User:Vtaylor/Active learning/Parents, Caregivers and Mentors

• Parents - biological, adoptive, by-marriage, foster, virtual - frequently the first and best supporters of active learning
• Caregivers - family, friends, sitters, daycare, teachers, after-school programs, youth organizations - coaches, leaders
• Mentors - friend, acquaintance, program assigned, formal, informal

All can participate in active learning directly or with generous contributions of encouragement and support

Encouraging active learning

Training, preparation, support, resources

• care-giving professionals - activities directors, coaches, youth program administrators, youth leaders - Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, religious youth groups, clubs
• parenting / mentoring - formal programs - training, matching, follow-up, feedback, resources
• informal - general interest, awareness, soft - articles in school / community newsletters, community events
• kids - school programs to encourage whole family participation

STORY: The little girl was bright but her reading was behind for First Grade. Although the teacher routine sent notes home with all kids about their preferences and general school related matters, there were never any replies from this child. Eventually it was discovered that the family had recently immigrated from Poland and the mother didn't speak or read English. The mother was gradually learning English from her daughter who would go over the day's lessons with her mother each evening. It wasn't long before the little girl's reading skills improved and she moved up quickly into the more proficient reading group.
... This is an extreme example of encouraging active learning and it provides reassurance that everyone can support their learners.

STORY: "What did you learn in school today?" If the response is anything greater than a single syllable, there is active learning. Recapping the day's events, even complaining about some event can be an opportunity for revisiting the learning and encouraging follow-up.
.. Having to review and organize a description of the day's school work is great practice. This can be especially helpful for kids who sit through lectures and teacher-directed presentations.

Mentoring

• programs - mentors, kids (mentees), prep, rules, commitment, matching, expectations, peers, teen

Every child can benefit from a mentor, an adult who listens, shares quality time, and offers additional support to students of all ages. Parents can initiate the process by requesting a mentor and signing a permission form. Teachers or the students themselves can also request a mentor. Parents will always be notified of the request and are required to sign a permission form. If you are interested in becoming a mentor at [school name], please contact [mentoring program co-odinator] and read below:

• Volunteers In Public Schools – Vips- Form must be completed and approved
• Mentor Training
• Approved and trained, mentors are matched to students with parent permission
• Mentors are asked to meet each week, (same day, time, place) for about 45 minutes
• When mentor is unable to come, a phone call to the front office, (phone number), is appreciated; student will be notified
• You may also wish to serve on the Mentor Council – (recruit, fundraise, plan special events for Mentors/Students, plan Appreciation Banquet for Mentors
• January- Mentoring month – Jan 25th is “Thank Your Mentor” Day
• Need Volunteer to keep mentor data updated and Parent Permission Forms from students filed

Mentor Program-Parent letter

Dear Parent:

We are excited to inform you about our Mentoring Program at [school name]. A mentor is a community volunteer who has been approved by the Volusia County Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) program, and is willing to meet with your child once each week to provide support and encouragement. Often it is significant to a child to realize that someone, other than a parent, relative or teacher, has chosen to spend time listening, playing a game, or assisting them with a project.

The mentor becomes a friend, role model, and provides additional support for the student on a consistent basis throughout the school year. If you would like for your child to have a mentor, please complete the permission form attached, return it to the front office, and we will move forward with the process of making a mentor connection.

It is our goal that all students experience education excellence each day as we provide instruction and challenges to prepare them for good decisions each day, leading to a successful future.

Yours truly,

[mentoring program co-ordinator]

Qualities of a Successful Mentor

Mentoring Tips

• Ability to accept different points of view
• Accessibility
• Consistency
• Flexibility and openness
• Kindness and patience
• Persistence
• Personal commitment
• Respect for youth
• Sense of humor
• Willingness to listen
• Willingness to share life experiences