This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Someone to Lsten
Besides my HSTE classes I have had several Study Skills classes last year & this year. The class is called FIT, freshman in transition, and is geared to students who are not special ed, but have struggled in middle school. It is a place for them to track grades, have me keep on them about missing grades, ans stay on top of homework. This semester I have one student in particular who is struggling. She is quiet, has a hard time with staying on task on occasion, & is behind because of absences. I have tried to talk with her several times about home life, but never connected. On Monday she looked so sad I decided to try again. Sit down one on one & just ask- and a gusher comes out. Mom had started drinking again, dad travels a lot, and she is left home to parent herself. No wonder school work is not a priority. We had a great talk, found out we had a lot in common . Strategies were discussed, referrals were made. She came in today, immediately took out work, showed me things that were finally completed. She had a great smile & sense of accomplishment. She volunteered some things that had happened at home. I hope it lasts, but if not we will continue to make sure she has what she needs to succeed. I will continue to listen.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteThat is great to hear. That is what teaching is all about, making a difference. It is difficult to take time with a specific student because of all the other responsibilities but I am so glad that you were able to do that with this student. It is amazing what all our students are going through. Some of my students live in shelters (not because of the flood but just in general) and have no quiet time to really concentrate on their work.
I think it is great how you handled it because we want to care about our students but we cannot just hand them a grade, they have to earn it. I always tell my students to be proactive rather than reactive which is what you taught that girl. She will be able to come to you with problems and they can be addressed and together you can come up with solutions.
Great job Emily!!!!!
Hi, Emily - a very special post about reaching out and touching a student in a powerful way - I love that you will continue to listen! Staying tuned in to your students is so key - keep it up!
ReplyDeleteEmily, Don't you just love your job?! It is moments like the ones you described that makes me want to do what I do every day. Sometimes we are the one positive influence our students see on a consistent basis. The amount of time it took you to listen to her added so much value to that student's existence. You go girl and keep it up!
ReplyDelete