This past week was spent on the phone with teachers and counselors in an attempt to help Ryan in his math class.
The day before school started, Ryan's schedule got changed to include Honors Math. We were not overly surprised because he has scored well on his standardized tests over the past several years and he received an A+ grade all last year in math.
Last weekend he was upset because he was struggling in Honors Math. The teacher was testing the kids to make sure they were placed correctly. Unfortunately, if he hasn't been placed correctly, his biggest fear is being returned to a regular 8th grade math class and being teased about not being smart enough...a valid concern in middle school.
But, we don't want him struggling all year, getting bad grades...just to say he was in Honors Math. Not worth it!
In talking to his teachers, I found out a class was offered over the summer for kids who were moving from regular math to Honors math, to help prepare them and bridge any gaps in their education. We didn't know about him being moved up in time for him to take this class...nor did we know that this class even existed.
His teacher sent home some Parent Pages to help stimulate my Algebra memory chip that hasn't been accessed for some time. :)
Ryan and I worked on his homework Wednesday evening, preparing him for his test on Thursday. Unfortunately, he struggled on that test too.
Friday, he came home and said that his teacher may be sending home "the letter" suggesting that he be moved back to regular math.
But...and here comes the Perfect Moment...Ryan told her he'd like some extra work over the weekend so he could catch up and stay in the class.
Did you fall off your chair? I almost did when he told me.
Again he amazed me when on Friday evening -- even though his older brother had two 9th grade girls over to hang out -- Ryan asked me to help with his math pages.
Voluntary homework on a Friday evening. I almost fell off my chair again!
Ryan and I sat at the kitchen table reviewing linear equations, graphing, slope, y-intercept, etc. for over an hour. By the time we finished, he was able to do the equations forwards and backwards.
I've been marveling at his attitude and level of maturity ever since. And I'm sure I'll continue to be in awe...until the next time some silly teenage comment comes out his mouth.
But for now...I am savoring this Perfect Moment!
If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.
4 comments:
Wow, major kudos to your kiddo not only for qualifying for the class but for working to stay there.
Truly perfect, except for all those falling-off-the-chair bruises!
I'm impressed that your algebra chip still works. Rise over run!
Yay, Ryan. I, too, am very proud of your choices.
Ryan is so smart! I'm hoping he can tutor me someday.
It sounds to me like math isn't the only thing in which Ryan is smart. He must get it from his aunt. The youngest one on the maternal side. (I had to qualify to prevent future comments.)
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