Post Conferences

Happy Saturday to everyone! I'm here in college town to visit my college daughter - I'm at the motel and of course I woke up at my usual early bird time and she's at her dorm sleeping til her usual college Saturday wake up time and anybody that has teenagers knows what that means! 

I just got done with Parent Teacher conferences. What an exhausting time! And I've come to the conclusion that we should have get to know you conferences in August. And this comes after a beginning of the year when I've tried hard to meet the grownups at my students' houses. 

But now I know that my one little boy that speaks with a Spanish accent - won't speak Spanish at home and in fact, never learned Spanish. I learned why my one little friend always looks so tired - too many other kids share his room and don't want to go to sleep at night. I learned whose parents don't really speak any English - which makes me thankful for what those students are able to do in English, and reminds me - as much as they would want, it will be more difficult for them to help their child become a better reader of English. I learned who will support me at home - both with helping their kids read or do math facts or whatever -- and with discipline issues. It gives me all kinds of insight into my kids and the other, big, important part of their life. 

I know that my 20 minute conference, where I feel like I do a lot of the talking, is just a glimpse into my student's life. But it does help me have some perspective. And one thing I realized was that, particularly for two of my little sweeties, they need all the love I can show them. 

Ok, that feels like a horrible ending, but it's either quit there or write on and on. 

I am so looking forward to this time with my girl. And buying her a snug winter coat (I hope) and snow boots for her long walks around campus (no freshman 15 for my girl!). Happy weekend to you!