origin1940s: translating German Lebenswelt
Insight into a child's lifeworld can make a positive difference in their literacy and learning experiences. By making home-school connections, teachers may gain an understanding of why a student is excelling or having difficulty at school. I have created a map of some of my lifeworlds and how they affected my literacy or learning experiences.
 |
| Image created on iPad app.: Inspiration Map |
My education and lifeworlds provided me with a virtual backpack suitable for the cultural capital of all the schools I attended. Knowing a students lifeworlds and virtual backpack can increase a child's likelihood for success by engaging with the student and employing pedagogies they will relate to. Home-school connections are critical in knowing the students' lifeworlds and I experienced a wide range of home-school connections including;
- Weekly/monthly newsletters
- Emails
- Report cards every term
- Parent teacher conferences twice a year
- Parents and faculty meetings fortnightly
- Notes home in homework diaries
- Phone communication when given awards
- School projects to take home when finished
- Weekly assemblies where parents are welcome, and
- Events like battle of the bands, plays, concerts, talent show, chapel, award nights, etc
These means of communication created many home-school connections and in Dhahran High School (American curriculum) the teachers were encouraged to visit students' homes and build a relationship with the family not just the student. I think organising home visits at the beginning of the year and possibly throughout, would positively influence the child's schooling experiencing by creating relationships. Knowing their lifeworlds can provide insight into a child's behaviour, motivators, success or failure, and preferred learning style.The importance of these home school connections are outlined in Literacies (2012) and have been reflected in my professional experience practicum visits and observations.
No comments:
Post a Comment