Freshman Follies: From the Mouths of Babes
by Kathy Jones DHS Teacher/Parent

Last week I was feeling sorry for myself, wondering why no matter what I do, certain kids are not succeeding in my classes. So I surveyed sixty of my English 9 students. All responses below are verbatim. I did, however, of course, correct the spelling errors. I just couldn't help myself.

Interesting finding: Most of the students believe that they are capable of getting an A or a B in my class.

Q. What do you think you would have to do to earn a better grade?
Read and understand the books more.
Study for tests and quizzes.
Go over material every night.
Ask more questions.
Have more confidence.
Read assigned books right away when they are given.
Pay more attention.
Do all my homework.
Complete classwork.
Do all my work and not be absent.
Do better on my written compositions.
Be organized.
Do homework and turn it in on time.
Be more focused during class.
Work harder and read slower.
Do work.
Start off ahead, not behind.
Write in pen.
Participate.
Pay attention.
Study more.
Work to my potential.
Put more effort into what I do.

Parents, please note: No one answered/'I don't know," and no one left the answer blank. They know what they have to do to be academically successful. Also you may want to notice how concisely and clearly they expressed themselves.

So what's a parent to do?

Well, I asked them that question two ways:
Q. What could your parents do to help you earn a better grade?
Look over my work and make sure I'm reading.
Check over all my homework.
Make sure I study.
Quiz me before tests.
Continue to encourage me and let me know they care and understand.
They can help a lot, but I want to do it on my own.
Put less pressure on me.
Give me a progress report to be signed by teachers.
Make sure I do homework.
Talk to me and my teachers when I am absent.
Push me.
Give me all the materials I need.
Read with me and then discuss it.
Actually stare and watch me do my homework.
Stop asking me constantly if I did my homework because it just makes me not want to do it.
Take me to the library to get a book.
Get me a tutor to help with school work. Proofread what I write.

Interestingly enough, the most frequently repeated answer was "nothing," often accompanied by "It's my responsibility."

Later in the survey, I asked:
Q. What do your parents do when you get a low grade? They ALL answered this question:
Stop me from playing video games.
Get me help in classes.
Take privileges away like phone and computer.
Punish me forever until next report card or interim.
They ask me if there is anything that I don't understand.
They tell me that they know I can do it if I try.
Call the teachers.
Take one of my priorities away. (I love this one.)
Yell at me.
Ground me.
Make me study extra for that class.
Ride me until the grades go up.
Make me go to bed earlier.
They tell me the consequences of getting bad grades.
Tell me to improve.
Take privileges away like Play Station or my stereo.
Ask me why the grade is low.
Encourage me to do better.
Cut down on my budget.
Give me a long lecture.
Tell me not to let it get me down.
Discuss why school is important.
Can't do things with friends and no phone.
Review my work.
Get upset.
Try helping me and make sure I'm on task.
Say I can't watch TV on weekdays.
We all sit down and find out what the problem is and how to fix it.

So, there you have it. Some food for thought. Happy Spring Break!