Parent Teacher Idea Exchange

We recognize how much more powerful the impact of our efforts can be if adults from all spheres of a child’s life cooperate and provide mutually reinforcing activities for character development. A collaborative relationship between teachers and parents is essential.

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From a teacher in New York City, submitted November 26, 2007
Family Rituals and Holidays:
Whenever there is an important ritual or holiday celebrated by one of the children in class, the teacher can use that as an opportunity to discuss culture and values. For example:

Weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, Sunday family meals, memorial celebrations, visiting relatives, etc. are all opportunities to discuss culture and values.
The parents spend a few minutes prior to school discussing/reminding the child about the event, focusing on the key values. For example, brides and grooms honor and make a commitment to one another, promising, even if things get difficult, they will love each other. The child brings this “story about values” and a maybe picture to school.
At school the teacher gives the student an opportunity to tell the class about the event and the lessons they learned.
The teacher can then ask the rest of the class if they have participated in a similar event and spend a few minutes talking about how these rituals are a way to tell each other about the values that are important.