Here is a great photo story about “Who I Am Makes A Difference” that you guys might enjoy!

click here to read the whole story : http://www.helpothers.org/story.php?sid=9267

 This interview was made with a parent from my class:

1. Were you working before you got married?

No I wasn’t, I got married immediately after I graduated from college, then I started working 4 months after marriage.

      2. Do you think it is important for mothers to stay working or they are supposed to be housewives?

Well , well, well , I think every mother is a working mom, but, for working mothers , it is so challenging and stressful when it comes to balancing between  career and family. Although work offers us enjoyment and fulfillment we experience from work itself as well as satisfaction of accomplishing a specific ambition and financial support for the family, we have to always put in mind that our kids are the most important thing in life and always have to be the priority. BUT it is always the QUALITY OF TIME and NOT the QUANTITY  ( how much time) we spend with our kids that matters, as well as how well we organize our time and daily schedule. I like my job very much, but sometimes I wonder if I would have given more time and care for my kids in case I was a house wife. For example, sometimes I wish I could pick up my kids from school more often, and feel fresh and relaxed as they reach home so I can spend the rest of the day with them, at a time when I come back home after a very busy working day feeling exhausted, stressed and in a need of a (one-hour) nap badly.

   Wait… there’s more to read, click!

Tomorrow i have parents conference and i was thinking of a nice setup to make parents feel special. First I will be using the music CD “Silence of Peace” by John Levine as a background music. Then i will set a table with 2 chairs for Mom and Dad and another one for me. I will put chocolate or candy in a basket and 2 small candles the scented ones on the side.

I will be handing out a form for the parents that they need to fill where the parent will mention her kids weakness and strengths and things she thinks she can work on.

Click here to get the form: conference form

and here is another thing i want hand out it’s for parents in helping them turn their words in to gold you will know what i am talking about if you click here:

words to gold

I have a very shy student in my class and she never answers or participates with class discussions. However, her grades are very good and they would be even better if she participates and expresses herself.

If she wants to go to the bathroom she comes to me while everyone is looking away and doesn’t even ask. She just shakes and puts her legs closer together meaning “May i go to the bathroom? ” It bothers me because i know she has potential to excel.

I’m sure many teachers go through the same issue and parents are concerned which is why you should read this post it can be very helpful:

Tips for helping a shy student:

1. Point out to students when good communication behaviors have occurred and why they are good behaviors. This should be done for all students. Do not single out shy students or label anyone as shy.

2. Never make fun of students. Don’t put students on the spot and keep them there while everyone watches them squirm. Have individual conferences with students to get to know them and find out about them as communicators.

3. Divide your class up into small peer groups for some activities. It is often much easier for a student to come out of his or her shell when there are fewer people to do it in front of.

4. Seat your shy student by some of your more friendly and talkative students. Of course, pay attention to whether or not the shy student starts to come more out of his or her shell… or retreat back into it. Sometimes it can help to be around someone who forces you to talk to them, but sometimes it can cause more anxiety.

How can parents help:

Don’t . . .

• Cross the street to avoid people you are too nervous to see.
• Embarrass your child in public.
• Criticize people in public.
• Berate yourself for having failed when you try things and they don’t turn out the way you would like.
• Berate your children when they make a mistake. 

Arrange play dates for your children when they are young and seek out safe places for your children to interact with others and practice social skills as they get older (e.g., volunteer work, tutoring younger children, clubs and other structured activities with supportive group leaders).