T.V. VIEWING CHART
T.V. and Reading Times should be equal—Reading Activity is not the same as homework. Under Time list total number of hours for each activity.
(figure available in print form)
List B (Four of Six are Required)
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1. School and Public Library. At the beginning of a school year the need for a library card, a copy of the library schedule, and a knowledge of what is available at the library are essential for school success. Students and parents are required in this activity to visit both the school and public libraries and to become familiar with these valuable resources. The teacher for this activity must notify librarians of this school project so that the librarians will be ready to visit these important visitors and make them welcome.
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2. Magazine Article or Novel Sharing. The importance of sharing thoughts on a book or magazine article and the importance of reading as an alternative to TV cannot be overemphasized. The idea that parents enjoy reading is a positive influence for the child. When books and magazines are available the reading habit grows. In this activity parents and children share common readings and discuss content. A brief written report by the student including parent comment is also required.
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3. Career Exploration. Children at middle school age enjoy exposure to career opportunities. They may even have thoughts about jobs they might like to hold in the future. Parents and children should discuss the types of jobs available and the skills necessary for jobs in which they show interest. After discussion, parents and children in the activity are required to visit a place of work. The choice of where to visit will be easy for some families but for others the choice will be difficult. There may also be an uneasy feeling as to how to proceed. The teacher in this activity must provide a list of possible choices with phone numbers and the name of the person familiar with this project that they may contact for a visit. The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce is available for help in this regard. The child, after the visit, is required to write a short report describing the visit and giving plans for any possible future visits.
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4. Museum, Live Theatre, or Art Gallery Visit. Increasing life experiences is a vital part of one’s education. The opportunity to visit and to share ideas outside of the classroom with parents will increase communication at home while at the same time broadening student horizons and interest in learning. As with job visits, the teacher must provide a list of suggested choices and the name of the person to contact at each location. If parents and children feel comfortable they will return. A brief written comment by the student is required to complete this activity.
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5. Higher Learning Experience. While the student is only beginning middle school, it is a good idea to begin to set goals for the future. Visiting a college, trade school, or high school can be very beneficial. Parents and students are required in this activity to visit a school beyond middle school level. Questions regarding requirements and courses of study offered should be asked and a written report is required. As with the other activities suggestions must be provided by the teacher. The parents and children will feel much more comfortable if they know their calls are expected.
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6. Transfer. The child and parent in this activity are required to discuss the unit with another family. Hopefully, they will agree to try a few of the ideas discussed. It may seem unrealistic to think that the ideas presented can be easily transferred but only through real dialogue can meaningful change occur. Sharing ideas may have more value than it appears.
Having completed the required activities and four of the six optional activities, the parent and student are required to complete the following check off list. All materials should be returned in a folder to the teacher at the conclusion of the orientation program—approximately one month from the initial meeting.
*Distribute handout #5—Parent/Child check off list.
