The more skilled we become at watching, listening, and sometimes simply waiting, the better we will become at supporting our students and fellow teachers. If we share the most interesting, and maybe  even  the least expected of our observations with colleagues, they will begin to do the same with us.

If we then also pass along to parents all that is appropriate (always respecting any issues of privacy) we will go a long way toward beginning to create a real learning community which ripples outward and inward, beyond the walls of our classrooms. Sometimes we can enlist the help of grandparents and others from a child’s extended family. Often they may have much information, insight and time to listen or share. When a  school becomes especially confident in their ability to train new teachers as observers, it could be valuable to offer similar training to parents, grandparents or other family members.

Even without a parent orientation class, if teachers or administrators can  explain an interaction with a child as it is happening, it can build a deeper understanding and appreciation for our methods.  Such a practice can be an important part of a school’s parent education process even when no formal program is in place.

Alertness is the hidden discipline  of familiarity-   David Whyte