Age and reason

This Spring Break I visited a sixth grade student with a welcoming and bubbly personality.  She enthusiastically greeted me at the gate to her home a small puppy in tow.  Her mom let us know how she was failing to complete her homework in seemingly a new "distracted" phase of life.  Her little brother stood in contrast as he had already made progress in his math homework, which was part of his Spring Break Homework Packet.  Unfortunately, older sister showed us her assignments as would be due upon return to school but she had not begun any.  I spoke her about the importance of pacing and completing one's work over time so that she wouldn't struggle with being overwhelmed.  The younger brother proudly demonstrated his commitment and his achievement thus far.  Though there can be jeering among siblings, I tried to use his enthusiasm to motivate the distracted student by making it competitive.  The kids seemed to enjoy someone taking interest in them  and their school work and coming to visit over the break.  The introduced me to each of their dogs and even brought out a game of Candyland before the end of the visit.  I reflect on the importance of having someone to serve as a model and mentor figure even outside of your parents who are the initial and most influential model for children.  Students can benefit from someone older to hear their concerns and to help organize their work and study habits.

Walk/Jog

As we walk and jog outside before lunch begins, I realize that Jacob appreciates this time to be able to not only share some time with adults who all strive to act as role models to him but also to express himself.  He talks about his interests and I learn how these things are very much shaped by environment.  He likes playing games indoors and out but when his cousin insists that they spend all afternoon attached to the TV playing video games, Jacob's suggestion to run outside go unheard.  Jacob talks about efforts to change his eating and physical activity habits but his day is organized around remaining sedentary and eating fried/fast/junk food.  He's aware but is not in direct control of his environment.  I almost feel bad making suggestions that I begin to see as unrealistic.  How can I hold out a goal that is outside of one's control to achieve?  Then again, if I don't set a high standard, how will he even begin to work toward a healthier lifestyle.  We finish our two laps around the soccer field and join the others at lunch. I let Jacob know that I am proud but that I also expect to see him eating the right portions of the food groups that we had discussed.