Facilitating in the 21st Century [PDF, 95KB]
Leaders of group sessions are both teachers and facilitators. Teachers share knowledge and understanding of the content with session participants. Facilitators assist participants in integrating new knowledge into their own experiences. This resource highlights the distinct responsibilities and attributes of teachers and facilitators.
Action Planning [PDF, 154KB]
This checklist serves as both an organizer and a reminder of the important details that ensure successful implementation of a workshop, including finalizing logistics, organizing materials, and securing the help you need from your program.
Planning and Preparation Checklist [PDF, 149KB]
Facilitator's may use the checklist to guide planning and preparation around program materials and supplies and setting up the room prior to the workshop.
The Experiential Learning Cycle: What? So What? Now What? [PDF, 162KB]
The experiential learning cycle begins with an activity in which parents engage in role playing, looking at art, or watching a video. It then moves to a set of reflective questions: What? So What? Now What? These questions promote thoughtful analysis as participants process the activity from their own frame of reference and experience. Understanding the experiential learning cycle is critical to making the most of parent-family sessions.
Igniting the Spark of Discussion [PDF, 114KB]
The techniques and strategies described may be used by facilitators to stimulate constructive conversation and encourage participants to consider ideas and issues from more than one perspective. Group leaders are advised to begin with open-ended questions, stay neutral, and accept all responses in an effort to promote meaningful discussion around the arts.
A Key Role of the Facilitator: Being An Active Listener [PDF, 117KB]
Active listening is a way of hearing and responding to another person that supports mutual understanding and encourages discussion. This resource addresses the factors that prevent and promote active listening.
Listen, Reflect and Think [PDF, 151KB]
The role of the facilitator is to help participants listen, reflect, and think. Several types of questions are identified to encourage exploration and help participants to think more deeply about the discussion topics, their own responses, and the responses of other group members.
Strategies to Ignite Participation [PDF, 127KB]
This resource identifies potential target audiences and offers staff unique ways to engage families and children through the magic of art. Head Start staff may use the Ignite the Spark: Parent-Family Sessions tips and strategies to stimulate active family engagement.
Community Connections with the ARTS [PDF, 119KB]
This toolkit is designed to support the potential for art partnerships between local resources and Head Start programs. It highlights several ways programs are partnering with community arts resources to enhance the engagement of Head Start children and families with the arts.
See also:
Revisiting and Updating the Multicultural Principles
Facilitator’s Toolkit created by the Healthy Marriage National Resource Center
Resources created by the Center for Applied Linguistics [PDF, 13MB]
