Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Hunter came home from school today and informed me that he had "word building" homework, which normally he hates. Basically it's a set of letters that he has to mix and match and make words with. He's required to come up with twenty different words. Anyway, after he informed me what type of homework he had, he happily informed me that while he was in school he had thought up several words so this particular assignment should be a snap. A little baffled at his enthusiasm, I shrugged it off and went about my business. Awhile later he asked if he could play computer and I said sure, as soon as he had finished his homework. He then proceeded to copy the words from his list directly to his homework sheet. Unfortunately for Hunter, he made the mistake of mentioning Mrs. H writing these words on the chalkboard today in class. The lightbulb immediately went on and it became very clear that Hunter had been copying the words down in class so he wouldn't have to do it on his own at home. Clever, very clever.
Now maybe I'm a meanie, but to me that's cheating. When I questioned Hunter he insisted all the other kids did it too. Okay, I said, then I'll just write Mrs. H a letter and make sure that's allowed. Hunter immediately hung his head with a guilty smile on his face and suggested I not write the letter. Hmph! Isn't first grade a bit young to start cheating on homework? I was pretty disappointed in Hunter but more so in the class as a whole. And didn't the teacher catch on? Anyway, I realize that my job as a parent is to 1) be around to catch these sort of things and 2)encourage right and moral behavior in my children. Naturally, he's going to be tempted to cheat and lie and smoke cigarettes. I guess I'm just glad I'm around to notice when the peer pressure's gotten the best of him and help Hunter make better choices. And that's exactly what I hope he does next time because I tell you what--my boys aren't cheaters!
As a side, the school called yesterday and asked if I still wanted to send Noah to short day Kindergarten. I hesitated, because that decision sort of depends on who is teaching short day Kindergarten (we don't want Mrs. B again), but went ahead and said "yes." The secretary then said, "Good. Mr. A. (the principal) had a note on Noah's records but couldn't remember what it meant." Hmmmm. They inspire so much confidence in me up there at the school.
posted by Shana # 5:17 PM 
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