ABSTRACT
This chapter extends the ideas to include another essential component of the course, connections with families and communities. Teachers introduce themselves and provide an overview of the essential question and related content of the knowledge unit. Teachers are expected to communicate in writing via a few course assignments. At the end of each subsequent week, teachers create a written letter given to families that highlights literacy events, readings, strategies, and tools. that the group employed during that particular reading cycle. The second half of the letter includes a section on student learnings and celebrates the markers of student successes in their collaborative roles in the inquiry group. For teachers, engaging with families on celebration night provides another occasion to raise their level of comfort communicating with students and their families. The large turnout of parents, families, friends, teachers, and administrators further solidifies the success and ongoing support of our program.
