Activity 3: Communicating with Your Students’ Families
Jessica Vallejo
PPAT
9/14/2024
Communicating with Students’ Families:
Method of Communication: I initiated a “Virtual Family Showcase” where students and their families were invited to create short video presentations about their cultural heritage, traditions, or unique talents. These videos were then shared during a virtual family night event. We could call it something fancy to spark the interest of others. I know a lot of parents work and also are single-house families who sometimes can’t make it to this kind of event; I also know many do after-school activities, and this would be a great way to get everyone on the same page and participate. I think it would be a great way to use our technology and get families more familiar with it. Programs must use communication practices sensitive to the diverse language and cultural backgrounds of the families they serve. That way, we are all teaching students from different locations and cultures. Each family teaches their young children how to be successful within their culture, beliefs, and traditions by making a video and presenting it to their classmates. Later on, that video can also be used as they grow up to look back on. Conversations with families can be difficult for several reasons when it comes to teacher and parent communication as well. Sometimes, you might worry that families will be upset by something you share and or feel technology is a thing of the past; you may also fear the family will stop communicating with you if they think you’re going off-topic. While conversations with families about concerns may get to know students’ families and their backgrounds, they can build a stronger connection and support for a family, as well as all ages of age development and learning, thoughtfully. This is a great way to build a relationship with my students and cultivate partnerships with my student’s families and their own. There are multiple ways to share this video and later build relationships within the classroom and school and do in-school events as the year goes on. I think the virtual videos would be a great way to start the year and an excellent method to focus on implementing in the new school year with my students.
