Meet the Teacher

For the first time ever, I went to a Parent-Teacher Conference but I wasn't the one dispensing information about the child. Today, I sat in the chair meant for the parent. It was a mighty tiny chair because the chairs are meant for bums much tinier.

When I told Evan that I was going to school to meet his teacher, he looked stricken, the same way I think I did when my mother announced that she was meeting my teacher. I suspect it was the fear that the teacher would reveal to me what shenanigans he and Jordan have been up to in class.

But he really had nothing to worry about. His report was all glow-y with stars, as was Jordan's although Jordan's was slightly less glow-y. I do suspect that had to do with the fact that there were other parents outside and the teachers had to cut it short.

Anyway, highlights I learnt about my children and about 4 months worth of mornings that they've spent out of the house.

Evan

1. He got himself locked in the bathroom because he was fiddling with the lock. Now he is terrified of shutting the door in the bathroom.

2. I have been encouraged to allow him to play more at the playground because he tends to trip and fall a lot. Apparently, less coordinated than his sister. (I found that bizarre because the boy can jump and swing like a little chimpanzee)

3. The boy shows initiative and goes up to the teacher to ask for work to do. (VERY NOT ME!)

4. He is neat and takes care of his things, making sure his water bottle is packed and his bag is all zippered up.

5. He does not fight with his sister or anyone else for that matter. (I hope it stays this way)


















Jordan

1. Even the teachers know that she likes pink. They tell me she is girly.

2. She shows no fear. She is bold and will go where no child has gone.

3. She is a dreamer. It takes a long time to get her to do anything because she's off thinking about something else.

4. She loves books and will spend all her time "reading" if she had a choice.

5. She is a scatter-brain and needs to be told repeatedly to pack her bottle and do things. (Translation: Mrs Tan, your daughter is ditzy)

So, there, my children's report in a nutshell.

The teachers repeatedly assure me that they are well-behaved, quiet, cooperative and independent. They tell me my children are bright and doing well. They tell me that both of them are musical, pick up words of songs very quickly and love singing.

Am I surprised by what I am told? Some of it, yes. Evan seems the one who is more difficult to pin down and do things with at home. In school, he is different. Some of it, no. Jordan a contradiction in herself. Girly and ditzy but assertive and independent.

I ask if they have friends. I am told they play together most of the time. I tell the teachers that Evan speaks of an Oliver. The teachers' tone change. They sigh and go "Oh, Oliver. Everyone knows Oliver."

Having been on the other side of the table, I am able to surmise that Oliver is the one that they find challenging. I am just thankful I did not have to teacher-read into what I was told about Evan and Jordan. Or perhaps, I blissfully ignored all the euphemistic ways of telling me bad things about my children.


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