It’s conference time at many of our schools and I want to encourage you to think of them in a new way, especially if you have a visual learner or child with ADD or ADHD. The teacher’s feedback on how your child is doing in the classroom is very important to hear, but there also needs to be a conversation on who your child is as a visual learner.
You need to approach parent-teacher conferences with a positive mindset. They’re such a valuable time to get to know what’s happening in the classroom and how your child’s doing. Visual kids are intelligent and creative, but often disorganized and distracted, which can make for some hard times in the classroom. Whatever you’re anticipating good or bad, schedule a time to go visit with teacher.
In episode 27 of Living Life as a Visual Thinker, I answer a parent email about a second grader whose school wanted to have him tested for ADD.
It’s a very intense time of year for the teachers with so many new faces to get to know and so many things to accomplish in the classroom – so how can you tell her how awesome your kid is without being thought of as one of those crazy moms !?
As much as we need to be sensitive to the needs and stresses visual learners face – it’s not time for excuses or a pity party. Visual learners are highly intelligent people that need some help understanding how their mind works and getting in sync with the educational system so they can thrive and really develop.
Supporting, enhancing and enriching your visual child’s experience at school comes down to you.
Something to remember as our visual learners go back to school and the methods of evaluation seem to reflect poorly on our innovative, creative, amazing children.
Going back to school can be a source of anxiousness for both you and your visual learner. I have 3 ways for you to help your child have a smooth transition back into a new classroom and new teacher and ease the tension you are both feeling.
