When I was just starting my life as an educator I read, The Hurried Child by David Elkind. I’ve held on to the important message from that book and I’ve tried to resist the urge that comes from ‘society to rush things with children and for that matter myself. I often feel like life just goes too fast. We rush around and too often lose sight of the present. I just want to slow life down and be thankful for the here and now.
As we transition 'slowly' from October to November, (in Holiday talk that would be Halloween to Thanksgiving!), teachers in New Jersey prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences. What can you share with the parents of your students that will encourage them to celebrate and be thankful for where their child is presently in their learning? How can we slow down and provide our students with time to learn and time to appreciate the process and journey of growing- without pressure and urgency to hurry up?
Here are some helpful resources to support your efforts in communicating with parents during conferences. It is important to recognize where your students are now and how you can meet their needs, at an appropriate pace that will promote a love for learning.
https://www.thoughtco.com/tips-for-successful-parent-teacher-conferences-p2-8419
https://www.teachervision.com/teacher-parent-conferences
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/parent-teacher-conference-tips
Why Being Thankful Is Good for You