Recently, I organized my hope chest, and came across my third grade report card. I loved school, and it was in third grade that I decided to become a teacher. As I looked at my grades, I couldn’t help but think how I could have done better. School came easy to me, and I was very well behaved, but I didn’t push myself to do my best. It wasn’t until much later in life that I became motivated as a student. It was very eye-opening for me as a parent and as a teacher. I was encouraged to do my best as a child, but I’m not sure if Best Effort was expected of me, so to speak.
Sometimes I wonder if my expectations are high enough for my own children, and other times, I wonder if they are too high? All I’ve managed to figure out is this: high or low, good or bad, my own kids usually meet my expectations. 🙂
When it comes to your children, I sometimes struggle with the same issues. I believe in them, and want them to learn as much as possible this year. I expect they will struggle with some lessons, and succeed with others. I expect them to try things on their own, and to ask for help when they need it. I expect them to try their best in all they do, and I expect some days they may not feel like doing that.
In any case, I expect they will all make us proud as they each make their own unique, personal journey through third grade. It is a privilege to experience their growth this year.
What’s to come…
🙂 Book Jacket projects are due Friday, January 13th. If your child has questions, or needs materials, please have him or her ask, or send me a note. I can’t wait to see their creativity and efforts! Examples are on our blog for your reference.
🙂 I hope your week away from school was enjoyable. Mine was VERY productive, as I organized anything I could get my hands on. I’m in good shape to start the New Year!
🙂 Today is National Sleep Day; what a perfect time to re-think bedtimes for all of us. My students often laugh when I say my teenagers’ bedtime is still 9pm, but they (and I) need lots of sleep! Make sleep a priority for those squishy little brains! J
Dream Big! Mrs. Brooks
Hope your vacation was wonderful. The most exciting thing I did was organize closets, drawers and my basement!! WOO HOOOOOO!!!! But – Carson had a very exciting New Year’s Day when he participated in the Polar Plunge to benefit the Bourne Food Pantry. What a brave boy, and I have to say that next year, I just might do the same!!!
Carson, with his friend Audrey and her sister Kerri...
Okay – what is a wonderful Schoolhouse Rock! video to start a new year with??? Really. I’m not sure….. Hmmmmm…. Okay, Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips came out after I was R.E.A.L.L.Y. Old, but I think it’s still fun to hear!! Enjoy!!
Suzy,
We need some direction on the book cover project. Can you send home the assignment again? Who knows where it is, and we (Maisie) doesn’t know what we need to do.
Thanks so much!
Annie