Yesterday, I asked my kids to take home a letter to their parents. In the letter I highlighted the things that I want them to know about me and my classroom as I accept responsibility for their children’s journey in 206 this year. I shared the letter in yesterday’s post. Today, I will share the highlighted sentiments from the letter.

What I want you to know.

I want you to know that I care about your child.

I want you to know that in my room I want your child to feel connected, empowered, valued, respected, challenged, and supported.

I want you to know that communication between us is important.

I want you to know that I believe that your child owns her/his learning.

I want you to know that I value learning over grading.

I want you to know that I understand the strain that homework can place on you and your child.

I want you to know my approach to life and teaching: Do. Reflect. Do Better.

Tonight, at our Open House, I will ask parents to share what they want me to know. As they enter my room, I will hand them an index card, asking them to write down what they want me to know, to understand about their child. And as I am giving my ten-minute spiel on my class, I hope in earnest they share with me some valuable information about the most important thing in their lives. I hope they see our relationship as a partnership in helping their youngster navigate adolescent life. I hope they sense that I above all care deeply about their child’s well-being in my classroom.

Of course, my unorthodox methods are not always readily received by some parents–they too have been conditioned to expect and accept more conventional approaches, so they harbor some skepticism at the outset, but I hope with some time and effort, they come around to seeing what I am trying to do for their kids. On the other hand, many warmly welcome my approach, especially the freedom of flexibility and the promise of possibility. Either way, either group of parents, I have my work cut out for me to earn and keep their trust. And that’s why I am here every day, publishing my classroom, learning my way, chasing my better.

It’s work I welcome.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will…

…begin with Smiles and Frowns.

…finish up Anticipation Guide for Freedom Writers

…view the first segment of Freedom Writers, looking for examples of division and connection,

…reflect in our Journey Journals.

…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Wednesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.