St.Andrews School England
FAMILY GROUPS
The Norwegians wanted to tell us about family groups. The idea comes from Sweden.
There is a book that outlines all about family groups, which they will see if they can find a translation in English and German
Many schools have taken on the family group arrangement consists of 4 or 5 children in each group. Teachers decide the groups, a mixture of boys and girls within the class. It is usual for the children to stay two years in the same group.
It is an after school activity, meet five times a year at least.
Children go to each others parents and meet the family and do some activities in the home.
Activity is planned by the parents. Take it in turns to go to the children s home and the parents have to talk and plan when groups will meet. Discuss the cost if decide to go and see a film for example.
It should not cost anything because it allows all to be involved no matter what the income.
Some parents dont want to have others in to their homes because of social difficulties. The family group have understood this and the child has still attended the group.
Supports a good classroom environment and prevents bullying, and ganging up on a particular child. A teacher would put two children together that do not get on.
Have two parents, who are representatives, which the teacher would meet to discuss the family groups.
In the first meeting that the teacher has with the parents family groups are discussed. The parents sit in the family groups to start making plans.
If there is a good start everything runs smoothly for the year. If parents are negative it spreads easily.
Parents get to know childrens peers.
A supply teacher can use the family groups when teaching a class.
A way of getting friendships for new parents and children who join the school.
In England we have children of all ages in family groups, from the youngest to the oldest, only getting together 2-3 times the year.
