Classroom Parties

Classroom parties, I love them, while at the same time hating them.  I love that we can celebrate seasons, but hate the preparation that comes as we try to get ready for the party.  I never know what is appropriate, I never know, should I ask the parents to bring something, I don't want them to feel obligated to send something.  Do I buy all the supplies myself, this I also dislike as I then spend money I hadn't planned to spend, so my class can say that they got to participate like all the other classes do.  I wish we could do a party that was a reward based something, like a game day, without the sugary snacks.  Am I over thinking this or being a scrooge?  I wish there was a good balance for school parties.  Time for fun and games without to many snack and chaos in my room.  Happy Holidays.

Happy Teacher

So I had to be gone on Friday to a teacher conference and I was talking to my students about it on Thursday.  We were discussing how they were expected to behave themselves in an appropriate manner while the sub was there.  I was a little afraid as I have a few students that seem to think that it is acceptable to act out during the week.  I was quite concerned about what they might do with someone new in our classroom.  I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised today when I got back and the sub had left a note telling me how they were for the most part a well behaved and very respectful group to her.  I had a couple that had problems but nothing major in her words.  What a great thing for a teacher to hear, I loved hearing that my students were well behaved and respectful.  I was overjoyed, just like a proud parent that had been told that their child was a joy to have in class.  Great way to start a short, but crazy week.   

Parental Involvment

Our district finished with Parent/Teacher Conferences a couple of week ago. While this creates long days for me at work, I enjoyed meeting with the parents.  This opportunity allows me time to speak with each family and get to know more about them. It allows me time to brag on their student and tell them all of the amazing things that their child brings to the classroom!

Conferences furthermore give me the opportunity to discuss things with parents that I have seen in the classroom and ask for parent support with or things a student may need additional practice with at home. This maybe me urging parents to read at home with their child for 20 minutes every night, practicing spelling words or helping students with math facts. Regardless, it is a moment for me to talk to the parents about how important their role is in their child's success.

I am learning just how important parent support and involvement is in a child's academic growth. If they are not practicing at home there is a divide in the learning that has taken place at school.  
When a parent ask about the students day and helps with homework or problem areas, it shows students how important their growth is to their parents. It shows children that school is important.

I have seen the impact that parent involvement has on a child's academic growth since conferences. Maybe parents didn't realize what 20 minutes of reading, 10 minutes of spelling or math practice a night can do for a student. Maybe parents don't recognize the importance of their involvement in activities after school or on weekends or maybe they have just been to busy.  Nevertheless  conferences gives me the opportunity to talk to parents and not only urge them to be involved with their child's education, but give suggestions on how they can help. My desire is that when parents hear how beneficial their support is, they will be more likely to get and stay involved! I have had a few students that have already shown some improvement over the last two weeks.  I have communicated this with the parents and hope they will continue to support their student.