Every new school year, we ask our kiddies to set a few goals for themselves regarding school.
The younger one is simpler in her mindset...I want to read faster, get good grades, get "blue" cards (ice-cream with teacher).
The older one, as the years pass, he is seeking more recognition. Last year, he was on the principle's list (3.91 GPA). This year, he wants to try for 4.0 (you get a medal/trophy).
Objectively speaking, he is smart, but there are always a few smarter than him; he is fast, but again, a few faster than him. One of his biggest obstacles is, the extra confidence. He is a visionary, but lacks the disciple of execution. He reminds me of the book by Jim Collins, Good to Great. 1st chapter is titled, "Good is the Enemy of Great." I know the book talks about companies, and building for success. Yet, certain success principles still applies (even to a 10 y.o. in 5th grade).
So we do our best to help our 10 y.o. gain confidence and hopefully succeed.
- Looking at Strengths and Weaknesses
- Clarify the Goal(s)
- Commit to Realistic Expectations
- Evaluate Level of Commitment
- Set Up Time Frames
- Making a Plan of Actions
- Weighting the Costs & Benefits
- Identify the Elements of Reward
- Envision Desired Outcome
- Action vs. In-action
- Relish in the Success
- Start All Over Again
In a 10 y.o. world...
- Upcoming Social Study Unit Test & Tall Tales Literature Test (In the same week)
- What kind of grade are you aiming for (I want 90 and above)
- How much time are you willing to put into it (As much as needed, even weekend)
- Will you give up all electronics, even on weekend (...yes)
- It will take at least Friday after-school & 4 hours on Sat & 2 hours on Sun (...okay)
- Night before tests, are you ready? (Test Me)
- Still need to memorize study guide (Okay)
- Morning of Each Test, "Do you feel confident?" (Yes...Very Much)
- Both Tests Came Back...(I didn't get an A mom...I GOT 100% A+)
- Happy Mom, Relieved Dad, who helped with most of the studying...(Even the Teachers congratulated me!)
- Very Proud & Confident 10 y.o. (Until Next Time...)
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