One for the fridge

[AvecLion]

DJ is 16 - and he HATES school. Homework is a struggle and you can forget all about tests and quizzes. Sad thing is, he doesn't care. He likes his shop, but that's about it. Shop weeks, no problem going to school. Academic weeks, it's like pulling teeth.

This is the first full week of academics. He came in today and told me he had to show me something. It was his science quiz. I cringed - I know this routine so well - please sign and return this. We've been there, done that. Except this one was an essay - and it had an "A" in red ink on the top. (LOL - and not in DJ's handwriting, either).

He showed it to J and J hung it on the fridge. LOL - I know it sounds stupid, but my son hasn't gotten in A in anything except phys ed or shop since he started school.

[Gabby]

:boogie:

Celebrate!

[TigerLily]

It's never stupid to celebrate an achievement. That's awesome!

[Virgo6]

Good for DJ!!!! That A might start him off on a whole new attitude towards school!

[Irishlass]

WOW.....................yeah for DJ!

[Typhoonmary]

DJ
This is the first full week of academics. He came in today and told me he had to show me something. It was his science quiz. .... We've been there, done that. Except this one was an essay - and it had an "A" in red ink on the top. I know it sounds stupid, but my son hasn't gotten in A in anything except phys ed or shop since he started school.
I'm not going to say you shouldn't worry, but I can relate as a former science student before I was a science teacher. I would get so irritated as a college student to have to memorize a lot of the details. That was what high school had been about. In a comparative anatomy course, the final came and it was an essay type. I aced the final and the professor said "You should have done this before." I responded "You never asked us to do this before."

I was busy building a concept in my mind because I knew that I would probably always have to look up the details anyway. And, in fact, in science, many times the details change over time. When we get a better tool, we find out better information.

DJ is undoubtedly frustrated with the details, but he is certainly getting the concept....Some never get the big picture, but can tell you chapter and verse, lost in the trivia.

Relax, the grades will probably not show what he actually knows. I guess you could relate it to engines. Can you take one apart, or can you put one together. Although related, they are not the same skills.

Maybe his early success will encourage him to do the drudge work. Your encouragement certainly helps.

Go DJ!

[snip the elf]

I used to be like that. One friday I came home with a B on a math test and I had to return it to the teacher on monday signed by my parents. Mom took it and put it on the fridge and wouldn't let me return it for a month. I was sick of seeing it there by months end. and my math teacher was getting a little irritated with me for not bringing it too lol

[Slitter]

:clap: Yay for DJ!!! :cheer:

[frawniemae]

Another :clap: from me...I'm curious...what was the essay over?

[AvecLion]

what was the essay over?

Effects of cancer - it's an A&P course. He didn't get into the medical effects (as he pointed out in his intro cancer will vary in how organs are affected and cancer cells can mutate) but went into how cancer affects family, friends and finances. Ended with a paragraph about you may not lose your life but you will never have your old life back.

Something I didn't think he was aware of, as he has not had to deal with anyone he knows going through treatment.

[frawniemae]

Sounds very interesting. I enjoy reading what teens write about...it really lets you know what's going on in their heads, more or less. Maybe a friend or teacher from school has mentioned cancer in their family. And, AP! That's great. Some of that course work can get pretty heavy but it definitely better prepares the student for college level work. Good job, DJ!

[Pepper]

That's awesome Aveclion. Never too old for Fridge posts.....It sounds like he was very proud of himself and I'm glad you guys showed him how proud you are to by putting it on the fridge to see for the days to come....Here's hoping there are more good grades to follow.

If I could also share, I've been a little leary since the start of this new school year. Our 14 year old usually gets right into the old routine when he goes back to school..."Nope, no homework, I did it in school or on the bus, " etc. Our response is usually okay, I hope so, we don't want any surprises when progress reports come out, etc.
Well we have this thing called EDLINE in our middle school and High school system. Teachers can post grades, assignments, etc. Our 14 year old said he didn't think they were doing it this year because the teacher who had run the program had moved on. Low and behold, we got a Math report today and he's got a c+ so far in math. That's really really good for him.

[Kramer]

Awesome!! WTG DJ!