Dear CCDS Families,
Thank you for attending all the various meetings last week,
but especially thank you for your attendance at Back to
School Night. Thinking about the messages I wanted to
convey in such a short fact-filled night, there were a few
I could not fit in, and I want to share them with you.
These beliefs have grown out of many years of experience
as a teacher in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and
as headmistress. They developed over the years of evolving
(sometimes revolving) trends in education and parenting.
So here are my thoughts for your consideration.
To all grades, but especially Primary grades: -
In the primary grades children are learning the skills to use in the intermediate
(4th-6th) grades in order to become independent learners throughout their lives.
Don’t compare your child’s work to others in their class. If you are anxious about
your child’s progress, he or she will become an anxious instead of joyful learner.
During these highly developmental years, children will soar ahead, plateau, and
take giant leaps again as they learn, but not all children will leap or plateau at the
same time. If your child’s teacher mentions there are areas of concerns or areas to
watch, listen to them and be proactive. Otherwise, consciously choose to relax and
enjoy the wonder of learning through your child’s eyes. Don’t over program your
child’s activities. Give them time to explore and dream.
To all grades, but especially intermediate grades;
The way parents respond to each child’s academic endeavors and social interactions
during these years will have a profound effect the child’s ability to become the
independent, self-reliant, resilient, lifelong learner we all want each of them to be.
So in this safe environment, let your children learn from their mistakes. Be mindful
of their goals, their actions, their kindness towards others, and not just their grades.
Let them know these things are equally important. Grades are important, but earning
their own grades through persistent, best personal efforts, builds confident, capable
students. Expecting each child to give their best, take responsibility for their
homework, and handle disappointments when they happen is a gift we can give to
our children. You have the ability to give them the knowledge that, yes, they really
can do it themselves! Then they can experience another gift - a sense of pride in a
job well done. Parents and teachers are the safely nets below our children, but we
have to let them make mistakes, learn from them and then fly on their own in order
for them to soar. Trite? Maybe, but absolutely true.
Nancy