Friday, March 8, 2013

Limitless

Parent-teacher conferences at our school are student-parent-teacher conferences, and I am a huge fan of that format. Once a child reaches the age of eleven or twelve, it seems silly not to include her or him in any meeting concerning academic progress. Seriously? No matter what we grown-ups decide, it's the student who must act. That is why we put them in charge of these meetings.

As a sixth grade teacher, I have the lucky job to introduce kids to this process, and in fact, one of the thing I like most about teaching this level is witnessing my students doing so many things for the first time. Their sense of accomplishment at opening a  padlock, finishing a book in a week, buying lunch and eating with their friends at a food court on a field trip, leading a conference, or even writing for 31 days in a row is infectious.

What other wonders await?

5 comments:

  1. I think it is great that you have students involved in their conferences. It is their responsibility for the learning we should be there as a team to help and guide them get there. I have not done this, but you put a seed in my head. Thank you.

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  2. I have always included my own children when I go to parent teacher conferences. It makes them take ownership and feel part of the process. Glad that you view it that way too!

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  3. I totally agree. All my parent conferences with my fourth graders are student led. It is a very powerful thing.

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  4. How powerful to be trusted (or entrusted) by the adults in their world to begin to be in charge of their direction. Rite of passage?

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  5. I'm with you. It's a joy to witness that sense of accomplishment, especially at this point of the year.

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