Planning Parent Education Sessions
In some family literacy programs, parents attend regularly scheduled group sessions
facilitated by a parent educator. In other programs, staff members may alternatively lead
parent education sessions. Thus, it is important that all staff members be sensitized to the
various cultural aspects of the families enrolled.
Parent education sessions involve various planning steps, beginning with the identification
of a topic about which parents want to learn. Some examples might be learning how
children's cognitive abilities develop and grow, learning how to read a book with your child,
or even learning how to help a school-age child with homework. Figure III-4 displays a
typical parent education lesson format.
Figure III-4: Parent Education Lesson Format
- Engaging parents in a short motivating introductory activity
- Presenting new information using a video, an article, a guest speaker, or a children's book
- Processing the information through activities such as a discussion, writing on the topic, role -
playing, or playing a game
- Helping parents apply the new information in their own lives
Typical Parent Education Lesson
The following is an example of a typical parent education lesson. This example is based on
a program that serves parents and their young children. The teacher knows the parents can
read the books she has chosen. For parents who have very low English literacy skills, the
activity could be adapted by encouraging the parents to tell a story, by using picture books,
or by providing books in the parent's native language.
- Engaging parents in a short motivating introductory activity. "Today we will discuss
storytelling. How many of you have told a story to your child? Storytelling is one of the
most enjoyable activities you can do with your child. Storytelling will promote language
development by giving your child various opportunities to use and listen to language.
Take a few moments to remember your favorite storytelling experience. Would anyone
like to share their story?" (The teacher may want to model by telling a
favorite story.)
- Presenting new information using a video, an article,
a guest speaker, or a children's book. "Now that we have shared
a few stories, let's look at several examples of children's storytelling
books. Please choose one. Now, take a few
moments and look through the book." (Allow time for parents to ask questions
about their book choice. This is very important when working with parents
who have limited English language
skills.) Distribute the handout, "Checklist for Reading Aloud to Infants
and Toddlers."
(See Figure III-5.) Discuss each aspect of the handout with parents to
make sure they understand what is expected.
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