Since the girls are in kindergarten, they’ve just gotten their first report cards. I am fairly pleased with their progress, but was left with some questions. Not questions about their teacher, but about them.
They’re given a knowledge test to see which letters, numbers, and words they know and recognize. Mallory did a little better than Savannah, but I think it’s because at this point in time Mallory is more interested in school as an academic experience while Vannah seems to be treating it as more of a social experience .
I was a bit disappointed in Vannah to be frankly honest. There were words on which she was tested that I KNOW she knows. There were numbers on there that I know she can recognize. It’s just a bit frustrating to see that she’s not performing to her full potential and I don’t quite understand why. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that kindergarten is the end all of their academic careers, but on the same token I don’t want Vannah’s slackness, when it comes to academics, to become a habit.
So in addition to working on sight words every night, I’ve now started having them read an extra book every morning. In addition, I took that progress report that was included with her report card and made flash cards out of the numbers, letters, and words that she had difficulty recognizing. I don’t think it’s lack of ability with Vannah, I think it’s lack of interest and motivation. So with both girls, I’m trying to encourage some positive motivation and competition here. If we learn two sight words a week, we get to pick out a treat. This way, they have something to work towards and look forward to. Whomever does their homework right the first time gets a special treat for the night (i.e. 15 minutes of game playing or being excused from a chore.)
How do you encourage your kids to perform at their best when it comes to academics? Please, share your tips and tricks below. This is yet another uncharted territory for me and I’d love to hear what you have to say!
