[senco-forum] involving parents

Involving parents in supporting their children is something we do as a
matter of course in the Dyslexia Unit.  They sit in as "silent observers"
and senior partners in support.  A copy of each week's lesson plan is passed
to them at the start of the lesson.  Homework set and their child's response
to the tasks is therefore always demonstrated.  Not only do they pick up
what the work is but methods in how to support positively and avoid
demotivating actions or words.

Our parents are support experts within a fairly short space of time as a
result and make great teaching assistants if they move into the school to
work with us.

Occasionally the presence of a parent has not worked - mostly due to the
child not responding well.  In which case we discuss with the parent what is
happening and rearrange affairs to suit the situation in a mutually amicable
way.

We would be nowhere near as effective teachers without the parents which is
something we often say to them.  Their close involvement removes so much
stress as well as having other benefits.  I have written an article about
why parental involvement works if anyone wishes to receive it as an
attachment.

Philippa