Why Reaffirming Goals Works!

So, here's the deal about those goal letters: I was kind of --maybe just maybe --was a goal voyeur. Yup, I peeked at their goal letters before I sealed them and now I know my students' goals. Now, I have the task of reminding them constantly.

Of course, I have to remind them in ways that are sneaky. So, every first week of the learning period, I casually write on their academic plan (a paper defining their monthly progress) goals they can achieve for the month or reminders and words of encouragement. 

We will see how it goes, but so far, students have taken as much liking to it as any student would: with a very meh attitude. Of course, this is on the outside, so maybe on this inside they're happy someone reminds and encourages them of their progress.

In the meantime, I'm thinking about establishing other progress activities. For example, I can make a very large board with my students' names. Each time they earn a credit, they can a put a gold star by their name. It may just instill the spirit of competition. They may also see they're not alone in the progress they're making. 

What do you think? Do you think reaffirming goals works? Let me know in the comments section below!

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The Power of Rewording "No"

The other day, I emailed a student about her schedule for state testing.

The truth is: no one likes state testing. But, everyone in school has to do it. Failure to do so can land us all in hot water. So, our school stresses attendance. It is very verY VERY important that our students attend the state testing.

Now, one thing you want to remember as an Independent Studies teacher is that there is more than one way to communicate with your student and that you need to communicate events more than once. There's email, phone, google voice, google voice text, batman signal...You get the gist. You do this to CYA and because students forget stuff all the time. Brains suck sometimes and we've all been there when we forget something very important.

So, I had a student with whom I communicated via email who stated that she was going to be late to one of her state tests. I told her: "no" and "you will need to reschedule with your previous engagement and let them know you have to take this test."


Boy, did I feel like a jerk after that email. She's a good student and she tries very hard to balance her schoolwork with her personal life.

What I should have done was reworded my "No" to her. I could have asked: "Is there any way you can reschedule with your other engagement?" and "Can you tell them that this test is really important for graduating?" By asking her, I put the responsibility back into her hands. Now, not only does she understand I care about her future by saying this test is necessary to graduate, I also show her that she should care about her future. 

Always frame your interactions in a positive light. Some of your students have heard no all their lives. You can change their responses to you and to others by being positive. It's time they take accountability and responsibility for their future while you guide them along their way.

What are some positive phrases and interactions you have used with your students?

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5 Ways Mother's Day is a Reminder to Reach Out

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, including--but not limited to--doggy moms!

Let's take this Mother's Day to remind ourselves--as teachers--why it's important to reach out to our students' parents/guardians:

1. Parents love hearing the positives: From personal experience, parents hate hearing about the bad things their students do in the classroom. Unfortunately, as part of classroom management, the second best resource in your arsenal is a call home. And as a teacher, I would rather have a parent who hates hearing the bad things because at least they care enough to not be indifferent. But, did you know that parents also love hearing about the good things their students do? 

• You can call when a student's behavior has significantly improved.
• You can call when a student is very polite and helpful.
• You can call when a student creates exceptional work.

2. Parents need to know you care: Taking the time to call home shows you care about your student. You recognize them as an individual and it shows that teaching is your passion, not just a job.

3. Parents need to be updated: We're all busy. Parents are no exception. Keep them updated on events happening at your school. You don't always have to call, you can also email. Be sure to obtain emails from both your parents and students so that you can create an email contact list. Communication can include:

• weekly news blasts via email
• updates on standardized tests dates
• reminders of school appointments
• special events happening at school

4. Communicating is CYA: Saying something to a student in person is a surefire way for it to promptly be ignored. So, reach out to students' parents/guardians and your important message will get across.

5. Communications are mini Parent-Teacher conferences: Every time you reach out to your parents/guardians, you also conduct mini Parent-Teacher conferences. You can keep your student on task to graduate with constant, structured communication with parents and students. 

If your students are over 18 or not living at home, then do tread lightly when reaching out to a parent or guardian. However, if parents/guardians have shown moderate interest in their students, then reaching out is always an option. Remember to use your best judgement. 

Other ways to reach out are:

1. Google Voice
2. Remind App
3. Newsletters sent via mail
4. Posts/short letters home to promote the positive behavior your students have displayed in class.

How else can you communicate with your students? Share in the comments below!

More Ideas for New Student Intake

If you're looking for extra ways to get to know your brand new students, consider getting interactive!

• Show them an "About Me" Powerpoint presentation slide and have them make one of their own! 
• Have them discuss their "About Me" slide to you and during their speech, you can listen for their reading comprehension skills, background knowledge or any speech issues.
• They could even do a Piktochart
• Or a short movie
• Or an essay.

In all these interactive methods, you can further get to know their educational background and understanding, which will help you further personalize their education.

Check out this sample Interactive "About Me" slide and have students create one too!

What interactive method would you use?

Welcome Your New Students with a Welcome Letter!

In my teacher prep classes, there was one phrase that always stuck out to me:

Students perform for who they love.

If they love themselves, they will perform their best. If students love their parents, they will try to impress them. If they love their friends, teachers, tutors, pastors, etc., they will try to perform their best for those people.

Students crave performing their best for someone. It gives them purpose. So, what happens when a student doesn't love anyone? Not even themselves? That's the attitude you want to nip in the bud from the very beginning. Give your your students the structured environment that allows them to express themselves and get to know you while you get to know them. 

Provide them with a welcome letter on their very first day. This letter will set the tone for the rest of their time in independent studies. You can also provide pertinent information like:

• contact information
• a little bit about yourself and your life
• school rules
• their appointment time and hours.

See the attached link for a sample welcome letter!

What else can you add to your welcome letter?

Get to Know Your New Student

As an Independent Studies teacher, it's important to develop a individualized education environment with your student as soon as they start school with you. If you can personalize their experience, your student will be more likely to learn and develop the necessary skills to graduate. 

Get samples to start your Student / Parent questionnaire here! (link to Google drive)

What would you add to your questionnaire? Leave a comment below!

Ms. Ling.