Parent/teacher conferences provide the opportunity to connect with families and share information regarding student progress. The intention is always to engage in conversation and discussion in a way that improves partnerships, trust, and relationships. However, it's not always easy to find the right words and communicate in a way that helps accomplish this goal. For some, this comes easy, for others, not so much! Even with the best of intentions, we sometimes fall short because of the language we choose. How does this apply in our language choice with our students? How often do we reflect on and carefully choose what we say and how we say it relative to our intended outcomes or goals?
This last week, I came across the release of a new book,
"What We Say, and How we Say It Matter" by Mike Anderson. It's only available for pre-order but you can read an excerpt
here and get the just of the content. It captured my interest, not only because I often reflect on my own language use and always strive to be a better communicator, but also because I think it's an area that doesn't receive a lot of attention in undergraduate and graduate education courses, however, can have a huge impact on others. It caused me to also think about our vision and how we are "preparing our students to thrive in an ever-changing world" and how language use plays a key role.
In the book, the author recognizes that we use language with the best of intentions, however, what we end up using undermine the goals. See the chart below for a few examples shared in the book.
I can relate as I know I have made some of those same comments to students when I was a teacher and principal. Although I had the best of intentions, I can see why I missed the mark in aligning with my intended goals. I appreciate the rationale for shifting our language, the research and the examples offered in this first chapter of this book. It was enough to make me reflect and want to share it with all of you. I'm not advocating that you purchase the book, the first chapter is free, worth reading, and will promote reflection.
I have ordered the book and would be willing to share some of the examples/insights in future blogs if you would find it helpful. I can see how this information could improve the conative skills students apply in teaming as well as supporting students through productive struggle! I'm excited to learn more!
Here is the
link again in case you lost it in the content above. Check it out!
Although Dr. Mancini's position changed this year to the Director of Assessment and Accountability, it has not impacted her passion for literacy and willingness to spread the love of reading in any way possible. She is currently directly involved with the Nebraska State Literacy Association and will be leading an online book study that involves others from around the state! She often tweets out and motivates others to share what they are reading as well as accepting any opportunity to read to students! She is very good at this, by the way! Feel free to invite her to your classrooms!
