Can you believe it - June is here and there are only a few weeks until summer break. How can music teachers make the most as the school year comes to a close? In the previous exploration, we examined the practicality of Student Report Cards. This time around, let’s take a look at Parent Check Ins as an another way to get the most from this important time of year.
For Parent Check Ins - I meet with parents for 15 minutes during the first or second week of their child’s June lesson schedule. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to what parents have to say and to share with them my own reflections from the Student Report Cards. Most often, there's a remarkably direct connection between parents’ thoughts and the Student Report Cards. It’s a great way to reinforce that parents and teachers both have something to contribute to students’ ongoing development. On many occasions, parents express their appreciation for being included in this way, remarking that no one - not even their child’s classroom teacher - has ever asked for their input in such a manner.
I also incorporate the topics of Musical Goals, Life Skills, and Family Home Life as the framework for Parent Check Ins discussions. By including these topics in our discussions, I hope to make it clear that students’ musical achievements aren’t something separate from their family home life and who students are. When students decide on certain Musical Goals, it’s likely they’ll be using various Life Skills to assist. Or we may find that certain things like procrastination or frustration may be getting in the way. Knowing about Life Skills sheds light on students’ progress. With Family Home Life, it makes sense to celebrate their Musical Goals with home concerts as part of their family experiences. In this way, these three factors overlap and intersect in ways that stimulate students’ musical development. So, it’s important to meaningfully reflect on this dynamic combination.
As teacher, my role is to set up an environment of openness and reciprocal trust where it’s not about rolling out my own agenda, nor parents running the show. It’s about listening to each other for the student’s benefit. My responsibility to students and parents is to welcome them into meaningful ongoing reflective processes. Parent Check Ins are a practical way to include parents in reflecting on what’s working or what’s not working - so that when next September rolls around, we have a good idea of how we might continue to build on the previous year’s lessons.
Do you include Parent Check Ins in your yearly schedule? What are the benefits to you and your students?
