Time to go back to school for parents

Time to go Back to School for Parents

It was time for Troy parents to go to school, to learn about how the process of teaching children to read had changed from when they had grown up, in the hopes of getting parents on the same page as educators, so that they can practice similar strategies both at home and at school.

The Troy School District has a very special relationship with the world-renowned Teachers College of Columbia University, and has connected teachers here with specialists there. Troy teachers have traveled to New York to participate in workshops aimed at updating their teaching models. And members of Teachers College have traveled here to work with Troy staff and students. “Our district vision is to become a world class school district. A part of that vision is to establish learning partnerships with experts in the field and prioritize the learning of our people,” said Kris Griffor, TSD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction.

“Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University is an exceptional example of a team of researchers that help us refine our craft as educators,” continued Griffor. TCRWP works with educators around the world on implementing methods that are best for all students. “We wanted to share this learning with our parents to help them better understand our vision with kids at the center.” So last month at Troy Union it was parents’ turn to “…learn what has changed in literacy instruction, and why it matters,” said TSD Director of Communications Kerry Birmingham.

Natalie Louis, Senior Staff Developer and lead trainer at TCRWP, engaged and entertained while addressing over 70 parents at Troy Union elementary school. And set the tone of her presentation with one very simple idea: “We have to change the way we are teaching reading; it used to be a passive process, with teachers feeding students information for them to react to. It should be a more active process, with students involved in the actual steps of learning.” Teach TO them, rather than talk AT them. Let them use a passionate interest as the launch pad for reading and writing. “Students do their best work with the most current knowledge, and are much more apt to work hard when the subject matter is interesting to them.”

Louis emphasized the value of family dialogue; of storytelling in a safe environment: “We all know the importance of coming together at a table to share a meal. Telling family stories around the dinner table is shown to directly influence success in writing. Each time a story is told, more detail is added, it becomes a more literally colorful experience.” She continued that while it is essential to encourage young readers and writers, it is also important not to “save” them. “You need to let them struggle—and this is hard—but allow them to scribble, scrabble, try to articulate a few times before getting it right,” cautioned Louis. Along with letting them struggle, parents need to resist the urge to correct. “This is where real learning occurs,” continued Louis.

Parents remained engaged as the workshop went on. Said Hamilton parent Julie Gould, “The presentation gave us a refreshing perspective on parenting and promoting literacy in our homes. I gained some new techniques and strategies for working with my son and continuing to encourage his love of learning.” Louis had one final piece of advice: Have FUN around books and writing. Music is a powerful tool in reading. Sing with them. Rhyme with them. That’s why Dr. Seuss books are so popular and timeless. “If reading is fun, writing will follow.”

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