Parent-Teacher Conference

I talked to Mrs. G about J today. I think she was surprised that I wanted a conference with her, because she isn't having problems with J. Maybe it's because I'm a first-time parent, but I want to talk to her just so I know what's going on from the teacher's perspective.

She seemed a tiny bit defensive, probably because most of her Spring conferences are only if the parent thinks there are problems. She said that she still has to coach J on how to do things, and showed me his journal. She looked through and found the word "robot." She remembered having to help him spell that. And she shows me his handwriting, saying it still needs work. "Of course, it's way better than the other kids..." I got the feeling that she was trying to prove that she can still teach J something. Like he's not perfect yet. I hope I didn't come across as though I think he is. Of course his writing can improve. He's 6! And of course he doesn't know how to spell everything. Just because he can do a lot of things like a 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th grader doesn't mean he does everything as well as a 2nd, 3rd, or 5th grader. I think I need to show my appreciation for her more, so she'll realize I do think she's doing a great job.

I asked her about friends. She says J has lots of friends. She mentioned that he seems to be bored at times, and ends up being social because of it. It's not a big problem, though.

She says that she knows where I'm coming from, because she has seven kids who were all gifted. I asked her, "What did you do?" She said they were in the GATE program and they did lots of stuff at home. While the sound of that stresses me out, I realized on the way home that "enrichment" is a natural part of our family life. I don't even remember what our discussion was about, but both J and Z were engrossed, asking questions, and sharing their ideas. And it was rather deep, if I remember correctly.

J read a book to Z out in the hall while we were waiting for our turn. When we were leaving, Mrs. G walked us out. I turned the book to the page where he'd left off, and asked if he wanted to finish it before we went home. He did read it, but silently. Mrs. G flipped it open to a random page and asked J to read it to her, and he freaked out! His eyes got wide and he fell on the floor, the equivalent of hiding behind my skirt, I think. That surprised me, because J has no qualms about reading to our immediate family or his grandparents. He had no problem giving a short talk in church, either. And that was in front of about 50 people! I guess J really has no opportunity to show his stuff in his classroom, which I suspected was the case. How often would he have the chance to read the word "viciously" in the books his class is reading? (it was in the book he read in the hall, though) How often would he have the chance to show that he can multiply when the other kids are learning how to count past 30?

While I think he's doing fine in his class, I know that he has needs that aren't being met. He could learn so much more if he weren't the only kid like him.