Parent/Teacher Conferences (Parent Tips)

» Susie_Q - I think this article ought to be sent to every parent with a chi

I think this article ought to be sent to every parent with a child over 5. I'm willing to bet, though, you're preaching to the choir :-) It has so many good ideas. I just wish the people who really needed to see them would. Sometimes parents just freak out when it comes to their kids and react without thinking. And, as teachers, it's all we can do to sit there, act professional, and somewhat take it. That is to say, not to fly off the handle, but try to re-direct the subject. We're still in a day and age where it's difficult for people to accept responsibility for their own behaviors. End of sermon. Great article, sis!
Karen Stafford
Editor, Flutes and Flute Playing

-- posted by Susie_Q

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» DavidS_9 - As a parent, Karen, I will try and make sure that this article i

As a parent, Karen, I will try and make sure that this article is "sent" out to myself and my wife when our own P.T. conferences roll around, as I immediately had the same exact thought, myself. By the way, I hope that folks didn't miss that great classroom management link that Deborah included in the article, to a wonderful education site maintained by one Dr. Mandel, who is also a choir director and thus "tuned" right in to our own music education needs.

-- posted by DavidS_9

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» Dan_Ellsworth - I've been a public-school teacher, and (later) a parent. I wish

I've been a public-school teacher, and (later) a parent. I wish I could have seen this article before either, but I'm guessing you were not capable of writing it 31 years ago! ;-) I especially want to emphasize the honest compliments; without it the rest becomes inefficient - not to mention unfair.

The scope of this article goes far beyond music education, and shows a civilized and civilizing mind. Good work!

Dan Ellsworth (e-mail, bio), Editor, "Christianity - Protestant"

-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth

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» Deborah_Jeter - What a wonderful surprise to drop in on such appreciative and en

What a wonderful surprise to drop in on such appreciative and enthusiastic comments. All I can say is WoW! Thanks so much!

Karen, it is indeed hard to keep a perspective when emotions are running as hot as they do at times in dealing with parents who simply don't understand how their child can "act" or behave in such ways that bring negative attention and negative results to the overall learning environment. It seems that some parents believe that their children behave the way they do at home, in the school environment, and as we educators know, that isn't always so. I must reiterate that when dealing with a parent that is, less than calm, it is always best to have someone as a mediator present. I learned the hard way on that point and ended up in a most unprofessional way, which was red-faced and in tears!

David, what a kind thing for you to be willing to share this article. It's exactly what I had hoped folks would do. This article came to me as sheer inspiration. I could liken it to what you must experience in writing some of your children's songs. I sat down one day a few weeks ago and it just spilled out effortlessly. I am very happy that you have found it worthy of sharing.

And Dan, last, but most definitely not least, I thank you for your kind words. It is nice to receive compliments on one's work and I appreciate your taking the time to add your kind comments. You have quite a wonderful way with words, yourself, friend. :-)

Thanks to all for dropping by and especially for being so receptive to this ol' music teacher's nuggets of, well, to put it one way... lessons learned.

Deborah Jeter

Music Education Editor

and Education Managing Editor

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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» Dan_Ellsworth - Deborah, sometimes I drop in looking for something within my (no

Deborah, sometimes I drop in looking for something within my (not-very-musical) comprehension, as I think you have a sound and wide-ranging mind. Although not a political twin of Newt Gingrich, I must credit him with one of the best titles I've ever seen on an autobiographical work, Lessons Learned The Hard Way. Now that such a brilliant title is taken, the rest of us just have to do what we can, under other titles. I appreciate your willingness to share "Lessons Learned" - whether the hard way or not.

I appreciate the compliment on my writing. Now I think I'll try to get and post the file for my latest church newsletter article, "Reflections on a Mountain Lion Bite." Good reviews from my own sons! That's a trip!

Dan Ellsworth (e-mail, bio), Editor, "Christianity - Protestant"

-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth

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» ThomasR_5 - Thomas Robertson I haven't given much thought to the subject

Thomas Robertson

I haven't given much thought to the subject of
parent-teacher conferences. You may notice that there aren't any articles on the subject over on my corner of Suite 101. I guess that's because my macho ego insists on proving that I am capable of doing the entire job by myself.

Thanks for the link.

-- posted by ThomasR_5

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» Deborah_Jeter - Well, Thomas, I guess if all the students are behaving themselve

Well, Thomas, I guess if all the students are behaving themselves from abiding by those great classroom discipline tips that you have as your topic area, you wouldn't have much need for an article such as this. One never knows though, because the 'truth' is often seen differently, according to each individual, so it might be a good link to keep handy to be on the safe side. ;-)

Thanks for dropping by!

Deborah Jeter

Music Education Editor

and Education Managing Editor

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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» Deborah_Jeter - Daniel, I welcome your visits as well as your comments, anytime.

Daniel, I welcome your visits as well as your comments, anytime. Reflections on a Mountain Lion bite, sounds like it's going to be a dandy. I come up with all sorts of images in regard to that title. It's a good title, makes me want to know what happen!! Thanks for your kind observations in regard to my "sound and wide-ranging mind". Sometimes, I actually experience, a moment of clarity! ;-)

Deborah Jeter

Music Education Editor

and Education Managing Editor

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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