Education is a big topic at our home. I will always be thankful to my parents for providing me with educational opportunities they never had. My dad didn't graduate from high school and my mom only made it through one semester of college. But they always encouraged my educational endeavors even when it meant that I had chosen a private and costly liberal arts college.
And because of their support and lack of opportunities, I have always been very appreciative and treasured my own education...because I know first-hand not everyone has had the opportunities I have.
I love education and were it not for a nasty fifth-grade teacher, I probably would BE an educator. That being said, my focus on Jacinda's education has been deliberate and yes, at times intense.
We talk about school a lot. I make it clear that she has a responsibility to think things through and to think for herself and not expect people to coddle her. I openly explain that school for a little while will be harder for her and for the next few years she is going to have to work hard to succeed. I explain that things being hard is not a bad thing or something to be avoided, but it is a challenge she can overcome. I tell her that she is smart, that she has come so far and that I am so proud of her.
Although some days I get frustrated when she seemingly forgets a concept she has been repeating for six months. But those frustrations are coming farther and farther apart.
My dad was worried in the beginning that by pushing Jacinda I was going to make her dislike school. But even from the photos I received during my waiting showed that Jacinda was happiest in her "school-like" setting and that she loved to learn.
She has turned out to be a total sponge and has been reading up a storm this summer. We have been keeping track of her books since school let out in mid-June. I keep a running list for the school's summer reading challenge. Today when I finally caught up on a week of books, I was shocked and thrilled that my little reader is quickly approaching the 200 book mark.
This prompted me to look back about a year ago and see how far Jacinda has come. From knowing 22 sight words in July 2009 to reading nonstop in July 2010. From conquering words like paper towels and salt and pepper a year ago to being the charming princess who loves to chat with people and is quite fluent. All I can say is WOW!
Looks like I better make plans for a 200-book celebration, because my baby deserves it!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I am so proud of J almost 200 books, and summer isn't over yet. I wish we had made reading more important with Corey. You are an awesome Mom. It was certainly Gods plan that you find each other.
Post a Comment