6 Tips for a Successful Parent Teacher Conference

By the time you read this I will be knee deep in parent teacher conferences. As a parent, I love speaking with my children’s teachers good or bad. I feel that my children’s teachers are integral parts of their team or better yet, very important members of their personal coaching staff. Teachers want to help and I know this because I am speaking from the standpoint of an educator. That is mainly the reason many of us get into the teaching profession. WE WANT TO HELP KIDS THROUGH EDUCATION! (puts soap box away) This list of tips came about because even I as an educator still get a little intimidated when I meet with the teachers. I don’t know what it is, but this feeling comes over me. I want parents to come into conferences feeling empowered and relaxed.

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  1. Have an honest discussion with your child. Ask them how things are going in school (this should be happening daily). Some of you may need to have a “Come to Jesus” conversation, meaning give your child an opportunity to come clean about anything they haven’t told you yet. Being blindsided with something you had no knowledge of can be upsetting to say the least.
  2. Make notes or a list of questions. It is so easy to forget to ask something or let the teacher know something important. If you are anything like me, if it doesn’t get written down, it’s forgotten in like 10 minutes. Put it in your smartphone if you don’t want to pull out an actual paper list. Teachers love to see this or at least I do.
  3. Ask for explanations. If you don’t understand why something is or isn’t being done for your child by all means get clarification! Especially if your child receives special education services or has a 504 plan. It is hard to advocate for your child if you don’t understand the process.
  4. Stay calm. It is hard to hear things about our little angels even more so if it is not good. Keep your cool and talk to the teacher about possible interventions and how you can help. Most teachers are nervous about conferences as well (imagine telling a parent that their child is failing or their behavior is a problem).
  5. Follow up. If there is work that needs to be caught up on or corrected, make a date to either meet again or talk via email or by the phone. This also lets your child know that you are fully invested in their education.
  6. Be on time. On conference days, meetings are scheduled back to back. It is important to be mindful of other people’s time. If you are going to be late or can’t make it, just call or text (I love the Remind app)

If you have some other tips that you would like to share, please comment!

Until next time, read on!

Kandi B

3 Podcasts that I love!

During my morning and evening commutes to and from work, I sometimes enjoy jamming to some old school music. More often than not, I love listening to podcasts.

  1. Happier with Gretchen Rubin: I was first introduced to Gretchen Rubin through her book, The Happiness Project. From there I learned about her most recent book, The Four Tendencies (which I used as part of a professional development session back in August – soon to be an upcoming blog post). On her podcast, where she is often joined by her sister, she shares tips on travel, making life improvements and her own experiences. No matter your background, you can learn something from this podcast. She also has an app, The Better App, that is worth checking out.
  2. Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers: I read my first Angela Watson book, The Cornerstone: Classroom Management That Makes Teaching More Effective, Efficient and Enjoyable back in 2009 when I was making the transition from the business world into education (more about that in a future post). I still use many of her tips in my classroom today. When I found out about her podcast, I was so excited. She shares so much about working smarter not harder as an educator. Outside of the blog she also runs a group called the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club. If you are a teacher or know one, you know how easy it is work way more than 40 hours each week. Angela provides tips on how to create a balance in your life. I’m a member and it has changed my life in so many ways!
  3. Cult of Pedagogy: Don’t be put off by the name, it’s not a cult but more a collective of people who love education. Jennifer Gonzalez uses her platform to share new education discoveries. She also interviews teachers and others who are working to make education better. She also has a blog and creates teaching resources. Thanks to her, I just learned what a Makerspace is and how it relates to education. You probably don’t know what that is, so now you have to go listen!

Until next time, read on!

Kandi B

Isn't that too difficult for YOUR students?

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Next Monday my students and I will be participating in the Global Read Aloud (click here to find out more). This is my third year being a part of this amazing project. Each year books are selected for various grade levels. You choose the book that you will read with your class and you can follow the pacing guide that has been set up for the book, usually three chapters per week, or do what works for you. The wonderful part of the project is connecting with other teachers and students around the world. ALL FOR FREE!!!! There are resources provided for each book. If you have not done this before, it is worth your time to check it out. Head over and sign up! It officially begins on October 1st!

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Click here to purchase

Over the past couple of years, I have exposed my students to “The BFG” and “A Long Walk to Water” all because of the GRA. Each year, I have a colleague approach me and say isn’t that too difficult for YOUR students? I try to believe that it is sincerely coming from a place of concern and not a case of dismissing the abilities of my students. Granted some of my students would struggle to read, not to mention understand the aforementioned books independently, but shouldn’t all children be exposed to different types of literature, even those that may be at a higher reading level?!

YES! In his book “The Read Aloud Handbook,” Jim Trelease gives his do’s and don’t’s for successful read alouds. Included on his list of do’s is to “occasionally read above the children’s intellectual levels and challenge their minds.” I have found that some of my non-readers or struggling readers can understand complex texts better when they are read aloud to them. Last year, we had the best discussions while reading “A Long Walk to Water.”

He also suggests avoiding long descriptive passages if a child’s imagination and attention span don’t allow for it. You can eliminate the paragraph altogether or shorten it if it contains important plot information. So my answer to colleagues is are you serious (insert hand over face emoji)?!  No, I don’t really say that but it is going through my head. My professional answer is yes, independently it would be too difficult but as an educator, I know how to make it work (insert big cheesy grin). Then I tell them to read The Read Aloud Handbook.

This year I have chosen to read, “Amal Unbound.” This week we are spending some time learning about Pakistan, which is the setting for the story. There are some tough issues tackled in this book. Indentured servants and equal education for all genders are just a few. Again if you have never participated in the GRA, please, please, please check it out! Did I mention it is free?!

Until next time, read on!

Kandi B

The Brooks eAcademy Bookshelf – One

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To purchase, click here

I love to read! Thus, my desire to become a teacher and now an online reading tutor. I always have at least two books in rotation at any given time. I will read just about anything, trade journals, textbooks, children’s books, mystery and science fiction. As I struggled with what to write about on my blog, my giant book of ideas in my head (formerly known as my brain) opened up and I realized that I could share my book finds here! So, this is the first of many Brooks eAcademy Bookshelf posts. Enjoy!

During the day, I spend my time as an Intervention Specialist Teacher to 5th and 6th grade students. I teach Math and Language Arts in a resource classroom. I love to start the year reading one of my favorite stories to my students. It is “Thank you, Mr. Falker,” by Patricia Polacco. In this book, Particia tells the story of Trisha, a young lady who struggles to read but is an amazing artist. During her early school years she realized her problems with reading which leads her to feel that she is dumb. It doesn’t help that she becomes the target of bullies. Finally, she meets the teacher that changes her life forever, Mr. Falker.

I take few days to read this book to my students, many of whom also struggle with reading. This book really opens up the discussion of not feeling smart. It really goes hand in hand with discussing growth mindsets with students. Trisha learning to read shows students that with practice you can improve your skills in reading, math or whatever you are working on. The book also touches on losing someone close to you in death and how painful that can be. Many of my students are moved to share their own stories of loss. It helps me to get to know more about my students and their family lives.

Besides, Trisha learning to read, my students are always amazed that this is actually a true story! In fact you could call it an autobiography. The story is about Patricia Polacco and the teacher that did change her life. When I tell my students that the author and illustrator of the book is Trisha, they can’t believe that someone who wasn’t able to read grew up to be an award winning children’s book author. I always end by telling my students anything is possible if you work at it.

How do you start off your school year with students? And for my fellow online teachers/tutors how do you start a first session with a student? Please comment below and let me know! If you have read “Thank you, Mr. Falker” to your class or students, please share how you use it in your classroom.

Until next time, read on!

Kandi B

 

It's Almost Time!!!

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Well, that went quick!  You don’t need a calendar to know what time of the year it is.  The school supplies are all stacked and ready to go.  The television commercials with the children smartly dressed and dancing down the school hallways are in heavy rotation.  Parents are rejoicing because their children will be back to their “normal” school routine.

Summer is a great time to recharge and reconnect with family and friends.  In between doing online ESL and reading tutoring, I was able to spend time with my own children having fun.  Then August rolls around and I realize that I have barely seen my kids reading!!! So August has become reading month.  There is still time for your child to pick up a book and read.

If you are on the fence about using an online tutor, schedule a free trial class to see it in action.  Many people are unfamiliar how online learning works.  Our free trial lasts thirty minutes and will provide you with an overview of the process.  We can also talk about your child’s needs.  Schedule your trial class today!

School's Out for Summer!

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Students are excited for no more assignments and the lazy days of summer.  Some parents are worried about their child losing some of what they have learned throughout the school year.  The logical answer is get your student into tutoring ASAP!  Unfortunately for some families this is not an economical solution.

Here are some things that families can do over the summer to keep their child learning and not break the bank:

  1. Visit your local library: Depending on where you live library cards are free or available for a minimal charge.  As long as you return your books before the due date, you will not incur any fees.  If you own an tablet or a smart phone you can also borrow books electronically.  No trips to the library are necessary!  Many libraries also have free summer reading programs, ask for details.
  2. Check in the area that you live in for other free reading programs.  Brooks eAcademy is headquartered in North Eastern Ohio, so here is a link to a website with free reading programs nearby.  Some of these programs are offered by companies located throughout the United States so a similar one may be in your city.
  3. Workbooks:  My favorite summer workbooks are the Summer Bridge Activities.  They are available for students entering the 8th grade.  They cover Language Arts, Math, History, and Science.  They are not free but they are worth the cost.  Click here to check them out on Amazon (I do not profit from this endorsement, I honestly use these for my own children).

For those who are interested in obtaining the services of a tutor, please contact us so that we can assist!

Benefits of One on One Tutoring

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Think back to when your child was first learning to walk.  If you have multiple children, chances are each one began walking at different ages and while one slowly walked, the other may have literally hit the ground running.

Now imagine that you used the same approach with each child.  Telling your runner to slow down because the other children at the park weren’t as far along as them.  Or telling your slow and steady child to hurry up so that he or she could catch up to the other children.  The fact remains that children learn differently and when their learning needs are met, they are able to learn at their own pace and be successful.

One on one tutoring can benefit your child by:

  • Creating a learning plan that is designed for them
  • Providing a more focused and versatile learning environment
  • Allowing more time to be spent on topics that they may be struggling with
  • Helping your child gain more self-confidence

Contact us today to get your child’s one on one tutoring sessions started!

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