Partnering with Parents: Easy Programs to Involve Parents in the Early Learning Process

By Janet Rockwell Kniepkamp and Robert E. Rockwell

At last! A book has finally arrived that takes the worry out of parent-teacher communication. This innovative and original guide makes it easy for preschool teachers to connect with parents and involve them in the learning process using family meetings. Offering a complete plan for every meeting, Partnering With Parents is bursting with helpful tips, strategies, and creative ways to build a connection between home and school.

Each meeting begins with an icebreaker, allowing families to mix and mingle, and then continues with multiple activities that give parents the opportunity to experience first-hand what their child is learning. The suggested meetings address a variety of topics, with enticing titles such as "Are You Hungry for Fun?" and "Magical Art Mixtures." Teachers, parents, and children alike will treasure each meeting as they build relationships and form a community of learners.

Each of the 27 family meetings includes:

Invitations*
Reminders*
Nametags
Mixers
Family Meeting Activities
Meeting Evaluations*
*Reproducible

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 1, 2003
• ISBN: 9780876597705

Janet Rockwell Kniepkamp

Janet Kniepkamp is currently a literacy specialist and previously taught third grade at Parkview Elementary School in Columbia, Illinois. She holds BS and MS degrees from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Janet has served on several committees including School Improvement, Curriculum Alignment, and Character Education at Parkview. She is associated with the International Reading Association and the Illinois Reading Council. Janet has written numerous articles on family involvement in both preschool and elementary school environments. She has traveled and conducted workshops throughout the United States. Janet enjoys researching current reading strategies and techniques in order to develop and implement reading programs that encourage struggling and reluctant readers to become successful, confident readers. Janet Kniepkamp lives in Millstadt, Illinois.