Parent
Classroom Observations
Parents are
invited and encouraged to observe our classrooms in session. The opportunity to
quietly observe in the classroom is very valuable in understanding the
philosophy your child is experiencing throughout the day and is a vital link
between the teacher and the parents. When meeting with a teacher it will help
to have observed your child because you have more knowledge of your child’s
accomplishments and challenges.
Arrangements can be made a few days in advance by making an appointment
through the office. Observations begin
in mid October and continue May. Parents
are expected to observe their child’s classroom at least once a year. Parents of children transitioning to a new
level will only observe one classroom at that level. Classroom observation schedules rotate and
parents will be assigned to the next class available.
Please follow our "Observation
Guidelines" which you will receive at the time of your observation. Listed below are some of our observation guidelines.
§
Report to
the office
§
Please
enter and leave the classroom you are to observe as quietly as possible. Plan
to stay approximately 30 minutes.
§
Sit in the
designated chair.
§
Please
respect the child’s work and concentration. Do not initiate conversation with
the children or attempt to attract their attention. If a child speaks to you,
please answer him/her as briefly as possible. Tell the child quietly that you
are there to watch the class work.
§
Please do
not initiate conversation with a teacher or assistant who is working with the
children. Please note any questions you would like to share with the teacher at
a later time. Answering questions about
your observations is an essential component of the observation process.
§
Realize
that children may react to your presence in the classroom with behaviors that
they usually do not exhibit.
§
Parents
must arrange for childcare outside of school for siblings during observations.
For the children’s safety, no children will be allowed to play on the
playground during observations without full supervision.