Learning and Growing

Posted on by Wynne Leon

The other day when I was trying to help someone, I unintentionally caused problems for someone else. Communication is hard, isn’t it?

Here’s what happened. My son’s kindergarten teacher was asking people to sign up to bring in plants for the class garden. Over several weeks, she hadn’t gotten much participation. I suspected it was because a multi-step process: signing up, getting the plant, and then bringing it in.

So, as room parent, I wanted to help the teacher. It’s hard enough to corral our kids – she shouldn’t have to round up the parents as well, right? I sent out a message summarizing what else was needed and asking people to sign up. Then I added, “As an alternative, if anyone would prefer to Venmo me $5, I’ll go and buy the remaining items.”

The teacher was grateful. Then she circled back with me after school pickup for the day to check if I had told parents they needed to pay $5 and to ask if she could pay for one of the families. Apparently a parent who is new to the community thought it was a requirement to pay five dollars. Oh no – that’s not what I meant!

I put in the message this was optional, right? Nope. I re-read it and there was no “If you want to participate” or “This is optional.” Ugh. I thought it was clear but that’s my experience as a parent who has had kids in this public school system for five years.

The kindergarten teacher does this project because she believes that it’s important for kids to dig in the dirt and watch things grow. Apparently, it’s not just the kids who have an opportunity to learn.

(featured photo from Pexels)

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My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about collaboration, creativity and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association. My book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

33 thoughts on “Learning and Growing”

  2. It sounds like something I would do, probably have done. Certainly have done. Comes as a result of typing faster than I think. Another email and you’ll clarify it for some and give others a deserved chuckle for they too have surely done something just like that!

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  3. oh, i’ve been on all sides of this, and i so get it! the best intentions, sometimes go awry …)) we learn as we go, and can never assume anything. well done.

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  6. Words are slippery. Baseball players use a rosin bag to get a better grip on the ball. From now on, based on your experience, Wynne, I have decided to store my phone in the bag itself.

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  9. Thanks for sharing this Wynne and helping all of us (former, current, and future) classroom parents feel at ease for ‘trying’ to help, even if our efforts go awry. 😊

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  11. I’m with Michael. It sounds like something I would do. Then, I’d feel guilty and offer to pay for the class — even though I might be tight for cash, just because I felt so bad making the message even more confusing. Ha ha. We’ve all been there Wynne. Hang in there.

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  12. We feel the pangs if we do something awkward, and I am totally with you, Wynne. 😊 But hey, you straightenened it out with the teacher, and I’m pretty sure the new parent has already forgotten – maybe she did something similar once! The plants will soon be growing, looking beautiful and parents will be grateful that you helped make it happen.

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  15. A harmless mistake, though I’ve inadvertently done the same thing before. I’m sure you’re probably making more out of it than the teacher. We teachers are thrilled to have active parents like you. Thanks so much, Wynne. By the way, I love that the teacher wants her students to dig in the dirt and watch things grow. The best lessons are often not from textbooks.

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  18. Fantastic that you pitched in to help on this project. And fantastic that the teacher wants the kids to get their hands dirty and watch plants grow. That’s a valuable lesson! 🌞

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  19. I have lived through this so many times as a teacher. It’s those subtle little things that make the difference in ‘how you say what you say.’ Easier as a teacher, not so easy as a room parent. I’m sure the teacher is fine! Don’t stress over this, Wynne! It’s the big picture of planting that matters.

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