Getting Started
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In the previous two modules you have learned about the world of gaming and creative media work and the role of parents in this regard. In this module we will show you how to pass on this knowledge to parents in the context of a parents' evening.
In addition to some organisational tips, which were already covered in detail in basic course 1, the focus of this module is on the design of the content as well as the exchange and communication with the parents.
Learn More
We have presented the process mentioned here as an example and in detail in the document "Parents' evening on games and creative media work with young people". Use this as a basis for developing your own content.
Everything Starts with Planning
Start with the organisational preparations for the parents' evening. Go back to the basic module Planning a media education parents' evening to use the materials shown there. Also use our planning sheet for systematic preparation.
Find Your Topic
Proceed as described in the chapter Conducting a media education parents' evening:
- Think about what the overall goal of your parents' evening should be.
- Derive the key points of your parents' evening from this goal.
- Choose two or three subtopics on which you want to focus your parents' evening.
Inform the Parents about your Parents' Evening
Once you have found your topic for the parents' evening, booked and set a venue and date, it is time to inform the parents about your parents' evening. You can find a template for an invitation on the right-hand side in our documents section.
End Your Presentation
- Structure your topics sensibly and prepare them visually. You are welcome to use the presentation template we have prepared.
- Pay special attention to the introduction and conclusion.
- Give the parents a handout, you can find an example in the documents section.
Involve Parents
To positively influence the atmosphere and cooperation at the parents' evening, it is advisable to start with an activity that loosens up the atmosphere. This is called an icebreaker. Icebreakers can be used to help the group get to know each other better, but also to explore interest and expectations about the topic. The key to success is to ensure that the activity is specifically designed to achieve your goals and fits the group of people involved.
See the examples of icebreakers in the link on the right. The suggestions for are also good for your thematic parents' evening.
Involve parents actively in the evening through exercises and support them in questioning their own role and their child's media use. Use the exercises and tips we have compiled at the end of each module for MediaParent consultants.
Receive Feedback
Be sure to ask parents for feedback on your parents' evening. Use our feedback document as a basis.
Sample Schedule
We have prepared an example of a two-hour parents' evening on the topic of "Games and creative media work" for parents of 13-18 year old children on the right-hand side. This will make the planning and implementation of your parents' evening even clearer for you.
Exercise
Plan a (fictitious) parents' evening on the topic of gaming and creative media work (13-18 years). Use the guideline of the document "Parents' evening on games and creative media work with young people" and derive the content structure for your topic accordingly.
For planning your parents' evening, also use the accompanying documents from course 1, such as the planning sheet.
What you learn in this course
- You will be able to name elements of a parents' evening on the topic " Games and creative media work (13-18 years)"
- You will be able to describe methods for conducting a parents' evening on this topic and identify them from a selection.
- You will be able to compile the topic and the methods of a (fictitious) parents' evening with the help of the knowledge from Course 1 and Course 17.
- You will be able to name and correctly allocate the fields of application of the additional materials.
- You will be able to use the additional materials in a target-oriented way.
- You will be able to plan a (fictitious) parents' evening on the topic "Games/Creative Media Work (13-18 years)" with the help of the checklists and the planning sheet from course 1.
- You will be able to use additional materials and show possibilities for change.
Get ready: Tips for MediaParent consultants
Not sure how to involve parents in your lecture? We have put together a few suggestions for you below.
Let parents experience gaming and creative media use.
In the two previous modules, you have already learned a few methods for actively involving parents. To begin with, point out the positive aspects of games and dive into the world of games together via Let's Plays.
- Show the approx. 10-minute video "10 Secret Reasons Why Playing Video Games Is Good For Your Brain"at the beginning.
- Take at least 20 minutes to get into the world of games when talking about Let's Plays. Watch videos of the currently most popular Let's Players on popular video games together.
- When talking about creative media work, have a few tablets ready with creative apps installed, such as Stop Motion Studio and outdoor apps, so that parents can test them briefly in about 15-20 minutes. It is important that you should be available for questions and technical assistance the entire time. It may be helpful to have a second person with you who is familiar with the apps and can support you.
Give Parents Space to Share Experiences
After each active trial, give parents time to share their experiences, any criticisms and concerns. Collect them on a flipchart or board. During the lecture, keep going back to them and give them helpful tips.
Recommendations for at Home
Even if no questions remain unanswered. Give the parents a few further recommendations to take home, where they can get information on the topic. This could be, for example, the website mediasmarts.ca or commonsensemedia.org which can be found on the right-hand side. You can also find further recommendations in our handout on the topic, which you can give to parents as a summary to take home.