Why do parents expect if their child is doing well in school
that they will be bored? When I tell
parents how well their child is doing, they almost always come back with, “do
you think she/he will be bored next year?”
I usually reply that when a child knows how to read and
write and has the basic math skills they will find many ways to apply and use
the exciting knowledge they’ve gained. I’m
quite proud when I answer in this way, because what I really want to do is
quote one of my education professors who said “I’m bored” should be translated
into “this is really hard and I’m scared.”
Two more conferences tomorrow and then I’m on spring
break. And no, I won’t be bored!
The dreaded BORED is really translated into PARENTAL CONCERN for assuring a perfect child in a perfect world with perfect people everywhere! Sigh...this is the question we all face...and rarely have I seen a child who was bored!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anita. Usually when we hear the word bored, it's coming from the parents. Good for you for having a response ready to go. Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteYay, you go girl! I recent got a similar question...now the child is walking around saying "I'm bored a lot!" REALLY?
ReplyDeleteWish I had the same comment prepared!
I hate when parents use the B word. I totally agree with you and Anita and Julie. I want to grow kids into people who see the world as an interesting and exciting place and seek out new challenges for themselves!
ReplyDeleteI teach gifted kids and often get this question or comment about their regular teacher. I like your response and will use it. My students tend to find some way to enter into any activity in their classrooms and when they play the bored card, they usually get caught. I wish we could strike out the word.
ReplyDeleteI have always told my students that there are so many things to learn and do at school, it is impossible to be bored. What we as teachers really need to show our students is how to be self-starters! Thoughtful post!
ReplyDelete