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Post by lilmermaid on Nov 18, 2011 14:46:45 GMT -6
I just heard from a fellow parent that they principal was receiving many emails and phone calls this morning! So hopefully some changes will be made!
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Post by JazzyMaxie on Nov 18, 2011 15:39:18 GMT -6
Please excuse me for somewhat of hijacking this thread. But, I have done my best not to weigh in because I most likely have the unpopular opinion, but by golly, I am going to do it.
First of all, I am sorry that your DD is really affected by this, and I think that Sharon presented a great suggestion by finding out what it takes to earn the tags…and working towards it.
But, as a mother, former teacher, sports parent, and corporate employee, I am seriously irritated by the lack of opportunities for children to stand out in things in which they excel because of the “Everyone is a Winner” mentality. Seriously? Is Charlie Sheen still a winner?!? I believe that children should have the opportunity to shine over their peers in various areas. I don’t think that everyone should always get an award! Here is what can happen. Children who shine will gain greater confidence, skill, and self esteem in knowing that there is something that they are good in. Children who “don’t win” have the opportunity to choose to work harder to hone their skills to become the best that they can be in some areas, and hopefully become a winner. Also, what happens when these children get in to the real world, and the real world does not make everyone a winner. I want my son to grow up always pushing to be his best, and not thinking that as long as he puts a mediocre effort in to something that he will be rewarded.
Here is a good example. My son’s report cards from last year indicated an “A” for achieving in category. There is no way that my son is at the same level of expertise in P.E. that he is in Music. I don’t want my son to grow up thinking that he is a great singer because he is getting the same “achievement” in Music as he is in P.E. I would be remiss to allow my child to think that he is a great singer, and it isn’t! (Think, the parents of Milli Vanilli.) My son needs to know that he is better in some things than he is in others. My son needs to know that he will not exceed in everything. My son needs to know that if he draws a picture, it will not make it on display at the MIA as his good friend’s Art does. My son needs to know that one of his strengths is sports, and while he can continue to enjoy things like Art and Music, he needs to push himself in Sports because that is what he is good at!
I think that the key here is that when it comes to self esteem, children should learn to look intrinsically for the ultimate approval. I also feel that children should be encouraged to set reasonable goals and work hard to learn to achieve them.
Just My Two Cents…
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Post by lilmermaid on Nov 18, 2011 16:12:12 GMT -6
I agree Jazzy and that's why they don't need these dumb tags! They aren't able to see what they are trying to achieve! They don't need to be rewarded for everything in life even though most parents disagree. I would rather be the one rewarding her at home for a good grade on a test,etc. I don't need the school to do that. I LOVE when DDs teacher tells her to kiss her brain or pat her head for having the correct answer or remembering something. Instant gratification is great too!
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Post by laurac on Nov 18, 2011 16:16:56 GMT -6
Our kids used to get Golden Tickets. Usually it was for doing something nice for another student and it was instant.
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