I tell my students that the best personal stories are the ones that allow the readers to learn the best things about them, and their families. I try to have them pick good emotion stories, where their writing makes others happy as well. On the caution side, I start by saying I wear sweat pants, and a T shirt when I get home. Many times my clothes are stained because I work around the house, or drop food on them (hence a good reason to change). I never want my children to tell people about my stained clothes because it would make me feel embarrassed. Any story they share should always be stories that do not embarrass family, and friends.
I ask students to read their stories to their parents first; so, they know exactly what is written, and can also help remember more details (and parents can also say... don’t share that). Finally, I let students know that I share their writing with their parents.
Finally - (I worked with 2nd - 4th graders for 6 years), I let students know that it can help to write about things that make them feel sad, but if they are private, they should not bring them, or write them in school. By law, I must report any story where children might be abused. I try hard not to put students in the situation where a story can break their family apart. Truthfully, if I believe a student is being abused, I hand off that issue to the Principle, or the guidance counselor. If abuse is involved, I am not specialized enough to ask the right questions (I have read it is possible to implant memories, as well as put suggestions into a child’s mind.)
Here is my limited experience from working with other teachers - some are nosey, some are looking for danger around every corner, one has an agenda (that I do not agree with); however , most are caring.
Agenda teacher - not much I can do here, but carefully advise parents (not being able to come out and say it), but I say things like ,”she does a good job teaching social issues like ...”. I have also shared with parents what books are being read in the rooms. Enough parents push back on the agenda where I feel less agenda is caught... I hate I can’t do more.
BTW - if a different teacher than your child’s teacher ever talks to you in the hallway, and makes some off the cuff comments that make you wonder, ask more questions. That teacher probably went out of their way to both let you know, and find out if you agree with the agenda...
What insight you have. Your students are truly lucky to have someone teaching them that cares so much. Many teachers these days parrot Marxist talking points and don’t know the impact they are having. Those students may not always appreciate what you are doing right now, but it will always stay with them. “Teach them while they are young and they will surely return to it” (paraphrasing but it is very true)
I tell my students that the best personal stories are the ones that allow the readers to learn the best things about them, and their families. I try to have them pick good emotion stories, where their writing makes others happy as well. On the caution side, I start by saying I wear sweat pants, and a T shirt when I get home. Many times my clothes are stained because I work around the house, or drop food on them (hence a good reason to change). I never want my children to tell people about my stained clothes because it would make me feel embarrassed. Any story they share should always be stories that do not embarrass family, and friends.
I ask students to read their stories to their parents first; so, they know exactly what is written, and can also help remember more details (and parents can also say... don’t share that). Finally, I let students know that I share their writing with their parents.
Finally - (I worked with 2nd - 4th graders for 6 years), I let students know that it can help to write about things that make them feel sad, but if they are private, they should not bring them, or write them in school. By law, I must report any story where children might be abused. I try hard not to put students in the situation where a story can break their family apart. Truthfully, if I believe a student is being abused, I hand off that issue to the Principle, or the guidance counselor. If abuse is involved, I am not specialized enough to ask the right questions (I have read it is possible to implant memories, as well as put suggestions into a child’s mind.)
Here is my limited experience from working with other teachers - some are nosey, some are looking for danger around every corner, one has an agenda (that I do not agree with); however , most are caring.
Agenda teacher - not much I can do here, but carefully advise parents (not being able to come out and say it), but I say things like ,”she does a good job teaching social issues like ...”. I have also shared with parents what books are being read in the rooms. Enough parents push back on the agenda where I feel less agenda is caught... I hate I can’t do more. BTW - if a different teacher than your child’s teacher ever talks to you in the hallway, and makes some off the cuff comments that make you wonder, ask more questions. That teacher probably went out of their way to both let you know, and find out if you agree with the agenda...
What insight you have. Your students are truly lucky to have someone teaching them that cares so much. Many teachers these days parrot Marxist talking points and don’t know the impact they are having. Those students may not always appreciate what you are doing right now, but it will always stay with them. “Teach them while they are young and they will surely return to it” (paraphrasing but it is very true)