At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), fostering strong home-school partnerships is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. One of the most impactful initiatives in this regard is the “Come Learn with Us” program, a series of interactive sessions where parents are invited to join their children in the classroom. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for families to actively engage in their child’s learning journey, guided by the children themselves and supported by their teachers.
Key Elements of “Come Learn with Us”
1. Collaborative Learning Experience
During these sessions, parents and children learn together through hands-on activities facilitated by teachers. The focus is on developing specific skills, which are shared with parents to help them understand how they can extend this learning at home. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent support both in school and at home.
2. Child-Led Exploration
A defining feature of the program is that children take the lead in demonstrating their learning. Students showcase their understanding of key concepts and skills through play-based and inquiry-driven engagements. This empowers children to take ownership of their education and deepens their comprehension as they explain their learning to their parents.
3. Holistic Development Focus
The initiative aligns with WISS’s commitment to holistic education. Activities span multiple areas of development, including social-emotional growth, cognitive skills, language proficiency, mathematics, and literacy. Future sessions will also incorporate outdoor learning and physical education, further enriching the experience.
Benefits for Students and Parents
• For Students:
The program enhances students’ confidence as they guide their parents through classroom activities. Children develop communication skills and reinforce their understanding of academic concepts by articulating their learning process.
• For Parents:
Parents gain firsthand insights into the classroom’s teaching methods and learning objectives. This transparency fosters a deeper appreciation for their child’s educational experience and equips parents with strategies to support learning at home.
• For Teachers:
Teachers benefit from closer collaboration with families, gaining valuable insights into each child’s background, interests, and learning style. This partnership allows educators to tailor instruction more effectively to meet individual needs.
Creating a Collaborative Community
“Come Learn with Us” exemplifies WISS’s dedication to building a strong sense of community among students, parents, and educators. The program strengthens relationships and creates a shared commitment to each child’s success by involving families in the learning process.
Engaging in the learning as a family enables children to share their learning firsthand with their parents. This unique opportunity further develops a love for learning while fostering deeper connections between home and school.
Looking Ahead
The success of “Come Learn with Us” illuminates the importance of involving families in education. As WISS continues this initiative, future sessions will explore outdoor learning experiences and physical education integrated with Units of Inquiry. These efforts reflect WISS’s holistic approach to nurturing well-rounded learners who thrive both academically and socially.
By bridging the gap between home and school, “Come Learn with Us” enhances student outcomes and strengthens the bonds within our vibrant WISS community. This partnership truly sets the foundation for lifelong learning.
