Parent Teacher Conference - Caleb Edition

I went to Caleb's conference yesterday morning. I only met with is MSS (Math, Science, Social Studies) teacher - she is also his homeroom teacher. His grades for those three classes are 99, 101 and 99. Of course, these are also the subjects he enjoys the most.

I am so happy with his teachers this year. You know those teachers that you just want to keep your kids with forever. The ones that really understand your child and why they do what they do and how to help them when they struggle and how to encourage them, even on the smallest things.....that is what he has this year!

His MSS teacher used to be a GT teacher, so she knows exactly what to do with him to keep him on task and his interest up. She is actually pushing him through a lot of 6th grade work, while still teaching most of the class where they should be. She said Caleb does a great job at challenging the class (and her) with his questions. For example, when they were working on number placement Caleb raised his hand and asked what the biggest number was. That night they had bonus work that was to find the largest number. Of course, Caleb does this before he even does him homework he HAS to have. She said usually when he ask questions she doesn't know the answer to she has him go to the computer right then and research it.

They were learning about Physics in Science a couple of weeks ago. Around that same time Paul had pulled some boxes out of the attic and was throwing stuff out. He came across his Physics and Chemistry college books. He was going to throw them out, but Caleb asked for them. He took them to school the next day and was very excited to tell his teacher he had them. She was excited that he had brought them and there was actually stuff in it that SHE was teaching.

His ELA teacher also encourages him but in different way. He doesn't really care for these subjects. At this point, his spelling words he does not even look at until the day before his test when he has to either write the words 5 times each or take a practice test and get it signed. He always chooses the practice test and I think he has only missed three words all year on the practice test...he has gotten 100 on every test.

When Caleb is bored in her class, between words being called out or whatever on test, he draws on his paper. She ALWAYS comments on his drawings. Whether it is a "interesting picture" or "funny story through your drawing" or, my personal favorite "you will have to explain this one to me!!" He had had teachers in the past that have gotten on to him for doing this, which is understandable to a point. Her approaching it this way she is acknowledging (and encouraging) that he is trying to stay out of trouble by filling his time doodling. It is also encouraging his enjoyment of art :)

I would just LOVE for these teachers to move to sixth grade next year. SIXTH GRADE....I will have a junior high student. OMG!!!