Thoughts on Report Cards

Report cards came home this week. Inserted in the report card was this note from all of the first grade teachers. This is the first time I have seen this, and absolutely love what it says. I normally do not look forward to report card day due to the challenges Ryan has, but this note made all of the difference this time. I'm so grateful for Ryan's teacher and for the patience and potential she sees in him. I hope all of you with small children will digest this message and remember it every report card day.

Thoughts on Report Cards (from a child's perspective)

Dear Mom and Dad,
Today, I'm bringing home a "snapshot" of myself. This picture is a time exposure of me that's been developing during the past few weeks. Considering my many likes and dislikes, my mood changes from day to day. I think it's a pretty good likeness of me.

When you see my snapshot, remember this is a report of someone near and dear to you. So...please don't get too uptight if you see a blemish. I hope you will accept me as I am.

Please do not picture me as being better than all the other children. Remember that all children do not learn to talk or walk at the same time, nor do they learn math and phonics at the same rate. I ask you not to compare me with my brother, sister, or the kid next door. You can set realistic goals for me, but please be careful not to push me to succeed at something that is beyond my ability.

I want you to understand that my report card is a picture of my school progress. When you talk to my teacher, you will learn many things about my life at school, even some things that might surprise you!

My teacher knows me as I am at school. You know me as I am at home. The "real" me is somewhere in between. When these two pictures become blended with acceptance and understanding, I hope my "snapshot" will be a shining portrait.

Love, Your Child