This section contains some starter ideas for engaging with others. Many of the ideas are not specific as the skills used to engage are the same. The ability to step into the shoes of others, the forming of strong relationships and the ability to listen are foundational. Scroll down to the attachments for more ideas on community engagement.

Using web 2.0 tools to connect with community is one of the obvious ways of connecting with parents. Nottingham teacher, Tom Barrett, is exploring the use of Googledocs to report to parents on a regular basis. He has permission from his headteacher to do so during to 08/09 school year. We will keep up to date with this project to see how parent engagement develops as part of this work. Check out Tom's blog for more information.

The Assist Beginning Teachers website has some interesting resources for engaging with parents and community. It also provides some great material for exploring your own assumptions using Mostert's 10 assumptions. In really engaging with parents/caregivers and whanau it is important to understand the values, beliefs and assumptions that influence you personally. What assumptions do you make about learning? about students? about parents? How does this come across to others? Take time to discuss ideas and then to explore the role of empathy in working with commuity. How can educators take time to really know their communities and their needs?

The Harvard Family Research Project contains some great resources regarding research being undertaken in the USA. One provides some thoughts on the use of the internet in developing family school communication.

Cheryl's latest presentation to Learning@School Conference
Check out http://www.slideshare.net/CherylDoig/slideshows for other presentations.