Parent teacher interviews

Parent teacher interviews were today. They have been the source of much stress and excitement for the past couple days....ever since report cards finished! Hmmm...something always seems to take the place of things that were stressful. Anyways, the children went home at 12:30 pm today, and interviews were on a walk in basis from 2-4, 5-7.

I asked a bunch of the other teachers what they were doing for interviews and they were very helpful. I took ideas from each teacher and prepared for my interviews. I must say, taking their ideas was very helpful!

I had all of the children's work out for the parents to see. When they came in, I picked up their child's pile of work and we went through it at my desk. First, we went through the things that the child had done with their previous teacher. Next, I showed the parents the child's Language arts folder, and explained the way that I was teaching them...using the Jolly Phonics program. some of the children were present for the interview and I asked them to demonstrate to mom and dad what we have been doing in class. Then we looked at their math folder and I explained what we were doing in math. We also looked at their dictation book. And then question time!

Most of the questions were about whether or not their child would go to grade one. We have a grade in between grade one called, "primary readiness". I had lots of comments from parents about their children coming home and singing the songs we have been learning, saying their sounds and doing each sound's action. Many of the parents told me stories about their child at home, and what they like to do at home. The interviews went well. I had no uncomfortable moments. The parents were great, and all spoke well enough English that I did not need Colinda to translate at all for me! I am happy that it is over, and I don't know what I was stressing about.

I had way more parents than either Colinda or I were expecting. we thought, 10 max. I had 18 of my students parents show up! 3 of them were of students I have never met...parents coming to assure me they would start to send their children. Parents also get to fill out raffle tickets after each interview, and at the end of the evening, there are a bunch of prizes they can win....I think we drew about 20 names from the box. I think we do this to promote the parents coming to the interviews. It works though!


After was the dinner and a movie in the gym. It was really disappointing to see how few people showed up for this grade eight fundraiser. I am not even sure that they broke even for the night. It was great service though! And the food was delicious. I give those young adults a huge high five for excellent effort.

Now, it is time to sleep. Another day is waiting to begin. My bed is calling my name. Have a wonderful day my friends. Until next time!