Parent Conversation Facilitator Feedback
On getting the conversations started
“I started with a few people and a couple more joined in, when I realized I was speaking to a nice size of group.”
“Everyone was relaxed and we started talking about our children and the school and the different things we do with our children.”
“The parents participating were very receptive to the conversation and task. They were eager to learn something new.”
“I asked what and who did things in school. There were some parents who refused to stay saying they did not want to talk about it or had something else to do.”
“At the beginning it wasn’t easy because it was my first time. But then you feel more confidence and comfortable because you have to act and put yourself as another parent.”
“We just let them talk. It was clear there were problems they needed to free themselves.”
What participants say they learned
“To communicate more with their children and school.”
“Go to the school and visit and talk more with the teachers.”
“The parents stated that they will begin to read with their children nightly.”
“To give children the right to make mistakes without punishment, to be more involved in children’s lives.”
“As parents, we are the first motivation to help our children to succeed academically.”
“That they are not alone by having a kid that doesn’t like to read or can’t read. But by meeting today we have different ideas to practice on our kids.”
What the facilitators learned
“They liked that there was no wrong or right answer. Everyone’s opinion and response was respected and heard. They liked working as a group and sharing their thoughts.”
“The enthusiasm from parents to discuss about their children, not about what happens with the staff of the school.”
“I learned how to run a group of people. It was a great experience to hear and share ideas with people who have the same goals and motivation toward our children’s education.”
“The parents were happy that I organized this trip and that made it easy for them to talk to me.”
“Facilitating wasn’t as hard as hard as I thought. Once the first question was asked, I realized that parents do have a lot to say.”
“Given an opportunity parents will open up and talk seriously about their child’s education.”
“I thought that people would be quiet and unwilling to talk but once it got started it continued to flow. Everyone got a chance to say something.”
“Adults who didn’t have children were just as affected and concerned.”
“Parents have a true desire to seek any material or knowledge that can help them encourage their children. They are willing to learn new things that will help them become better parents.”
“It was good to hear the methods other parents were using. Nice to talk with other parents.”
“Though they started out with negative energy they ended up being really excited about this conversation and the next one.”
“They like to be able to talk to one another to help them with their children.”
