We have a tradition that at the start and the end of each school year, we take a picture with the date on it. Hopefully, this will be kept up for the entire school journey with the same letter board, so we can see how Smallsteps has changed, while still keeping a thread of consistency.
While it is Saturday, this was the official end of the year before going on summer holidays, and we went to stand for twenty minutes in the classroom while the kids sang a song, and the teacher said a few words and teacher handed out final certificates. Not unexpectedly, Smallsteps did well across the board. Actually, she couldn't have got any better, with everything in the "excellent" column. Not that it matters much, especially at this age, but she enjoys school and it shows.
I found it interesting though that there were stipends given out, but these are sponsored by local businesses and the categories were geared toward the business activity. There is no real issue with this, but it is also strange that there was nothing for academic ability, meaning kids are getting rewarded for other aspects. Again, nothing wrong with this, but thinking about it in terms of the future for these kids - does it set up an expectation that practical skill isn't important?
I got a triple-double.
I was the nicest, most empathetic, and smiled the most.
Those weren't the categories in the school.
But you get the point. Soft-skills are vital for successful living and even with the addition of AI, that isn't going to change much. In fact, it is likely going to go the other way and the need for human interpersonal skills will increase. However, I don't think the schools do a very good job of training for it, and perhaps that is not their place anyway. In my opinion, the soft skills learned at school should focus on things like time management, decision-making, problem solving, and communication - and keep the moral opinions out of the equation as much as possible.
However, I also see value in highlighting the importance of these things in the school also, because looking around the room at some of the kids and their parents, it could be that they aren't getting a lot of support in the home for it. One of the girls spent the time barking and growling, because she identifies as a dog. Being recognised for a positive trait early in school, by an authority figure like a teacher, can influence a kid to lean into the trait and make it more of their personality.
It can also go the other way.
I am often in two minds about the role school should play in shaping children's behaviour, because I am not a fan of the one-size approach to education, or the narrow focus and importance it puts on skills that might not be valuable in the future, or maybe even harmful for children's development. However, I also think that a lot of parents are no longer playing their role well, and are instead parenting by convenience, where they avoid enforcing rules because they fear the conflict, and it is easier to let their kids do what they want and "find their own way". I think it is a protection mechanism for the future so the parent can say,
"Don't blame me - you chose this!"
I don't have many worries for Smallsteps herself, but I do worry about the environment in which she grows up in, and will have to navigate as an adult. I am hoping that she will be a skilled, well-rounded person, who is healthy across the physical, mental, and emotional domains. And hopefully, in the process of doing this, she is able to build the healthy relationships across all of their forms, to be able to be willing and able to face whatever she encounters along the path.
For this weekend though, we were able to find a short-notice, cheap deal on a night away at a nearby swimming centre to celebrate her results and the closing of this school chapter in her life, as she changes school now and in doing so, a lot of other things will change too. Smallsteps and I have already discussed it and she has recognised that when she goes into a place where no one really knows her, she can reset and reposition herself as who has she is now, rather than who she was a few years ago. It will be interesting to see where she decides to focus her attention.
Taraz
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Smallsteps is so grown up now. When did that happen?
It is crazy how fast it happens.
I think that many parents are playing heir role mistakingly nowadays. They do whatever their children want and spoil them as much as possible. So-called this is done for them to build self-confidence, however this just turns to bringing up an irresponsible individual.
Not only irresponsible, but also fragile. The confidence isn't really earned on their ability and in the real world, they aren't going to get praised unless they have the skills. As a result, the harsh reality of life hits them, and they feel attacked at every interaction.
You are great! My youngest son also got excellent grades for the 4th grade. We were given certificates, but there were no cash rewards or other gifts.
They don't normally do cash rewards here either normally. The stipends can be small prizes like 20€ or are likely vouchers to the company that provides it.
In my homeland there is a popular saying ‘where the nail is the splinter’, referring that the achievement of the children is the reflection of the parents, and from what I understand, the little princess is following in good footsteps, as she is in the shade of good trees.
A hug full of blessings that strengthen the successes. Congratulations little Smallsteps...
Sometimes, I am not sure if the saying is true. I reckon in Smallsteps' case, she is decent at school despite her parents. :)
Your tradition of taking photos every year is great. The bond between you will grow stronger as you look at the photos and see him grow.
It is great that Smallsteps loves school. I have a little nephew who does not like school. He probably does not have a good bond with his classmates.
The contribution of the school to the students decreases as the years go by. Apart from the collective consciousness and socialization, the school does not contribute much. Schools provided distance education during the Covid period. Although there are some shortcomings, schools may switch to distance education in the coming years.
That might be part of it or, it isn't his style of learning. It isn't for most kids perhaps, but some can force it better than others.
I really like the idea of taking pictures at the start and end of each school year. They don’t do that here, except maybe during graduation, and even then, it’s up to the student.
Also, over here, schools still give prizes to students who come first, second, and third in academics. I found it interesting that in your case, the awards are more about soft skills and sponsored by businesses. It’s a different approach.
I wish Smallsteps the very best in her new school.
We just do it because I like to take photos. They do have a yearly school photo, but it normally sucks. :)
In my opinion, it's not ideal. Academic performance should come first before any other thing. Yes, it's a good thing to be skillful, however, I think they put the cart before the horse.
I agree with you. These soft skills are very important. When you are being asked what are your skills in an interview, definitely these are the expected answers because they are essential for real world success if I'm right. But a more rounded approach would help the students. As these soft skills are learnt, morals should also be imbibed. In my opinion.
When it comes to parenting by convinience
"I've had a lot of issues with parents on that. They want their wards to be disciplined, but they don't give you the access to play your role as a teacher. That's why moral decadence is eating deep into the educational system.
You've been following her up well, and I believe she'll make the family proud as she journey in life.
I think the morals have to come from parents and community, rather than schools. Schools are set on a system for profit, not wellbeing, so it ends up pushing the wrong framework for a good life.
Parents no longer parent these days. They don't want to be the one to punish, nor do they want to be the one to deal with spoiled kids.
Of course. Morals should come from home. Parents are saddled the responsibility to instil morals into their wards. But the in this modern society, children learn morals everywhere. Only the parents cannot finish the work. Apart from the parent's, the closest to these kids are the teachers and they learn a lot from them morally. If parents can live up to expectations, the school shouldn't be a place to learn morals.
We used to do this sort of thing when we were seniors in high school, but not for the lower grades. My niece just graduated and she won three awards. I know two of them were most athletic and most likely to win the hunger games. Congrats to you little one for all of her awards. It sounds like she is certainly making an impact on those around her.
Man - what a skill. This is going to come in handy!
You just never know....
Dear @tarazkp !
I've always admired your talent for capturing the most beautiful parts of people with your camera!
I felt that you captured Smallsteps at its most beautiful moments on camera!
You'll be thrilled to see Smallsteps doing well academically and actively in school!
From my perspective, she looks a lot like you!
She has black hair just like you, but I'm not sure about her eye color. It's such a different color from the black eyes of East Asians like me!
I feel like she's more mature than most girls her age!
I would guess that she is more mature for her age, since she knows your current health condition!
I thought she was a strong and thoughtful girl like you!
Her hair is a warm brown, rather than black. It is darker than normal here though. And her eyes are blue.
Beautiful Tradition 😍
Wow, what a beautiful and thoughtful reflection and This was a special milestone for Small steps and you not only captured the moment but also deeply felt its emotions and growth and This tradition of taking photos with the letter board not only preserves memories but also tells a story of growth change and continuity truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article
Beautiful!