create a Parent Resource Packet that provides a context for relationships with families and early childhood educators. It depicts strategies to help promote a productive relationship. The packet MUST encourage family involvement for diverse children and families, as well as establish an environment that capitalizes on the cultural traditions and customs of individual families.
A presentation or brochure format, including colorful graphics representing diverse families and children, should be used. It must be aesthetically pleasing. Complete this assignment as if you are communicating directly to families.
In writing to communicate directly to any audience, it is important to briefly review the key points for the entire packet in the introduction. In the main components of the presentation/packet, you should break down each key point into its own slide or chunk of information. Then, you should provide a brief summary reviewing key points as bullets. This gives the reader or reviewer an opportunity to understand the important points three times, in the introduction, during the explanation, then in summary. (A formula to remember: Tell us what you’re going to tell us; tell us; tell us what you told us.)
The introduction, which could be multiple slides, will address the following:
Purpose of the packet/presentation – What do you hope families will gain from it?
Your perspective on the relationship with families – Your philosophy on family engagement
The importance of the presentation/packet – Why do you want families to spend time with this information?
The main points of the presentation/packet should describe, in detail:
Your family engagement philosophy – Address issues about race, culture, language, custody/family and/or parenting structure
Your educational environment relative to families – How you will make families feel welcome? What will families see?
Four specific activities/strategies that are examples of how you will involve families in your classroom.
Four examples of how families can be engaged in their child’s education without coming into the classroom.
The closing should provide an overall and brief review of your two or three main concepts about family engagement. Do not review each of the eight strategies, summarize overarching concepts. End with a welcoming statement.
