Developing Caring Relationships Among Parents, Children, Schools, and Communities
- Dana McDermott - DePaul University, USA
Early Childhood Education | Elementary Teaching Methods | Parent & Family Involvement
McDermott relies on stories and listening to the voices of parents, teachers and children to make her case. She weaves together the latest theories and research with these stories. She uses narratives of actual school meetings, workshops, parent planning and discussion groups, testimonies, newsletters, and research of others in the field, to demonstrate applications of theory and research. She fills a gap by focusing on parents from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Key Features:
o Focuses on parents and teachers as adult learners
o Focuses on the dynamic process of parenting and teaching
o Provides a theory to practice model to support parents, families and teachers
o Provides a tool or guide for thinking through problems and finding solutions that take into consideration the needs of all involved.
"Long-time family educator Dana McDermott has written a volume with a large arc that deserves attention by all working with families. Published as a textbook, its readership should go beyond students to educators, administrators, social workers, and many others that are part of the caring circles for parents and children. The book is conversational. It utilizes a theory to practice model so that readers can read and explore the inextricable links between developmental wisdom and best practice with families. She is contextual in her viewpoint, exploring the many demands on parents AND on those that serve them. Respect for self and others jumps from the pages. This volume should sit along side the best of our books on group leadership, parent child communication, your favorite “arenting”book, resiliency materials and related books. If so, you will be picking this one off the shelf regularly to enhance your perspectives and your work."
This text is for a graduate course and I chose it because it delves deeper into the theory and practicalities of developing partnerships with families.
Excellent resource for students who are learning about the importance of working with the wider school community.
Not only is this book written in a excellent way it is also a practical fantastic resource. Another fantastic book that will allow us to get the students prepared for their placements.
A WELL FORMATTED TEXT FOR STUDENTS WORKING WITH PARENTS IN SCHOOL SETTINGS AND THE COMMUNITY.
subjects were not directly related to course goals
Easy to read and sectioned for ease of use by students.
some key chapters to support the module building effective relationships with children and young people
This book gives a great insight into the multi disciplinary approach. It will be recommended as a useful tool particularly when covering this topic.
Very easy read... I think students will actually read this text!
Sample Materials & Chapters
A1: the Parent - Teacher Role Checklist
A2: Getting to Know Our Parents
B1: Parents as Adult Learners Workshop - Deconstructing Parent Involvement
B2: "You Can't Sit at My Table" Workshop - Scenarios
B3: Advocacy in Schools and Communities Workshop
C2: Resiliency Notes for Professionals
C3: Communication Newsletter - Enhancing Effective Communication in Home, School
C4: Friendship Newsletter - Some Thoughts on Friendship
C6: Parenting for Prevention Newsletter
D1: Parent Education Initiative
D3: Validity Study - Use of Concurrent Validity in Parental Needs Assessment
E4: What Is Excellence? An Example of a Joint Parent-Teacher-Staff Inquiry
E5: Thinking Skills in Parenting
E6: Parenting Education and Character Development
Table of Contents for McDermott Appendices
1. Understanding Parent Involvement and Engagement in Schools Today
3. Understanding the Elements of Parenting and Caring
5. Understanding Culturally Diverse Parents and Teachers
