As an educator, there are certain mannerisms in students that become hard to miss. Students that write well do so with ease; those who write comically have an easy time accomplishing this without effort. It also seems that students, for the most part, know when they have given their best and when asked, will tell you when they have not.
In class today I had graded a writing assessment completed by the "best student" - although today he gave me less than what his reputation normally calls for. As I was grading his assignment, I noticed that what he had handed in was atypical of what he normally writes. I asked him to sit down with me as we began this very candid conversation about expectations. When asked how much effort he put into the paper, he gave me a number of which I was utterly surprised, but not shocked. I explained to him the importance of doing your best no matter how daunting the task or mundane the assignment. His grin told me that he was in agreement with what I had said and that he hoped that the conversation would not be repeated to anyone who has the authority to take away his video games at home.
I hope that by having conversations about expectations with students, I can motivate them to work on self improvement not only for a simple grade, but for themselves.
If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring in Atlanta, Handwriting Without Tears, SSAT, or if you are in the Atlanta area and have questions about education, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com
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