An important
part of the SDM/PS program is parent participation and support.
We have collaborated in the development of a wide variety
of outreach activities and materials, based on the creative
problem solving of educators and our staff. For example, local
cable video programs have been produced and shown to be successful
in reaching parents in the community (Wedam 1988). A parent
survey to assess the best times for parents to tune in can
help set a schedule so that busy parents can be given as many
viewing times as possible. Copies of the video can also be
distributed by the school for home viewing. Parents are reached
as well through books like Teach your child decision making
(Clabby & Elias, 1986), Emotionally intelligent parenting
(Elias, Tobias & Friedlander, 1999), and most recently
Raising emotionally intelligent teenagers (Elias, Tobias &
Friedlander, 2000). "Refrigerator Notes" (Hett &
Krikorian, 1993), are also used and can isolate and describe
specific skills and ways parents can help children practice
skills at home. Both of these can be sent home by the classroom
teacher.
A wide variety of school-based events have also been effective,
such as
- evening sessions that included dinner and babysitters,
and
- bagel breakfasts where parents are invited to join a
morning class session in which children share what they
are learning.
Many other events have been designed and marketed in collaboration
with our school colleagues, who are knowledgeable regarding
the local needs and obstacles in the community. Some of
the ideas include a presentation of students work through
role play and videos. Back to school night is often used
to introduce parents to the skills their children will be
learning. Follow-up activities can be sent home intermittently
for the children and parents to practice. We are always
brainstorming new ideas to make sure we keep the parents
informed and participating. We have developed a variety
of brochures and handouts that help teachers orient parents
to the skills the children will learning during the year.
EQ Parenting Website
Resource for Emotionally Intelligent Parenting: EQ
Parenting
This link provides access to a site hosted by the co-developer
of the SDM/PS approach, Dr. Maurice Elias of Rutgers University.
You will find information and an e-mail specifically designed
for parents. You may find this a useful addition to the
services and resources provided by our staff at UMDNJ.
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