If we measure
parenting by how well a child does on a report card, it is a very narrow view
of it. However, there is really only one way to measure tutoring and that's by
how well a child does on a report card! Maybe because I am both a parent and a
tutor, people seem to have the same measurement for both of my roles. I guess
this is what they mean by "occupational hazard"?!
So, on Tuesday, Hope marches in and declares very
assertively, "I hope my mom pays you double." She was very happy as
she got an A+ for reading on her report card. Reading at its simplest is
sounding out the words in front of you. In Grade 1, to achieve an A+, a child
must read with confidence with correct pronunciation and appropriate
intonation, and with a lot of expression. It also involves sounding out
unfamiliar words and making meaning within a given context. It is quite an
accomplishment for Hope and a moment of pride and joy for me.
On Wednesday, Hans' report card came home. He sits at a
solid B for reading and writing. Hans is not into prescribed reading and
enforced writing. He wants to read what he enjoys reading and write what he
wants to write. Maybe I have given him too much choice and freedom of
expression. I am hoping to rein him in a little this summer. Even though I say
that, I am proud of Hans' writing. He has a book in which he constantly writes
and sketches; he has written pages and pages of comic book style writing. His
spelling is not normal, but his creativity is amazing.
How do you put that
on a report card?!
And if I have to judge my own child, I would judge him on
the 4 Thank You notes he wrote for
his teachers. He was very particular to make a note of a trait he is thankful
for in each of the 4 teachers. Each note was individualized with his own art
work.
I would give him an
A+.
Long after report cards stop coming home, I hope for Hans
to continue writing the wonderful Thank
You notes he writes. As a tutor, I can help children achieve good grades on
report cards. As a parent, I hope I have instilled a quality that lasts a
lifetime and gives much joy to others.
I am so thankful for the children I have been given -
both mine and others! They make Judgement Day a non-event!
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