Parenting is the hardest job in the world. To know that you are responsible for shaping someone’s life is a huge responsibility. Children are indeed sponges and they soak up everything, good and bad. I find myself having to constantly remind myself that my behavior is a major influence on my boys.
Tali 1 usually brings home stellar grades and I couldn’t be more proud of him. However, prior to this year, he listened in class, studied a little at home, and continued to get A’s. This year has been a learning lesson for him in that he really has to study to get those A’s.
At his school, they take weekly tests every Friday. Last week, he did a great job on all of the tests but got a low grade on his Social Studies test. He was pretty upset about it. We talked about what he was doing when he studied for the test. He read the chapter twice, which has always been sufficient before. After looking at the material, I realized that I needed to teach him how to study. I felt terrible because I should have paid more attention to what he needed to study the first time around. Reading the chapter wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
This week, he had tests on explorers and inventors. We read the chapter and I showed him how to take notes. We made index cards for each of the key names and then wrote what they were known for on the back.
Ponce De Leon-Florida
Alexander Graham Bell-Telephone/Menlo Park, NJ
Jonas Salk-Polio Vaccine
Etc….
We worked on it until he knew them all inside and out. We will find out on Wednesday how he did on the test but I felt so much better that he was adequately prepared. As we sat and talked about it, I realized that I needed to not assume he was studying and to continue to groom his study habits in order for him to succeed. As a kid, I was always organized and ready to study. I always had the notes people wanted to borrow. Highlighted notes, index cards…you know I am a geek.
I made the mistake of assuming he was doing the same thing and learned a valuable parenting lesson. You can’t assume anything with kids. You have to always check up on them. Even the ones that bring home A’s. That poor grade was as much my fault. Lesson learned!
Good lesson and thanks for sharing! Studying doesn’t come easy and learning these habits early is going to help him a lot in years to come.
This post was great! As a parent myself I tend to reflect on what I did or could have done to help my child be successful at whatever. I think it is important that parents try to assist their children instead of expecting others,teachers, to do so. Life is so competetive and preparation is key! Kids are capable of so much with help and guidance.
I’m not a parent, yet – but I appreciate so much your openness on this topic! Only a lucky few have a knack for really great study skills. Thankfully, with hard work and patience from parents, teachers and students, they can be learned!
Don’t beat yourself up too much. You made a mistake and fixed it immediately! That’s called good parenting. For the record Ponce de Leon Ave. in ATL is also a street filled with delicious food! I’m sorry… that one was your fault. I got distracted. Please teach me how to study, too.
Agreed!!! that was my issue too with Bruce Leroy.. with the Princess she was so much like me it was scary.. notes, colored pens and doing outlines.. He on the other hand learned and studied in a totally different manner. Now that he is in the 7th grade we learned that same lesson you are learning now with Tali 1.. I know exactly how you feel.. hang in there mom.. he has time to make that “bad” grade disappear!
You know…I never really studied. I either go it from reading or had to apply it to grasp things. Reading things I hadn’t learned the night before a test used to just mess me up. Writing papers the night before it was due turned out some inspired writing though.