VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
Strategy 2: Identify Community Partners.
Learning does not just happen at home and school. There are lots of
rewarding and engaging ways for families to extend learning with their child
outside of the classroom and into the surrounding community. One way that
educators can support learning outside the classroom is by identifying community
partners that have accessible options for engaging students and their families.
Educators, this is a great way to explore community partners in your community
for families and identify ones that can provide in-person and virtual support in your
classroom. For example, I identified a local museum in my community that
provided educator days for free. Educators could explore and learn more about the
museum, museum resources, and ways that students are able to engage at the
museum. Part of the museum was accessible for all children and encouraged
children to touch, climb, and explore as they were learning. This is important
information that you as an educator can identify and share with families, so they
are aware of accessible places where their child is encouraged to touch and
explore.
To do. Review your content and subject areas that you will be exploring
during the school year. Complete a search within your community of community
organizations, such as museums, parks, zoos, libraries, etc. Research virtual
accessible resources as well as in-person opportunities for families. You want to do
