PUNK YOUR PARENTS

This brilliant idea from middle school art teacher Daphne Draa is a terrific motivational tool: 

"I list three to four habits of mind that I will be observing and evaluating on the board for that class. 'Collaborative', 'Uses time effectively to meet daily goals,' 'Gives and receives feedback from others.' (Of course these skills have been taught/modeled prior.)

 At the end of the class, I choose two students that have demonstrated these goals well. 

We call their parents. 

The class listens and is very quiet. I start by saying, 'Sorry to bug you during the day, I know we are all busy, but during Art, Jane demonstrated some behaviors that I need to talk to you about....' 

Then, I list how great they did meeting the goals. Parents are used to a 'compliment sandwich' and are waiting for the HOWEVER.... which doesn't come. 

I end.... they stutter... wait, usually ask 'AND'? 

Then the rest of the class yells....'HIP HIP HOORAY for JANE!' 

By the second semester, I stop picking and turn that over to the class - they observe each other and recommend each other. 

I keep track, so by the end of the year I have called each student's home at least twice with good news. 

This is so easy and has had countless benefits. Parents see me as someone who values positive interactions and sees good in their child, therefore when I DO have to call about problems, they are WAY more receptive. 

When I am talking to them the kids are listening intently- I am descriptive about how Jane demonstrated the habits of mind - therefore recapping for the students too! 

The kids LOVE this. I mean LOVE it. I will have students arrive and tell me, 'Jane is having a bad day... if I help her do good in here, will you call her mom?,' to 'My dad is sick and needs some good news, I am going to work really hard for him today.' Seriously. 

PS: I also let the kids choose who we call.... not always a 'parent' that is just a generic term. One kid had me call the principal, who then came up to the art room and gave that kid the biggest hug with genuine tears in his eyes. 'I needed that more than you know,' 'Me too!' Yes friends, me too."

by Daphne Draa