Seek parent knowledge
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Getting to know, and involving, the student’s family/whānau and the community’
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On this page:
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Go to top of current page: Seek parent knowledge
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What to ask
What to ask
Connect with parents, whānau, and caregivers to understand the strengths and needs of students.
Practical elements:
- the language(s) spoken at home
- medications and allergies
- equipment used at home
- what they do at home to support learning
Students' likes and dislikes:
- likes, interests, strengths, what they’re good at, can do independently
- dislikes, what can upset them, how they express this, calming skills
- favourites (TV programmes, hobbies, books, songs, sports)
The people in the students' lives:
- parent and whānau hopes and priorities
- important people in the student’s life
- best methods and times to communicate with the family
- professionals working with the family
- questions they have and support they would like from the school.
Build a learner profile
Build a learner profile
Examples of students’ work
Examples of students’ work
To support and illustrate conversations about learning, encourage students and families/whānau to bring:
- examples of the student’s work
- student profiles
- learning stories or blogs
- photographs
- things that may be special to the student.
Have a laptop or tablet available in case a student wants to share a personal blog or photos.
Listen for strategies and approaches that have been successful in supporting the student’s learning and well-being in the past.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Partner with the family/whānau”:
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Current page Seek parent knowledge
Return to the guide “Transitions – managing times of change”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Transitions – managing times of change
Strategies for action:
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Get to know the studentShow suggestions for Get to know the student
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Partner with the family/whānauShow suggestions for Partner with the family/whānau
- Identify parent and whānau needs
- Address parent and whānau concerns
- Seek parent knowledge
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Plan for successful transitions to schoolShow suggestions for Plan for successful transitions to school
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Prepare for a new student with additional needs in the classroomShow suggestions for Prepare for a new student with additional needs in the classroom
