parent / teacher conference

Mrs. Dilione requested a parent/teacher conference. I did not think to ask while I was there if she was calling in all the parents or if Rigby was being singled out. But I did not get good news, it was not really bad news either just very disheartening facts. Rigby is a very bright student and knows what is going on, BUT she does not listen/follow instructions well. This is evident in her homework. I can see that she grasps the concept but did not pay attention to what the directions are indicating and did it her own way, therefore, she got the problem/paper wrong. I know that the students have computer time at school. As Rigby has mentioned this to us, but I did not realize that they were testing the kids. So Rigby is just going on the computer and “click, click, clicking” away and not listening or paying attention to the instructions. So she got all the problems wrong and that is the report that goes to the office and is on her record as she is a “critical” student. She displays this same behavior at home and it unnerves me. The teacher said that she would not be held back, but this would make 1st grade very difficult for her if she does not improve. So we have to work on 1 step instructions, then move to 2 step instructions. We have to work on doing so called book reports. Like where we read the bedtime story then we have to review things like, character, setting, ect…this helps make her focus on being an active listener not a passive one. This will be harder on me than her, I think. Also, we are to try to isolate her when doing homework or reading (Adler in the other room) this will be very difficult to do, but even if Adler is not talking she could be a distraction from the work/story/goal. I am very worried for her and will try to do my best to support her to improve these skills but not sure I am best equipped to aid her as I have a hard time focusing and I am a groan adult.