“See the numbers that we’re using in our multiplication equation? We’re going to use those same numbers for a division equation.”
The students in Nuria Maldonado’s fourth-grade class were so engrossed in their math lesson, they hardly noticed when small groups of parents visited their classroom on Feb. 27.
Kindergarteners in Kelley Kern’s class waved hello to the guests, then went right back to writing a sentence on their white boards, making sure to capitalize the word “I” and put a period at the end of the sentence.
The visitors were taking part in Arrowhead Elementary’s “Family Learning Walk.” Started last year, the event is a unique opportunity for parents and guardians to visit classrooms other than their own child’s, to observe teaching and learning at different grade levels.
“Parents don’t always get to see learning happening in the classroom in real time,” explained Arrowhead Principal Kelsey Jones. “My hope is that they gain an understanding of our structures at Arrowhead, our instructional practices, our school culture, and all of those things that go into a strong, quality education for their kids.”
Jeff and Anna VanCleave, whose son is in preschool this year, were among the two dozen parents who participated.
“Our son’s going into kindergarten next year, and we wanted to learn more about what the classroom would look like, what the process is, and all that,” Anna VanCleave said.
The parents were divided into small groups to observe education in action in three different classrooms. A group of Spanish-speaking parents was accompanied by an interpreter who provided translation assistance to foster understanding of what the group was observing.
“I want them to see that and see the great work our teachers and students are doing each day,” Principal Jones said.
From the way classrooms were set up, to the way teachers and students interacted, parents were impressed by what they witnessed.
“I thought it was great,” Anna VanCleave said. “I really liked all the alternative seating they have, the low lights, and accommodations for everybody.”
“It seemed like the teachers were very good at including all the kids and having all of them participate together,” said Danielle Rumrill, whose son is currently in kindergarten. "I heard two teachers mention how we grow when we make a mistake or grow when we have a failure. It was nice to see that positive encouragement and to have all the kids engaged with the teachers.”
After the classroom visits, the group met with several teachers for a special session on mathematics.
“We’ve heard from our community that there is a strong desire to learn more about how we teach math and the different math strategies that we use, because it’s different from the way we as adults, have learned math,” Principal Jones said. “They want to be able to support their kids, and we want to be able to support them.”
The Family Learning Walk helped parents understand more about what and how their children are learning, as well as how they can support their kids’ educational growth. It also left parents feeling good about the future.
“Just feeling more confident about him going into a longer day… Knowing what he’s getting himself into, so I know what I’m getting myself into,” Anna VanCleave laughed.
“It’s really important to help parents see what is expected in the classroom,” added Danielle Rumrill.
Posted 3/3/2025.
