Crawford, E. O., Heaton, E. T., Heslop, K.,
& Kixmiller, K. (2009). Science learning at home involvingfamilies. YC Young Children, 64(6),
39-41. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/197623210?accountid=11824
Science Learning at Home Involving Families
Students not only learn at school,
but we often can extend learning within their homes, especially with the
support of our families. Teachers can easily get parents involved in the learning
process by simply holding multiple conversations, or placing items in the weekly
newsletter. The article, Science Learning
at Home Involving Families, is a really informative article for teachers,
but it also provides specific things parents can do at home with their children
to motivate students while learning science. All of the activities listed promote inquiry
learning. The students are able to explore these concepts by utilizing things
they may already be familiar with. They are encouraged to participate in
activities at home and explore with their families. For example, students can
explore properties in the bathtub that float and sink. Students can start a
rock collection and examine properties such as color, weight, size, texture.
The possibilities are endless.
As a teacher, this year I am
planning to include weekly science activities in my weekly newsletter. I found this
article to provide me with opportunities to get parents involved in their child’s
learning. I can’t think of a better way to get them involved at home while
learning science. The article provides standards for students that can be
adapted from pre-school to fifth grade. Then it breaks up the standard by
providing the families with activities they can do at home to engage student
learning, while promoting inquiry exploration. At the end of the week I could
ask how many of my students participated in the weekly science activity. We
could come together on the carpet and discuss everyone’s findings, and compare
and contrast the various scientist experiences.
I like your idea very much. I think this could be done with students of all ages, and I think homework becomes much more meaningful when it involves inquiry- so much more enjoyable than "busy work", which is what homework can be sometimes. Involving parents is so beneficial as well. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head! Students learning doesn't stop when they leave the classroom. Whether they realize it or not, they are always learning and discovering new things. Inquiry is all around us and there are ways to make learning outside the classroom fun for students. I love the idea of placing a weekly science activity in your newsletter. Do you have good parent involvement with your students? I know that was something I struggled with during student teaching so something like that probably wouldn't have worked with my students.
I am seeing a lot of articles about bringing science home, and this is definitely something that I would like to do in my classroom next year. As Tiffany stated, "Students' learning does not stop when they leave the classroom." Getting parents to be involved can be difficult, but this is a great strategy to get parents involved. I think your idea of providing a science activity parents can do with their students in a newsletter is a great idea! It gives students a fun, exciting activity to do with their family members. Would the students be required to bring an artifact?
ReplyDelete