Okay, I realize it's only the first week of school, but I need prayer. And you're going to laugh at me when I tell you why.
...I don't think Dima understands the importance of school.
Okay, so I know he's in kindergarten, but they start getting grades this year. GRADES. Did you hear me?? GRADES. And this neurotic mama who always had excessively high grades is a little worried she's going to be overbearing about this whole grade thing. Heck, I'd be happy if he were getting C's, or at least, I think I should be happy. He hasn't had any grades yet (I'm pre-panicking--like I said, it's the first week of school) so he's not failing, but I think he thinks school is just a fun place to go and see friends.
Okay, okay, I know. I need to relax. I should be thrilled that he likes school, wants to go, and I know (somewhere deep down) that as soon as he starts learning--especially to read--that there will be no end to his love of school. It's really the other one I should be worrying about. I'll leave that 'til next year.
Pray for me--I'm a little obsessed with this school thing. I've never been a parent of a kindergartner before. :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
The other half of the parenting unit, who consequently got many grades other than A's, is going to help this nerotic Mama calm down. Although, I am slightly concerned for his adjustment as well.
Papa
As a fellow obsessive grade parent, I'm with ya sister! I went through the same thing six years ago when Alek went to Kindergarten. I, too, never thought I would survive if Q-ball brought home a 'C'. Thankfully, so far he hasn't...but he's been awful darn close!
Don't worry, Dima will settle down and be fine. You, on the other hand, may want to start repeating... A 'B' is okay, A 'B' is okay... ;) And are you sure they don't just get 'satisfactory' and 'unsatisfactory' in Kindergarten. That's been our experience with the three older kids.
Tami--I don't know. I hadn't really thought about until I met with Dima's teacher last Friday. She mentioned something about grades and I didn't think to ask what that meant. I hope you're right and it's just E's, S's and U's! :) :)
Courtney,
He might just surprise you. He will see what the other kids are doing and learn that there are performance expectations and figure out that he has a job to do. Even if it is a fun job. I like California's system; instead of ABC's, they go on an achievement scale. 4 (hard to get) means consistently above grade level, 3 means achieved grade level mastery, 2 means working on it (most common at the beginning of the year) and 1 means unsatisfactory progress. It really helps to not see letter grades. I'm pretty neurotic about it, too, but good communication with the teacher will let you know how he's really doing. Remember that grades never tell the whole story.
Bethany
Courtney,
Last year Shelby just got checks for things that needed improvement and it was left blank if things were fine. Learning letters, colors and following instructions were the big things that they worked on. Don't panick, just encourage him to do his best and listen to the teacher. You should have seen me the day that I got a progress report that said Shelby wasn't finishing her work in a timely manner. I about flipped out! It came down to, she was busy helping another little girl do her work(that had broken her arm), that she wouldn't finish up her own work. :) Just keep reading to him on a daily basis and everything else will be fine.
I'm laughing Courtney - but only because I fear I might be the same way! Fortunately, Zack is more relaxed when it comes to grades, so hopefully we'll balance each other out in this area! But I bet you will be surprised at how quickly Dima picks up on the teacher's expectations :)
Seems like you've struck a chord with several of us who may have similar tendencies! LOL!
Our older daughter starts kindergarten next week, so I'm hoping I control my expectations & obsessions!
I'm guessing Dima will do great, and much of kindergarten is really about learning through play.
From the un-neurotic homeschool mother who doesn't grade at all:
grades shmades. If he loves learning, who cares what his grades are. Especially right now. Don't let his learning center around how well he scores. It kills the love of it for some kids. You and the other half (first comment) will teach those kids more by your interest in, and love of, learning than any good report card ever will. In fact, even if you keep them in school, I guarantee that you will do more teaching at home than the school teacher will. I know that's a lot to draw from a blog and a few phone conversations, but you don't seem like the type of mom who leaves all the teaching to "the professionals".
Don't worry be happy (cue whistling).
Post a Comment