Message from E

As part of my work with SelfDesign,(SD) I receive reports weekly from parents about their learners' experiences during the week. It's a really fun part of the job because the reports act as a dialogue, and I respond in writing each week. It's like writing letters back and forth about the learners. I hear about their triumphs, their trials, their challenges, and their reactions to things going on around them. I can offer observations, advice if it's asked for- support and I get to be the cheering section much of the time.

When I was in the system, we had Agendas, Ministry issued dayplanners for kids- and often it became a back and forth book for some students who needed extra support with organization. The weekly reports in SD allow much more meaningful communication about the learner- more than just keeping track of homework. (which happily doesn't exist in SD!) Of course- I don't have a teaching load so I have the time to do the writing- and also it is what I get paid to do.

Imagine my happy surprise when this week I received a report written completely by E- the student who did the reading clinic with me over the internet! If you recall, she really struggled with reading and writing... the format was slightly different from the usual, in that it was far more whimsical and involved answering questions designed to inspire ( ex:"What made your heart flutter this week?" We have the most amazing learning consultants- and one creates report templates now and then to change things up and to encourage everyone to think about learning in a different way. This report was using one of her templates.) I was tickled that E. was able to, and wanted to send her own report. It was a really special exchange.