SOLC # 19/31 - Celebrating Conferences

                Also blogging with my students at Linda & Jonathan's Class Blog

Day Nineteen of the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge.  Tweet at #SOL15

                Thanks to Tara, Dana, Anna, Betsy, Beth and Stacey for all the work you're doing to make this month lovely!

Not my classroom, but it's a pretty picture-old times, long ago.

            We have student/teacher/parent conferences the next two days, student led with each presenting a portfolio of work. While I am filled to the brim with information and talk, talk, talk by the end of each day, there are moments of joy and appreciation during this time. Since this is the final formal conference of the year, we need both to look forward and look back. Our time is planned for 30 minutes, but often goes over into the break of 15 minutes. Sometimes I slip away for a bathroom break, or to re-fill the water bottle. But mostly I sit, listening. Here are the things I love about conferences, intense as they are.

• I love the opportunity for parents to be in the classroom. When one teaches middle-school-aged students, parents aren't here very often. It's lovely to have them visit to see all the work posted inside and outside on bulletin boards. You probably know that many older students don't show their parents much.
• It's great to see the parents compliment their children on the work they view. They stop and look, read if needed, often ask questions. They take time to appreciate.
• I enjoy watching the students with their parents. These are now young adults, but the child in them still shows an eagerness for approval. I see them beam sometimes, I do!
• Sitting in a group around a table with everyone with one focus is a bit nerve-racking for the students who at this age don't always love a spotlight. However, most have been doing this since they were five, and after a bit of shakiness, they smooth out, and speak with authority about their work.
• I like the way students point certain parts out they are especially proud of, and often look at their parents and me to see if I agree. I've already seen all these portfolios, but still they want to be sure that we agree with what they're saying.
• It is rare that students stumble when asked to elaborate on a point of work or thinking. Some are expert at thinking on their feet and some feel comfortable taking time to think of the answer they want. Either way, I'm often pleased with this part of our conversations. They are willing to expand their thinking, often have explanations that teach me more.
• I love the feeling that all of us have at the end of the conference, a tough job well done, long months of school challenges and accomplishments celebrated.
• It is good to finish a group of time with conferences. Like a large exclamation point, a positive and  loud ending. I like it because now the next paragraph begins!

photo credit: Lanesfield School via photopin (license)