Bubba is struggling with reading at school. Only that isn't really fair to say, he can read, he just isn't interested in reading what the school wants him to read. Our school district uses a program called accelerated reader to track student reading. Books are categorized by points and kids are required to take a test on each book they read. They are awarded points based on their test scores. Points are tracked, there is a (very low) goal for each student and at the end of the term they get a reward. That's the short story.
The long story involves story-type books that my son is not interested in and tests that are 10 (ten, yes only TEN) questions each that he takes and barely passes so he doesn't get the full point value of the quiz. Here we are, 2 days before the end of the term, and he is about 4 points shy of the MINIMUM (and we're talking bare minimum) of points. Not to mention the tears and frustration and anger and out-and-out pissed-off-ness of the past few weeks. Currently he's not allowed to shoot his new .22 he just got for his birthday, play with the neighbors, or watch TV because he has to read, read, read, read, read. It's not a pleasant atmosphere around these parts. Problem is, its all too familiar.
You were waiting for that weren't you? He's a mini-me academically. And it pains me. I DON'T want him to go through school like I did, not caring and doing just enough to get by unless I was really interested in the subject. I DON'T want to ground him all the time for under-performing because that shit didn't work on me. It didn't motivate me, it pissed me off and I just found a way around it (enter step-dad.) I will say we are handling his restriction different, if he gets the points he is good to go, he's not grounded until the end of the grading period, just until he gets the points. Anyway, its killing me a little.
So, Friday the kids who have met the minimum point requirement are going on a field trip to the ice rink to skate. The thing Bubba is totally into right now is skating and he's not gonna be able to go. (See, I'm tearing up thinking about it.) He will get to stay behind at school and read. It's gonna be so hard to drop him off in the morning. But I can't keep him home, its not the right thing to do.
2 comments:
The ice skating wasn't enough to get him motivated??? Bummer! I don't know what to tell you.
What about a tracking system at home with small rewards that he picks out. Then it won't come down to the end with too much to do and not enough time?
Positive reinforcement instead of negative?
We still invited or is he grounded from cousin visits?
You're still invited!!! Silly girl.
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