"I'm sorry I'm a little distracted this afternoon," I told my ukulele teacher. "Tomorrow is conference day at school."
"Oh," he nodded. "Is that rough?"
"Not really," I said, "but for an introvert, like me, it can a little stressful. I'm ready, though!"
"Do you ever have to just lay it on the line for the parents?" he asked me. "Y'know, give it to them straight that their kid is such a pain in the..." he trailed off.
I laughed. "That's not really productive," I told him.
He looked a little disappointed.
"Oh, it's tempting sometimes," I agreed, "but just telling a parent all the negative things their kid does doesn't usually solve any problems."
And even though his eyes began to glaze over a little bit, I continued. "It's best to frame the conversation in terms of helping the student succeed. We almost always talk to the parents and their child together, and we brainstorm ways we can all support the student in making better choices. We're like a team. A good conference should be the beginning of something good, not just the end of something bad," I finished fervently.
"I guess that makes sense," he yawned, "if you put it that way." He paused and shrugged. "How 'bout we try that last song again?"
"Oh," he nodded. "Is that rough?"
"Not really," I said, "but for an introvert, like me, it can a little stressful. I'm ready, though!"
"Do you ever have to just lay it on the line for the parents?" he asked me. "Y'know, give it to them straight that their kid is such a pain in the..." he trailed off.
I laughed. "That's not really productive," I told him.
He looked a little disappointed.
"Oh, it's tempting sometimes," I agreed, "but just telling a parent all the negative things their kid does doesn't usually solve any problems."
And even though his eyes began to glaze over a little bit, I continued. "It's best to frame the conversation in terms of helping the student succeed. We almost always talk to the parents and their child together, and we brainstorm ways we can all support the student in making better choices. We're like a team. A good conference should be the beginning of something good, not just the end of something bad," I finished fervently.
"I guess that makes sense," he yawned, "if you put it that way." He paused and shrugged. "How 'bout we try that last song again?"
I like how you '...finished fervently.' Great dialogue, I enjoy using it, so it's fun to see how you did. 'He paused and shrugged' - you didn't say, I said, he said. Great word choices, I'm going to remember that. Thanks! And great slice about helping the kids - good luck at conferences. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a great day of conferences! Take a few ukulele breaks if needed.
ReplyDeleteYou were able to tell so much through this conversation. I'm not sure anyone ever understands the art in the work we do. Hoping your conferences go well.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I'm feeling your passion, even if your instructor is not, for the power of a positive conference. I hope they are all wonderful learning experiences tomorrow!
ReplyDelete