For this blog assignment, I watched the Podcast on Readingrockets.com that was titled Parents as Partners. I have always said, from early on in my college experience, thinking that if only we could get parents involved at home, at the earliest of ages, that teaching children to read would be so much easier. The Podcast discussed avenues that schools can take to continue to reach out to parents, children and communities and to inform them of resources that are available to them.
One thing I found particularly disturbing was the discussion of Public Library access. While it seems as though libraries are in every community, it was interesting to hear that very few families or parents of small children actually have memberships or participate in any of the activities that are held at or sponsored by the library. Perhaps it could be a lack of transportation? More likely, I believe, it is a lack of awareness or knowledge. In addition, once the families arrive at our libraries, are they made to feel comfortable, welcome, and important enough to be excited to read?
The Podcast discussed the different laws that are attempting to combine school and home in order to provide children with the best learning opportunities. No Child Left Behind and Reading First are exposing families who may have initial difficulties or who could be more likely to struggle with reading, or education in general. I think it is important that we continue to find ways to enable our families even before the children walk into the doors of our school.
As a 5th grade teacher, I see the benefit of students who have involved, concerned and caring families. I see it in their abilities to read, write, socialize, and function in a group environment. I am concerned for the children whose families can't or won't put their educations first. I understand that most families want to do the absolute best for their children but sometimes are unable to provide, either financially or with time devotion, and I think it is definitely our responsibility to reach out and help those families.
It's interesting to see that others feel the same way about public libraries. To be completely honest, I have never felt comfortable in a public library. I believe that it has to do with the Internet and other resources we now have at our fingertips in the comfort of our own homes. The first thought that pops in my head when I need to look up information is, "Where is my computer." The days of actually getting in the car or finding transportation to an actual library are long gone.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the public library. But then again I am a book nerd. I can completely understand why the library may be an uncomfortable place for people. It is often large, quiet, and to be honest a bit daunting when you are trying to find what you need. I wish parents would be more educated about their local library system and use it more frequently so that their students would be able to have access to amazing amounts of literature.
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