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For First grade I had Mrs. Enke, I have no idea who she was or what she looked like. I do know she thought my handwriting needed a lot of improvement. She also thought I had a problem with respecting authority, following directions, listening effectively, completing assigned work and effectively using my work and free time. Lets peruse her comments about this particular first grader.
"Mark is overcoming his shyness. He seldom contributes at Share and Tell time or in Science or Social Studies. He seems to know his reading words quite well, but often refuses to share them."
Im overcoming my shyness am I? Maybe thats why I dont participate, hmm? Did you ever think of that Mrs. Enke? Did ya, huh, did ya? Im too shy to contribute my thoughts? I wonder why this wasnt a problem in kindergarten? Whats up with the reading thing? Maybe I felt that reading was a personal matter not to be shared with classmates. Trust me lady, Ill be sharing enough in the upcoming years. If youre still around, youll get yours. Youll be praying for me to shut up.
"I feel that Mark is getting lazy. He has not been finishing his homework assignments. He has not been learning his reading words. He has the skills to be at the top of his class, but hes just not using them. He often fails to hand in his papers. I hope this will improve next semester."
I dont think I like this lady. I think shes coming down pretty hard on the ole sweenzster. Im "lazy?" What the hell does that mean? If I dont do "homework" Im lazy? Hey Mrs. Enke, thats why I go to school. I do my learning at school, not at home. Youve got me all day long, teach me what you want but Im not taking it home with me. Ive got a full plate as soon as that bell rings, and doing "homework" isnt one of the things on that plate. Lets see if anything improved in the third semester.
"Marks reading comprehension is improving but he can still improve. My main concern is Marks attitude of being so defensive in most areas. He doesnt take interest in many things. He wastes so much time instead of doing constructive things. I marked him on respecting authority since he is defiant and disobedient most of the time. This hopefully will be changed the next quarter."
Well guess what sister? Nothing did change. As a matter of fact, not much of this has changed in the last forty years. Why should I feign interest in something that doesnt interest me? Have you an answer? I thought not. I love the way so many teachers "hoped for a change by next quarter." Its a phrase well see again and again. She also thought "I wasted time instead of doing constructive things?" Isnt that what Im in school for? For you, my teacher, to give me constructive things to do? You want me to come up with constructive things to do during free time? Why are we even having free time? Arent we supposed to be learning? If youre concerned about me doing something constructive, quit giving me free time. If my free time isnt mine to spend freely, then its not really "free time" is it? This isnt the school for the arts, its first grade. Give me something to do, if it doesnt interest me I wont do it, but at least make the effort. Defiant and disobedient? What the hell? How does a 1st grader get to be defiant and disobedient? Was no one in control? What else happened?
"Mark will be ready for second grade next year. He should continue reading for his enjoyment and practice number facts through ten. He has been more cooperative this quarter. I hope Mark has a happy summer."
Whew! Im glad Im done with Mrs. Enke. She seemed glad to be rid of me. Curious.
