Who knows what this is? Recently I took the time and signed up for my student-led conference with my gr7 son. At our schools here in BC, it is common to have the 2nd term conference be a “student” led one in which your child takes you, the parent, through the classroom and shows you samples of their work from their different subjects.

This is HANDS DOWN some of my MOST PRECIOUS time I ever have with my children talking about school. In particular this child as he (at 13) isn’t always the most forthcoming with what he is doing in class.

We sit, just the 2 of us, as he takes me piece by piece through samples of his work. I ask questions, probe him for further explanations about the why, the how, the what was the most challenging part, what did he enjoy most about that assignment, what connections did he make to his own life...SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.

I find out what stories they are reading in class. I read his reflections on these books. It gives me an insight into how his brain is working & where his maturity is around different topics is. I can find out where he may be struggling and how I might be able to support him at home. I find out what he is doing in math/science/art and he shows me his projects.

I urge you to do the same. Don’t just show up, look at the assignments and say “wow, great work”. Especially with your less talkative children! Have them show you, have them explain to you, have them share as much as you can get out of them by asking open ended questions! It is truly such a precious 60mins (I tend to go over the allotted 30mins😳)that I enjoy so much. It is such a special time between the 2 of us that gives me incredible insight into the hours and hours he spends away from me when he is at school.

So? Do you know what my picture is of? Drop a comment below if you think you’ve got it! Don’t be shy ☺️ I had never seen it before this day! I learnt something new and he had the experience of gettting to teach me something!