We have a bit of a running joke at work… as I’m known to do, I shared how my children are generally the recipient’s of the “Self-directed Learner” award-themed school assemblies. Now of all the award categories, this is definitely the primary one I’d like these high-maintenance munchkins to set their sights on. Mind you, this is also what I’m looking for in hiring. Being curious, creative, and independent are primary values ’round these parts. Plus we talk about how spending your whole life continuing to learn has shown to prolong longevity. They like ideas that help you live as long as possible. Granddad’s community college class on history is one of their fave examples. I’m not planning to tell them about pass/fail grading till absolutely necessary.
Now we don’t spend too much time emphasizing the importance of awards and trophies and medals. I’m pretty sure they’re part of a generation being raised by generations still wasting brain power warring against the everybody-gets-a-trophy war. Suffice it to say, I’m proud to say we’ve been the recipients of many award assemblies, especially at the beginning of the year, when the value of recognition is undoubtedly more valuable.
So a couple of weeks ago we got a call from Pacheco. Normally we do not like to get any calls from Pacheco as they really only call you with bad news. For us it’s generally that Nate is sick or hurt, or Jacob is in trouble. Jake’s semi-rare infractions are generally centered around saying something he shouldn’t say or refusing to do something. We’re always working on it. Our principal is familiar with some research showing those on the lower end of the agreeability spectrum can excel in leadership. I should google that…
So we get the call and Nate is winning an award. Yay! I’m confident they don’t hand-out recognition for potty talk— though I’m positive he’d win it if it was winnable.
James and I go together on a Friday morning. We generally get to enjoy a gourmet coffee at Scout prior to filing into the school cafeteria, iPhone cameras at the ready. It seems today’s themes are “Quality Producer” and “Effort in Your Second Language.” I’m whispering to James, debating which one we’re going to win. Yes, I said “we’re.” I don’t get any paper certificates these days. And I’m not sure we’ve ever been to a Non-Self-Directed-Learner assembly. Maybe ever.
A few minutes pass. We get through Kinder and I’m getting a better feel for the criteria of “Productor de Calidad.” (That’s Producer of Quality for my Gringo Readers.) There are a lot of little girls winning this award. They have perfect braids and I can’t see their knees through their jeans. I begin reflecting on Nate’s evening homework. Generally he rocks it. No tantrums. No tears. Minimal help. Prides himself in doing all the “optional” stuff. But my coaching on fully erasing one’s errors, rather than just writing on top of it in extra hard pencil hasn’t really landed. He values speed. Smears and small holes and wrinkles and freshly showered wet hair drips don’t phase him in the least. He’s happy transforming a lower case t into an upper case T with a “mustache,” if you will…
My money’s on “Effort in Your Second Language,” which I secretly think is far better than neatness. We go to a Spanish-immersion school. ¡Habla español, niñito! I mean seriously… don’t be one of those kids that goes to Spain for a semester and lives with Americans. Though second-grade me probably would have completely disagreed, or wondered why I couldn’t win both, if we’re being totally honest. And we always are.
And so Nate was the proud winner of strong effort in his second language. We brought it home and displayed it among our wall of Self-Directed Learner certificates. Right above his latest opinion essay on why Man City is better than Juventus.
