I often have parents/grandparents/aunts/etc. come and have lunch with their kids. It's super sweet. However, I have a grandma that has come twice and then hung out in the classroom for awhile after lunch. Just hanging out, watching me teach. I feel badly mostly because she doesn't want to go because it's so clear her grandson doesn't want her to go. Unfortunately...I had to put a stop to this today. Just an FYI, I had this conversation at the end of the day, not when grandma was in the room.
Me: I am SO happy that your grandma comes and has lunch with you! I wish I could have lunch with my grandma. But you need to say goodbye to her at the door so you won't be distracted with her in here. I bet she wants you to be the best learner you can be!
Immediately he started crying.
Me: What's wrong? Why are you so sad?
Student: I just love my grandma too much! I don't want to say goodbye to her ever!
Me: I understand. I feel the same way!
Student: (sobbing at this point) I don't want her to go! Can I just rest for a minute?
Me: Of course. I will set the timer for 2 minutes, and when it goes off you can get back to work.
Student: Ok....
Poor kid. I felt like the worst human ever. I'm nervous about how that conversation will be retold tonight and if I will be getting an email from mom. Or worse, grandma.
What if the grandma dies soon? You are going to feel really bad. Just saying..
ReplyDeleteHaha, you did the right thing! That would be distracting!
ReplyDelete