How are you?

What are you working on?

How can I help?

These are my new FAQ’s. Yesterday, inspired by one of my Twitter follows Amy Fast, an assistant principal in Oregon, who encouraged us to ask students how they are doing, I made a small tweak to my conferencing-with-kids approach.

In an ongoing, not-always-easy effort to create time for one-on-one conferences with my kiddos, I recently created a schedule to meet with half my kids each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I want this to be an intentional must in our classroom culture, a sacred routine. I have come close many times to making it so, but I have allowed “things” to get in the way, and we end up with more misses than hits, and…well, it’s never quite stuck. This year I vowed to make it so, and with only 65 days ahead, I think–maybe–I moved closer to making my must a reality, and Amy helped.

Keepin’ It Simple

Past efforts have often gotten bogged down with my trying to make the experience too formal: keeping record, tracking data, etc. And while these things carry value, they also create cumbersome, often clumsy conversations. And, as I am woefully aware, such things have ruined the routine–before it even became a routine. So, after further processing and reflecting on Amy’s tweet, I decided to make it simple.

First, I wanted to set a different tone. “Conference” sounds so formal. So, I changed the name to “Sittin’ with Sy.” Names matter, and I wanted one that would set an easy tone with my kiddos.

Next, I considered what I wanted the content of the conversation to include. Already, a staunch believer of the people in the room being the most important thing in the room (Smiles and Frowns), I wanted to start with the person in the conference. “How are you?” It’s not that I didn’t already “check in” with my kids, but I wanted it to be clear to all that this is where it all begins. From there, it really comes down to two things: work and help. “What are you working on?” “How can I help.” Simple.

Finally, I had to protect time. So, I used a timer–have done this in the past, but I am renewing my “get-to-everyone” vow, so I have to use the timer. Three minutes seems to be just about right–give or take.

Yesterday, I sat with a fourth of my kids. I asked them how they were doing, what they were working on, and how I could help. I will sit with another fourth today, and I will once again keep it simple. Just me and the kids talking. Simple.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns

…drafting our “This is me” introductions

…sittin’ with Sy

…reflecting in our Journey Journals

…discussing Why with Sy

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.