Community Involvement

• Helping school events 
  • book fairs
  • carnivals
  • family nights

• Going to community events 
  • parades
  • holiday celebrations
  •  family events at local restaurants

• Watching kids' sports events
  • I am always at the park with my nephew and he loves to walk over to where the kids are playing baseball and soccer to watch them

Being involved in the community is important on many different levels.  First, your students and their families see that you show up and you care.  When students see you at their baseball game they are amazed.  They think it is the coolest thing ever that their teacher is there watching them.  This helps form connections and bonds with students and the benefit can be seen in the classroom.  Secondly, as a teacher you need to know where your students live.  You need to have an understanding of the neighborhood they come from, the resources available to them, and the culture they live in.  Your classroom and lessons need to fit your students.