We met and shared our readings from Chapters 4-6. Please choose one of the 3 prompts below to respond to. It does not have to be the same chapter you focused on:
Chapter 4, "Developing Photography and Other Avenues to Learning with Families"
"The most important part for me in the commonly used KWHL process-What do we know, What do we want to learn, how can we find out, what have we learned-is the how. So take a little time now to brainstorm--how can we learn aspects of culture in our school and community that could make a difference for students? Who are possible cultural informants in the school and community? How else can we learn together-what can we read, with whom can we talk, what media (movies, tv shows, etc) might lead us to deeper understanding of each other?"pg. 60
Chapter 5, "Engaging in Genuine Dialogue"
"...Dream a little. Teachers, write Every Teacher's Dream of Parental Involvement. Parents, write Every Parent's Dream of Involvement in my Child's Education. Brainstrom Every Child's Dream of Parents and Teachers Working Together. What features are the same? Different? Possible? Which features would have the most impact on student learning?"pg. 73
Chapter 6, "Inviting Dialogue at the Conference Table"
"Discuss what parents, teachers, and students might gain by including students in conferences. What are the challenges? How does including students fit with your curriculum, depending on what kind of standards, materials, and instructional process you use? What are the pros and cons of some teachers versus the whole school moving in this direction? Who is already involving students in conferences that could serve as a resource? How would you prepare yourselves? How would you prepare your students?" pg. 87
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I read chapter 5, but I’m choosing to respond to chapter 6 "Inviting Dialogue at the Conference Table." As a classroom teacher (many moons ago) I always included the children in their conferences. I wanted to first show a unified front, a partnership, with the parent. I felt that when children are included, they knew exactly where they stood with both the teacher (me) and their parent(s). They could hear what were believed to be strengths and areas that needed improvement. I enjoyed their questions and comments throughout the conference, too. They were an active part of the process.
ReplyDeleteNow that I’m in the media center, I don’t really hold conferences too much anymore. However, I do attend them as a parent. For the last two years, my son has been involved in student led conferences. I really like these. He takes a much more active role in his learning and in his explanation of his learning. He has a chance to seriously discuss his strengths and weaknesses (not just “listen”). I think these conferences give him the opportunity to “manage” his schooling. His organizational checklist (provided by his teachers) helps him plan what to discuss, and keeps him on track. I love watching him express pride in his work, while trying to explain why he’s having a hard time with some other concept. I truly believe these conferences are the way to go!!!!
I read chapter 5 and I enjoyed it very much. My comment is on this chapter ,also. I think it would be great if we could do the dream concept where the parent and teacher write what their dream relationship with each other would be. I would love especially to see what a child's concept of the dream relationship would be. I think we would find out a lot about each other that way and maybe how to best reach parents and their children. Our perspective in how we handle situations are always different than the way the child and parent may see it. Knowing what all parties involed would like to see as their relationship between them can help us bridge the gap found in a teacher/parent partnership.
ReplyDeleteChapter 4:
ReplyDeleteI think we could learn a great deal about our students if we were to have them either bring in their favorite photographs or take pictures of their favorite people, places,or activities. It would give us a better understanding of the different cultures within our school. Tena Miller/Yargo
Chapter 6
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this chapter, and it reinforced the strategy that I use in the classroom - student led conferences. I like student led conferences for several reasons:
1. There are no secrets between student, teacher, & parent. It is an opportunity for everyone to get on the same page. The student doesn't have to wonder what is being said behind his back.
2. It allows the student a chance to take ownership in their work & behavior in the classroom
3. It creates a connection with the parent, teacher, and child. It shows the parent how you interact with their child. It shows them how much you care about their child.
I think this can be done with all grade levels. The child may not be able to take as large of a leadership role, but they can be actively involved.
Chapter 6 - I think including the children in their own conference by having them lead it is a good thing. It empowers them and gives them a chance to involve their parents more. I think the parents would be more interested in the conference knowing that their own child is in charge of it. Even if the child is younger they can give some feed back if set up properly.
ReplyDeleteAngela Verdetto / Yargo
My daughter did a parent teacher conference and I love it! We did this last year in 4th grade- she talked about her grades, her goals, improvements she wanted to make, then the teacher spoke, and then I added comments. I have had children at the conference sometime to discuss ways to have better behavior. But I think I could do this in kindergarten- the kids could discuss their favorite part of the day, show where we sit for calendar or reading time, and then i could go over academic and behavioral concerns, and then the parent could ask questions and state their concerns. I really like the idea of student led conferences.
ReplyDeleteDawn Bradberry
I also attended a conference led by my child. I did like it because my child took pride in sharing her progress and I felt like with the teacher and myself present it created that sense of accountability. I noticed that my child scored herself lower than the teacher in most areas which showed that she knew she could improve. There was also a part of this conference that she had to make commitments and goals for her to reach. This put us all on the same page which is essential for success.
ReplyDeleteI also attended a conference let by my child. I thought that it was great. I felt like my son had the opportunity to share in his success, but at the same time be accountable for what he had not done or completed. He made goals for himself and he actually accomplished those goals by the end of the year. This was very successful for us and he also enjoyed being a part of it.
ReplyDeleteI read Chapter 6 as well. For everyone involved, student led conferences are a great idea. It really brings the child's strengths, and things they need to work on, into their view. When the student can own it and make a plan on how to acheive their goals, then a sense of pride and accomplishment takes place and what great motivating tools. As for the parents, what a great thing to see your child in such a positive role. Anytime I can watch my kids do anything, I'm right there. It feels like, then the parent and the teacher are there to celebrate and support their child/student. If the goal is: 1st to have the parents attend the conferences and 2nd build relationships what better way than to have the student be in charge of 'their' conference. They are the perfect and natural bridge between parent and teacher. Maybe even have them schedule the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteI read Ch. 5 and was surprised that, in Kunjufu's study, 80% of the referrals came from 20% of the teachers. I don't know very much about the RTI process, but if I understand the little bit I know, it may alleviate that problem, if it was adopted by other schools.
ReplyDeleteIt came as no surprise, though, how one word can change the whole dynamic of a meeting, conference, or dialogue. We have to be careful how we phrase things even in everyday conversations because you never know how it may affect your appearance to the other person. The whistle in the class to call the students to attention. That would not have offended me, but Becky found it extremely offensive in the author's class.
We are all different and it just pays to have your filter on all the time! :)
I think that it would be wonderful for the student to do the parent teacher conference. It gives them responsibility for getting the meeting done and facing up to what they are doing right or wrong in class. Debbie Bakert
ReplyDelete