follow what the rest of the school does so never think to change their involvement with the parents at the beginning and end of the day #kinderchat
I think we misconstrue "independence" too easily. True independence is initiated BY THE CHILD, and happens gradually. If it is imposed by teacher/school, it is compliance, but not independence. #Kinderchat
We encourage parent involvement in other ways - the beginning and end of day are very busy with settling in and getting ready to go - not really time for a parent conversation #kinderchat
I also feel like it has to do with time management. Perhaps administrators feel it'll take too much time to say hello/goodbye and cut into academics. It's interesting because I haven't thought about this a lot... thanks for sparking some reflection #kinderchat
In reply to
@KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
I wonder why a quest for “independence” seems to be interpreted as removing families (even if not consciously) from the routine rather than involving families to help support the routine. #kinderchat
We have 3 yos who have been coming to our school w/sibs since they were literally days old. THEY often want to walk to class on their own long before KG students who are here for 1st time. #Kinderchat
Dropping off/picking up doesn’t necessarily mean conversations. It may just mean that a child needs an extra bit to settle in and their parent is able to help them do that on some days. #kinderchat
I will say, though, that there are def. parents who would want to dish the "daily scoop" on what's going on with their child and/or fill the teacher in w/ before school stories...so if we did this, there'd have to be some boundaries so teachers don't get overwhelmed #kinderchat
I agree but sometimes parents need help saying good bye. Numerous reasons reasons why they don’t but a gentle nudge, lots of hand holding built on good relationships. #kinderchat
After the first day of “newness” wears off, most of our kinders want to go to class alone. I find it’s the parents who have the hard time letting go #kinderchat
I think it is also very important to be able to communicate with the parents to see how their child's sleep and morning routine went before arriving at school! Will help the teacher prepare for the day! #kinderchat
AMEN TO ALL OF THIS. Relationships are the most important work we do. A few minutes of "hi how are you" is an INVESTMENT in a collaborative partnership. #Kinderchat
I’m a bit of a fire starter, so bear with me, but I’m an administrator who thinks that relationships and feeling confident need to happen before academics so maybe sometimes getting off track is ok. #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Can I stir the pot a bit? What if it’s the parents who need to back off so the child can build relationships? Whose needs are being served? I think that’s a question we should ask. if it’s the child’s then 100% YES! But if it’s the parents? #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachermeg, @teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
A2: I feel that overall my school is very welcoming to parents of all students. We are always looking for activities and things for families to join in #kinderchat
This makes me curious about parent perspective on the topic, as well as student perspective! However, I am lucky that 99% of my students are walked to school each day so I'm not the teacher that waits for them in my classroom. #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachermeg, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
I try to remember that some of our parents have had really terrible school experiences and this affects their relationships with Ts and Admins. Even being in the building can be stressful #kinderchat
In reply to
@CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @teachthenbeach, @MsSydneyMcGrath
I think this is where we are well-served by KNOWING the parents & children. A parent who trusts us is more likely to respond to a gentle nudge to let their little stretch his wings! #Kinderchat
In reply to
@CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
A2: Because we are such a large school, we have to have lots of policies in place. Unfortunately we can’t have parents dropping in all of the time. This is the advantage of a smaller school. Everyone knows everyone. Larger schools lose something in their size. #kinderchat
Stir away...but don’t we also need to have strong relationships with families? In order to really support the children? I don’t think we can take families out of the equation. (Which I know you know and You know I love you, Carrie!) #kinderchat
In reply to
@CarrieMarshall1, @teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
I love all the different angles to this... I think my stance would be that flexibility is key, ESPECIALLY in kindergarten.. meeting the needs of each child and their parent/guardians :) #kinderchat
Can't that happen at a different tme that works better in a school setting - donuts for dads, muffins for mom, read aloud nights, PTA events, etc.? #kinderchat
Dropping off/picking up doesn’t necessarily mean conversations. It may just mean that a child needs an extra bit to settle in and their parent is able to help them do that on some days. #kinderchat
Let me expand on Question 2 a bit, what UNWRITTEN RULES (all schools have them) might discourage families from feeling welcome and seen as partners? #kinderchat
I agree. And I do try my hardest to make sure I have a relationship with my parents. And you know I just like to stir the pot a bit too- but also my school reality is very different than my ECE reality. Or even some of my friends’ realities in smaller schools #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachermeg, @teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
For example, I once worked at a preschool that said it had an open door policy, but refused to give the families keys and never answered the doorbell. #kinderchat
A2: I have a huge handful of teacher parents this year, so they need to be with their classroom families in the AM. There is also a fear of parents pushing boundaries... #kinderchat
Going to school of less then 100 students I never thought how restricting a big school could be! An interesting topic I would love to look into more! #kinderchat
In reply to
@KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachthenbeach
every kindergarten class I've either done placement or supply in, parent communication and involvement has been such a crucial part of their year/program/day/week/etc. #kinderchat
AMEN TO ALL OF THIS. Relationships are the most important work we do. A few minutes of "hi how are you" is an INVESTMENT in a collaborative partnership. #Kinderchat
There are many other ways to build parent-teacher relationships, starting before the school year begins! I do lots to help them feel welcome before the first bell rings and throughout the school year (i.e. mystery readers, volunteers, "funny moment" e-mails) #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachermeg, @CarrieMarshall1, @KeeneeLou, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Does not sound open door to me... I believe if a policy is made it must be followed, especially when it allows teacher, parent, and child relationship! #kinderchat
Love 1 & 3 but as a teacher, sometimes it can get overwhelming when too many parents want those chats after the school bell rings... would love to hear how teachers recommend managing this #kinderchat
In reply to
@buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @happycampergirl, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
We have many many family events - donuts with dads, muffins with moms, mystery readers, many volunteer opportunities - parents sign into the office and then come into the classroom. We have a very active PTA and always have parents in the building #kinderchat
The physical presence of parents in our building is OFTEN identified as a strength by visitors, esp new job candidates. #kinderchat (Buzz is a parent at my school, too!) #kinderchat
As a parent, I LOVE that our school allows parents in the school and to the class door even in Gr 1.
1) fewer forgotten items
2) a chance to have small chats with teacher every days instead of waiting for for interviews
3) meet other parents in the hallway
In reply to
@KeeneeLou, @happycampergirl, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @teachthenbeach, @MsSydneyMcGrath
I think respectful boundaries are needed and need to be respectfully communicated e.g. I'd love to chat - can you email me so we can set up a time? #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @buzzbishop, @happycampergirl, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
We have family days Meet the Teacher night, class blogs, e-mail, twitter, phone calls and notes home. Before our kiddos start school they have visited with their parents at least 2 times. Those with separation fears are encouraged to stop by before school starts, etc #Kinderchat
A3: parent, student and teacher interviews. field trips, one classroom I know of brings the parents in for a show off day to allow the child to show their parents what they have been working on in school! #kinderchat
A3: We also have watchdog Dads, bingo nights, reading under the stars night, American Education week, book fairs, and so many more https://t.co/xdyl4jBLnv required Teacher parent conference and more can be set up #kinderchat
In some communities, the school is the anchor point of the community. It’s a place for families and children to gather and find resources and community. Is it unrealistic to wish that all schools were anchor points for families? #kinderchat
If the bell rings & each has a "quick story" to tell me... 20 2-3 minute check in stories adds up... I say this because 2/3 of my parents this year have their 1st born in my class... so maybe rules prior to the start of school could diffuse that. Thoughts? #kinderchat
In reply to
@happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
A3: Parents know from the get-go if there’s a concern, let me know. E-mail me and I’ll set up a time to phone. If they want to be involved we have breakfast program, library aids, Home and School, etc. We do try to include parents as much as possible #kinderchat
A3: Esp in our ECE division, we invite (frequently, formally and informally) parents to come in & do class presentations re: everything from culture to hobbies to professions; our KG classes have surprise story reader program; (more coming..) #Kinderchat
A3: I have always loved career days when parents come into the classroom and tell the kids what they do for a living! Great for the class and relationship with the school and parents! #kinderchat
This is the type of family presence I think is important. Families in the school doesn’t always mean that the families need things/time from the teachers. Sometimes it just means that they are a part of the school and are visible and engaged in other ways. #kinderchat
New things this yr: parents & sibs were invited to preK sports day (not to help, just to play); preK parents were invited to set up a classroom learning centre... Both of these were VERY well-received. #Kinderchat
A3: I have 3/5 days filled with Literacy Center parent volunteers, afternoon craft volunteers, we have an awesome PTO w/ lots of events, my daily e-mails & I chase after Mystery Readers & offer any minute of the school day so it could work w/ their work schedule #kinderchat
A3 Back for now fingers crossed WiFi on. Working with parents essential to get to know their child. Might not see eye to eye but we get a better picture of the child outside our walls. When P & T can build an alliance tells@volumes about school values and culture #kinderchat
Yes and no. It’s hard to get parents to subscribe to the blog for some reason. But once they see what I put up there, they sign up. Twitter is more hit and miss for me. Without wifi access for my phone, it’s hard to post enough #kinderchat
In reply to
@MsSydneyMcGrath, @teachermeg, @mcarlson110
I love @seesaw. I have been using it for the last few years with my 2nd graders - planning to take it with me to kinder and share with my new teacm #kinderchat
In reply to
@MsSydneyMcGrath, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @Seesaw, @Seesaw
At School Council meeting we have had both teacher and parent run presentations on internet safety, assessment practices, financial intelligence, and how to have chickens at your house! #ruralrocks#kinderchat
Do we think class size affects these morning walk-ins with parents? What's a typical pre-school class size versus a public elementary K class (17-25 in my district) #kinderchat
In reply to
@CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Here’s a reflective bonus question: Do your interactions/your school’s interactions with families illustrate the type of relationships you want? #kinderchat
Yes! My school is where both my daughters attended before I taught there. It was one of the reasons I wanted to teach there - very welcoming to families #kinderchat
Here’s a reflective bonus question: Do your interactions/your school’s interactions with families illustrate the type of relationships you want? #kinderchat
We have done sessions re: social interactions, digital citizenship/online safety, executive functioning. Next yr, we will add a session re: early lit & language in French immersion. #Kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @KeeneeLou, @teachermeg
I think it may - when parents see all those little people waiting for you as they try to engage you in a deep conversation, it may shift their perspective #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
They never ALL need you, and parents see when you are already engaged in another conversation. It is very rare for my tchrs to end up "trapped" for more than 15 or 20 min after school. #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Bonus Answer: I think my school needs work, for being such a small school we should have way more interaction with parents and their families! We can't truly understand a child until we understand their family! #kinderchat
To me, school size dictates this more than class size. Like I said with 10 Kindergarten classes alone, it’s pretty hectic! Lots of bodies moving all over the place. 600ish kiddos in a school build for 500ish Can you say overcrowded? #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Good point but I will stand by that I do have a good handful of parents that would love to turn that morning greet into a coffee hour... nothing a friendly expectation reminder couldn't fix though. :) #kinderchat
In reply to
@happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Reflective answer: I like the relationship I have with my parents. I think it’s a good one. Do I think I could do a better job communicating? Sure! But I feel very comfortable with them, and I hope they feel comfortable with me. It’s all about acceptance #kinderchat
Memorize this phrase: "I am so sorry, the children really need me right now. Can I e-mail you to set up a time to meet when we won't be interrupted?" #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
The school I'm going to teach at in Dubai has 8 teachers per grade level...any tips about being in a bigger school & maintaining a cohesive school community is greatly appreciated!! I'm currently in a school w/ 2 teachers per grade level... gulp! #kinderchat
In reply to
@CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Definitely - and most likely the parents that do want to come in in the mornings are ones that are more needy themselves (even in their student isnt) #kinderchat. Iwill talk to any parent at a better time than the morning rush #kinderchat
Good point but I will stand by that I do have a good handful of parents that would love to turn that morning greet into a coffee hour... nothing a friendly expectation reminder couldn't fix though. :) #kinderchat
In reply to
@happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @CarrieMarshall1, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
Get to know your team! Work with your team! I call my other K teachers my work-wives. We’re in a pseudo polygamous relationship lol! But we know each other, we know what works, and how we all think. I can’t underscore the importance of teacher relationships! #kinderchat
In reply to
@teachthenbeach, @happycampergirl, @buzzbishop, @KeeneeLou, @teachermeg, @MsSydneyMcGrath
