Reasons to Read
JoBeth Allen’s Literacy in the Welcoming Classroom is one that any educator will find essential to a healthy classroom. Allen’s focus throughout this book is on learning and how to deepen the relationship between families and schools. With the delightful diversity found in American classrooms today, this book offers new and effective strategies on ways to welcome not only the students but their families as well. We all know the importance of parent involvement and its insurmountable benefit to our students; JoBeth Allen offers clear, doable ways to create a welcoming environment where students and families can learn, and giving students the much needed foundation of partnership necessary for academic growth.
“Believe and communicate that parents have an important role to play in their children’s educational success.” Allen goes on to say that, “whatever language they speak at home, will support their children’s literacy development.” Allen shows us that while working with diversity in languages and cultures; that these families have so much to offer in the way of “funds of knowledge.” First and foremost is the biggest step, communication. We all know about Parent Conferences, but Allen suggests an effective student led conference with it ending in a learning plan where goals are clearly stated. Not only does the student organize and articulate their goals, also the parents offer statements of ways they will offer opportunities to help their child reach those goals. What about the educator? Yes, the teacher as well will state in the learning plan, specific ways they intend to help the student reach those goals.
Traditional ways of communication are listed but perhaps the most effective is the use of two-way communication. Allen suggests newsletters, weekly reports or quarter assessments where parents are invited and encouraged to write or tape record a response. Also noteworthy are phone calls, e-mails and “good news cards!” Another important aspect is to start communication early, send a letter before school starts inviting parents to tell you about their child. What are their strengths, weaknesses, and goals? What concerns do the parents have? What would they like their child to work on? These questions are just a few of the ways Allen teaches us to involve the parents and create a welcoming classroom.
Allen shows us that literacy starts at home and in order to continue this in school we must cultivate a deep partnership with families. We need to get familiar with home language and utilize it as the wealth of knowledge that it is, welcome it into our classes and our lives. Allen discusses how we can do that through Funds of Knowledge Projects that encourage parent involvement. This book is a “must read” text for anyone that is concerned with the importance of creating a comfortable and positive learning environment. Would you like to work with students and families where education is happening? Do you struggle with how to enlist the help of parents in their child’s education? JoBeth Allen has written a fantastic book that will get you started on the path to creating and maintaining a welcoming classroom.
