What Students Say, What They Mean, What You Can Do

I made this graph around 9 years ago when I was finding that the majority of students and parents were saying the same thing every parent conference, every phone call, every year. Middle school can be a big challenge and change for parents and students. I read the list of "what students say" to a classroom of students and they almost said "what they mean" word for word, so I know I am on to something. My principal liked it so much they used some of the comments in their yearly presentation to new students & parents, but I thought the information might help other families too, so I posted the list here. Hope it gives you a good laugh or some great insight to some common school issues.

“Teachers open the door…you enter by yourself.” Chinese Proverb

What Students Say I don’t have HW The teacher doesn’t like me The teacher didn’t tell me I didn’t know I didn’t understand “it” The teacher wouldn’t help me I forgot or I forgot “it” I never failed a test before.  I was an A student. I couldn’t find it. I don’t have a pencil/pen/paper I turned it in My parent had a hard time helping me I didn’t do it or it wasn’t my fault I wasn’t talking

What They Mean Of course I have HW.  I don’t want to do it. I don’t like the teacher.  I get in trouble with my teacher for not following their procedures.  I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t bother asking the teacher. I wasn’t listening.  I didn’t bother asking the teacher. I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t trying.  I didn’t bother asking the teacher I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t bother asking the teacher.  I asked for help at the wrong time. I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t bother asking the teacher.  I didn’t want to.  I’m lazy. The transition to middle school is difficult & I’m struggling.  Or, I am more interested in social networking I lost it, it’s somewhere in my messy backpack, I never did it. I didn’t tell my parents what I need for school or that I ran out.  Didn’t want to get it.  I’m lazy. I lost it, it’s somewhere in my messy backpack, I never did it. I didn’t put my name on it. Parent didn’t understand the assignment or was too tired to do it with me.  I didn’t ask my parents. I don’t want to take responsibility for my actions.  I was involved somehow & don’t want the blame I was talking. I don’t consider it talking.  I was involved somehow & don’t want the blame. My eyes & body were not toward the teacher

What You Can Do Check your student’s handbook.  Students are required to write their HW in their handbook. Teachers enjoy the diversity of personalities in the room, but they have to uphold their classroom procedures.  If you need clarification on a consequence, please contact the teacher. Encourage your student to speak to the teacher Encourage your student to speak to the teacher Encourage your student to speak to the teacher Encourage your student to speak to the teacher Encourage your student to speak to the teacher. Work with your student on staying organized. Encourage your student to speak to the teacher.  Attend tutoring when available.  Work with your student on developing studying skills & staying organized. Work with your student on staying organized. Work with your student on staying organized. Work with your student on staying organized.  Check your student’s handbook.  Students are required to write their HW in their handbook. Be available to guide and encourage your student.  Students need to complete the work on their own now that they are in middle school Teachers enjoy the diversity of personalities in the room, but they have to uphold their classroom procedures.  Teachers enjoy the diversity of personalities in the room, but they have to uphold their classroom procedures.

·         “What Students Say” are responses given by what parents and teachers hear the most in school

·         “What They Mean” are responses given by parents, teachers, and verified by students

·         “What You Can Do” are responses given by teacher and administrators to help parents guide and motivate their children from home as part of the effort for teachers, students, and parents to work together for student’s to be successful in the classroom.