Report Cards & Defensive Parents (ME!)
My oldest started kindergarden this year and this Mama is having a difficult time adjusting to it all. Funny, most wouldn’t think it would be me who would have the biggest problem getting used to the change.
It’s so much more than my baby growing up. Actually, the growing up part I was somewhat ready for. I can handle sending him out into the world, at least kindergarden that is. Ask me again in a few years and my entire outlook will probably change! ;)
1. I hate setting the alarm every night.
Getting up in the morning to have Malcolm at school at a certain time every day, just doesn’t agree with me. Since I work from home and have for several years now, it’s been a long time since I have been awakened by the buzzing of an annoying alarm. :(
2. My son’s teacher is "old school".
Prior to kindergarden, he attended preschool for a couple years where the teachers spoke TO the children, instead of AT them. The preschool teachers made an effort to relate to the kids, while maintaining authority.
The new teacher demands respect from the children. I agree every child should offer every teacher respect, but this one doesn’t feel she has to earn it in anyway. At the beginning of the year there was some conflict between us with this particular issue, but we're working it out now.
3. Then report cards came.
The kindergardeners get "approaching expectations", "meets expectations" and "exceeds expectations" on a variety of topics. Malcolm received all "meets expectations", except in writing (which he isn't very confident in) and listening, where he received "approaching expectations" (hmmm...).
The "approaching expectations” didn't bother me. I expected that. I was a little annoyed that he didn't "exceed expectations" anywhere. Not annoyed at my son, but annoyed at the teacher. I started thinking, "Who the heck is she to judge me son?"
LOL...I had to pull myself back.
I believe in education and structured learning, but I need to step back and realize that what it says on a report card is not what Malcolm is destined to become. It's just a grade and an opinion from a teacher. My intelligent son will be a great success as long as we continue to support him and foster his growth.
It’s so much more than my baby growing up. Actually, the growing up part I was somewhat ready for. I can handle sending him out into the world, at least kindergarden that is. Ask me again in a few years and my entire outlook will probably change! ;)
1. I hate setting the alarm every night.
Getting up in the morning to have Malcolm at school at a certain time every day, just doesn’t agree with me. Since I work from home and have for several years now, it’s been a long time since I have been awakened by the buzzing of an annoying alarm. :(
2. My son’s teacher is "old school".
Prior to kindergarden, he attended preschool for a couple years where the teachers spoke TO the children, instead of AT them. The preschool teachers made an effort to relate to the kids, while maintaining authority.
The new teacher demands respect from the children. I agree every child should offer every teacher respect, but this one doesn’t feel she has to earn it in anyway. At the beginning of the year there was some conflict between us with this particular issue, but we're working it out now.
3. Then report cards came.
The kindergardeners get "approaching expectations", "meets expectations" and "exceeds expectations" on a variety of topics. Malcolm received all "meets expectations", except in writing (which he isn't very confident in) and listening, where he received "approaching expectations" (hmmm...).
The "approaching expectations” didn't bother me. I expected that. I was a little annoyed that he didn't "exceed expectations" anywhere. Not annoyed at my son, but annoyed at the teacher. I started thinking, "Who the heck is she to judge me son?"
LOL...I had to pull myself back.
I believe in education and structured learning, but I need to step back and realize that what it says on a report card is not what Malcolm is destined to become. It's just a grade and an opinion from a teacher. My intelligent son will be a great success as long as we continue to support him and foster his growth.
posted by Alice at 3:03 PM
NEW! 
2 Comments:
Alice - I know exactly what you're talking about!!
My 6-year-old is in 1st grade and they get number grades. But some of the work is so subjective.
I look at some of his work and I think - how can SHE say this is a 85 and not a 90?
LOL - all that to say, brace yourself, next year may be worse! LOL
Chanda
"My intelligent son will be a great success as long as we continue to support him and foster his growth."
That's exactly right. Continue being a good Mama and he will go far.
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