Getting Started

Program teachers provide the structure for parent education sessions. However, the topics will be determined by parent interests and program goals. The staff may wish to brainstorm and create an outline for the first parent session, including surveying parents to identify their interests and concerns. (See Sample Parent Education Needs.) The first couple of parent education sessions are the best time to include activities that will help parents and staff members get acquainted. The third session might include setting goals and discussing guidelines for future parent education sessions.

Planning Literacy Development Activities

Figure III-6 provides a sample of possible parent education session topics and suggested activities incorporating research-based information on children's language and literacy development. The first column provides research excerpts describing the concept addressed. The second column provides suggested parent education topics, and the third column provides suggested activities that parents can practice during parent education sessions and then practice with their child at home. A guide (in parentheses) following each topic and activity indicates the age of children for whom the topic is most appropriate. All indicates children age 3 through children in the third grade, 3-5 indicates children in preschool, and K-3 indicates children in grades K-3.