What Did You Do In School Today?

Does this sound familiar?

You:  What did you do in school today?
Child: Nothing.
You:  Did you learn anything?
Child: I don't know.
You:  Did you have fun? Did you play with friends?
Child: Yep.

It's like pulling teeth! And this is really the main purpose of this blog - I want to give you a peek into your child's life at school. When you see pictures of their faces so lit up, or deep in concentration - you will know that "something" is definitely happening during the hours they are away from you.

One thing we used to do when our son was little was to have a "best part, worst part" discussion over dinner. My husband and I would go first, and would share a good thing that happened, as well as a not-so-good thing. (This was also a way for us to model positive thinking about the "worst part", as we helped each other problem solve or to realize it wasn't so horrible.) Our son would then be much more willing and able to think about at least two specific things that he could share - and of course this often led to even more details about his day.

I found this poem that I thought said it well. I don't know who the author is, but I'm willing to bet it was an elementary school teacher.

Nothing

If you ask your child 
“What did you do today?” 
Don’t be surprised 
If they have “nothing” to say. 

The question is so big, 
There was so much to do, 
So hard to remember, 
Too much to tell you. 

It was really a busy and complicated day 
So “nothing” comes out, 
Though there’s so much to say. 

So for more information 
It’s better to say, 
“Did you hear a story?” 
“Did you paint today?” 

Please help them remember what it was about 
And before you know it, more things will pour out. 
Ask for specifics about things that they do; 
You’ll love hearing the things that 
Your child will tell you!