Week+12+Experience


 * Nov. 15th, 2010 - Nov. 19th, 2010**

Of all the special things I have to reflect upon this week, I have to say that I am so thankful (seriously...no pun intended!) to have helped Mandy, our fellow ESE teachers, and all our students put on our Thanksgiving Play and Celebration. Not only was this a fantastic learning experience for the kids and I both, but it also provided me with another fun "meet and greet" opportunity with the parents of all my students.

Being able to share how far I've seen each student progress academically, functionally, and socially with his or her parents and family members is a special experience. It's insightful, too, taking just a moment to peek into the children's home lives. Part of my job as a teacher is to be supportive and encouraging - however, these qualities aren't restricted for the students alone! Their parents like to hear that, as their child's first teachers, they were successful at bringing up a wonderful little boy or girl who has great potential and is growing into a curious and eager learner.

Along with wanting to know what we've been learning about in class and what things we will be studying in the future, I've also noticed that most parents are interested to hear what they can do with their child at home to help them be better prepared for our daily lessons. This made me happy because it's nice to know that my students have such involved and caring parents! To answer their questions, I shared the following ideas:

**__ Things you can do at home to help your child be a better prepared student: __**
 * 1) Read with your child every day!
 * 2) Check your child's backpack and folder for notes from me and other important school information.
 * 3) As you check your child's backpack, talk with him or her about their school day. Ask questions like "What did you learn today?" or "What was for lunch in the cafeteria?" Use graded papers and work they've brought home as conversation starters too!
 * 4) Encourage your child to teach you something they have learned recently. This activity requires patience and lots of encouragement, but it's a fantastic way for them to practice these new skills!

Having this opportunity to meet with the parents of my students was also very real, too. What I mean to say is that, there will always be families that are more involved than others. As a teacher, it's good practice to know how to console a child at a family function whose loved ones didn't show. Plus, you can never be over-prepared for the parents who have only come to express their displeasure with a detail in their child's IEP, the school bus schedule, the amount of homework (or lack thereof) their child receives, report cards, etc. The best way to handle questions like these are to pleasantly share with the parent or family member that it would be unfair to all the other guests in attendance if you answered such confidential questions right now because it would take you away as hostess of the celebration. If they would like to schedule a conference to discuss the matters, you'd be happy to call or email them to arrange it this evening after the celebration. Reminding the parent or family member that you want to make sure you can focus specifically on their concerns without party...or whatever kind of... distractions seems to be helpful, as well.