Dear Parents,
Hello!
I will be your child’s English teacher for the Fall Semester 2023. I am excited to be teammates with you and your child to achieve the best education possible. Work in my class will include reading, research, writing, brainstorming, and higher-level thinking.
I want to make sure you know that my classroom is open to you. Of course, we have to take appropriate safety measures for you to be in the building, but I am happy to have you join us in class at any time to observe.
You can reach me by Google Voice text (720.507.4027) or email to communicate questions or concerns. We can also set up an appointment to speak on the phone or in person.
I am looking forward to a memorable semester with your high schooler!
Sincerely,
Aerin Bender
Dakota Ridge High School
I will be your child’s English teacher for the Fall Semester 2023. I am excited to be teammates with you and your child to achieve the best education possible. Work in my class will include reading, research, writing, brainstorming, and higher-level thinking.
I want to make sure you know that my classroom is open to you. Of course, we have to take appropriate safety measures for you to be in the building, but I am happy to have you join us in class at any time to observe.
You can reach me by Google Voice text (720.507.4027) or email to communicate questions or concerns. We can also set up an appointment to speak on the phone or in person.
I am looking forward to a memorable semester with your high schooler!
Sincerely,
Aerin Bender
Dakota Ridge High School
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Make-Up Work TrackerAfter conversations at Parent-Teacher conferences, I know that some adults are worried about their children's missing work. Over the years, I have created a Google Sheets document to help facilitate communication around missing assignments. I thought I would offer it here in case it's a method you'd like to use.
1. Go to Make-Up Work Tracker. 2. Make a Copy! 3. Follow the "Tips" tab for set-up guidelines. I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me with questions. (You can also download versions for Microsoft Excel or OpenDocument. |
Planner RecommendationsI cannot emphasize enough the need for students to have one place they regularly record their assignments.
While students could enter assignments into their phone planners, research has shown that writing by hand promotes greater retention. I like the Global Datebooks planner shown to the right because there are both columns for dates and rows for each subject. And there are many different cover options! (Make sure you look for the one with the colorful bookmark.) (Also, in case you're wondering - nope. I don't get any kind of commission whatsoever for telling you about this. It's just truly my preference.) |
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Teenagers: Love 'Em or Leave 'Em?
I love teenagers.
Even the two I live with.
Of course, it's always easier to work with the ones we don't live with. According to the Search Institute, "young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate, and accept them." This includes receiving support from three or more nonparent adults.
As adults, we associate adolescence with moodiness and defiance, rather than seeing the challenges that our teens face as they grow into their own adult selves. The best advice I can give you is to be consistent in your expectations and overabundant in love and patience.
Even the two I live with.
Of course, it's always easier to work with the ones we don't live with. According to the Search Institute, "young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate, and accept them." This includes receiving support from three or more nonparent adults.
As adults, we associate adolescence with moodiness and defiance, rather than seeing the challenges that our teens face as they grow into their own adult selves. The best advice I can give you is to be consistent in your expectations and overabundant in love and patience.
While you are the only one who can really know what is best for your child, I'm including a list below of a few parenting books and articles I like to recommend. As always, you should only keep what you feel works for you.
- Drawing on perspectives from more than 3,500 teens, Harvard Project Zero researchers Emily Weinstein and Carrie James bring stories and data together for a powerful reframe of what teens are up against – and what teens need adults to understand.
- How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk - Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me & Cheryl to the Mall: A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager - Anthony Wolf
- "Quit Doing These 8 Things for Your Teen This Year if You Want to Raise an Adult"
- "Psychologists Recommend Children Be Bored in the Summer"
- "The Memo That All New Moms and Dads Should Receive"
- Search Institute's Developmental Asset Framework (these were invaluable for raising my own kids!)
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