Week of the Young Child: Family Friday

At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents. Jane D. Hull

Children learn by observing, therefore, they are influenced most by their family as they are their primary social group. Children learn their values and opinions by observing and imitating what they see. They also develop their sense of security from those who take care of their needs. A safe and secure environment is created at home and at school to optimize developmental opportunities. When schools and families work together, children have the environment they need to promote learning and development.

Sherrie Norman shared how her Early Childhood class at Circles of Learning celebrates its families:

“Every student has the opportunity to bring in a special visitor during their special "Student of the Week" (pre-COVID). That special visitor could share about their heritage, hobbies or occupation. This connection strengthens the bond of teamwork. At the beginning of remote learning last year, we utilized Zoom so our last student could share his special visitor with the class!

This year pictures have been a central part of learning both in regard to the classroom mobile application Seesaw and posted pictures around the room. One of the most recent topics we have been talking about is community helpers. Many of our parents fill these positions with pride and excellence. Students were so excited to see their family members in their professional work attire and share about them with their classmates!”

Interested in learning more about RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for children birth to age 5? Visit rps205.com/enroll/early-childhood or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the Week of the Young Child. The WOYC is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to focus public attention on early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities.

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Hillary Cook-Harris

Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019 after relocating from Michigan. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 25 years.