To devise innovative approaches to tapping the ‘funds of knowledge’ that parents and families have about their children
Aim
To devise innovative approaches to tapping the ‘funds of knowledge’ that parents and families have about their children.
Evidence and reflection
Leave on one side the procedures you already employ for parental. Instead construct procedures for an ideal ‘fantasy’ information exchange with parents and families.
Select four children from your setting. List the questions you would most like to ask about each one. This will obviously vary from child to child but it could include such things as their likes, dislikes, interests, routines, and habits. It could also include explanations and rationalisations for certain aspects of their behaviour, their feelings about the setting, practitioners, and friendships, as expressed at home.
If you are a parent yourself – you might consider the sort of information that you would want your practitioner to know, such as information that could help them to motivate the child and to understand their behaviour.
What would be the most appropriate time and place for such an exchange to happen?
Adapt this idealised list to inform your approach next time you encounter parents/family members.
Extension
Ask parents to keep a record of the comments that their child makes about the setting and make a time when such information can be shared with you. This can be especially helpful when children are new to the setting.
