Guest Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 We (new job-share partner and I) have begun to adopt a more child-led approach to our planning. Tick For our first topic 'All About Me', partner discussed the theme with the children and together they drew up a scattergram of the themes the children thought were important about them. Tick Now we want to involve parents with their child in planning for next half term so intend to send something home at half term inviting parents input. But I'm not sure exactly what to send. Do any of you kind and lovely forum members have examples of what you have sent home along this line that you would share? The topic theme is pretty much pre-set in quick hardening concrete - Opposites. I'm wondering whether we should indicate 3 or 4 pairs of opposites that have proved popular in years past and ask for parent/child's input on that. 'Light and Dark' being the most obvious and 'Big and Little', 'Wet and Dry', Hot and Cold' perhaps and then an 'any other ideas'. Any examples, ideas, thoughts gratefully received. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Evening, We actually do this activity in two ways: We invite the parents into class to plan with their child, within a small group. We do a little presentation on what we have learnt so far and introduce them to the topic which is chosen by the children. I give each group a huge piece of paper and some guidance - such as songs, visitors, visits, books, and general activities to do with the topic. When we did 'Ourselves' we simply asked for 'science' based activities. The parents then had a focus. Lots of them had many smashing ideas; someone knew a doctor who came to visit, another was able to suggest lots of picture books. For those parents who are unable to come into school we give the child/parent an A3 piece of paper and explain what we are learning and what our focus is. We don't always get loads back, but the ones that do come in are good and at least I can say I am trying my best to include the parents as much as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I love the idea of inviting the parents into the setting. But early days for us. If you don't mind me asking, what sort of explanatory letter do you send home and is it just a blank A3 sheet? I'm thinking I might need to make something a bit eye-catching on the computer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 I will have a look for the letter I send with it - goodness knows what I've saved it under! nicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 I just wondered how much detail you gave parents. I have a feeling our parents will see it as passing the buck - it's an independent school. Thanks for your efforts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueFinanceManager Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Hard and soft is easy and we used to do clay modelling and salt dough so you could incorporate the idea of change As for hot and cold.....loads of stuff you can do but one that worked well for us was freezing toys in blocks of ice and one day my colleague sprayed a teddy with water and then put it in the freezer and the next frosty morning we had said she had found it in the garden and we had the children problem solving how to warm the teddy up...blankets and scarves and putting it by the radiator etc 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_19762 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 one day my colleague sprayed a teddy with water and then put it in the freezer and the next frosty morning we had said she had found it in the garden and we had the children problem solving how to warm the teddy up...blankets and scarves and putting it by the radiator etc Oh thanks Sue - I am so stealing that idea! :1b 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_26037 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Oh thanks Sue - I am so stealing that idea! :1b Me too! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueFinanceManager Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Just looking for something else and spotted these....many need dusting off but may have a few useful ideas in Night and Day Ourselves Growing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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