As I was reading a book on homeschooling today (BTW if you’re new to this blog, you’re going to learn that I read a lot), I was reminded of how thankful I am that my parents never stressed that I had to get all A’s when I was in school. One of the first things that the author mentioned was how her parents expected (and did not tolerate anything lower than) A’s when she was in school. She then discussed all of the negative mental and physical impacts that this had on her. Reading this made me very grateful that my parents always understood that MY best is My Best. They knew that I always tried my hardest in all of my classes, and they were okay with whatever grades I brought home given that I had truly tried. For me this frequently meant bringing home B’s especially in math. I’ve always said that I was great at math up until Algebra I. It was all downhill from there (which is why I also recognize that when we get to higher math my homeschooled child will need help from Mr. Kisby). I graduated high school with a 3.75, and that was my best. Guess what? I still got into good colleges, and my parents were pleased as punch. Plus, I didn’t have any negative mental or physical effects from overstressing about grades.
The philosophy of my parents has also been evident in our homeschooling. Since LilKsby was 3 in Homeschool Pre-K, he would get asked if he was making all A’s. First of all, I feel like that is a really weird question to ask 3 year-old. No reason to start making them stress over a letter on a paper before they can read! Secondly, I would always explain that I don’t give him letter grades. I look for if he is learning a subject or if he’s mastered it. That simple. It’s a great no pressure way to determine if he needs extra assistance with something without giving him a complex about a red letter on a paper (side note, when I taught in public school, I tried not to use red pens just because I feel like they give a complex). As long as he’s doing his best, I’m pleased.
On a different note, I like that the doing my best mindset has been something that can be adaptable to the illusive “real life” where as when you go to apply for a job no one really cares what your GPA was. There’s a lot that can be learned for encouraging people to do their best and not just making them focus on an end result. Also, it is a lot more important to know how to learn as opposed to just being able to memorize and regurgitate information. True story.
Did you do your best, or did you chase the 4.0?
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
The Great Kaysby 