Our First PTC

Last Saturday, we went to TJ's school for our first Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC). I was pleasantly surprised that instead of getting a report card with quantitative grades (English 85, Math 75), we got a comprehensive list of learning, social and behavioral competencies as measurement of our son's progress. Instead of numbers, each competency (like 'He packs away his lunch kit after eating') were given qualitative description (like 'All the time' or 'Improving on this skill').

We were also given a comprehensive comment in addition to the report card. I was used to getting 'Keep up the good work' or 'Continues to get better' from my grade school adviser that getting a three paragraph comment is a surprise. (I'm sure my grade school teacher would have done the same thing if she had 9 students. We were usually 40-45 students in a class then). Here's a direct quote of what we got:

"TJ is a shy but a competent child. During circle time, he is very careful in doing some physical activities like dancing, running, singing and jumping. He prefers watching his classmates dance and sing, than see himself perform such activities. He volunteers himself in both seat works and board work activities.

During snack time, he is always the last one to finish his food because of his big appetite. He can pack away his lunch kit and placemat properly. Although he is the last one to finish during snack time, he can still answer his worksheet / workbook quickly and correctly.

In doing seat works, he can write his nickname and can draw shapes and writes letters. He always asks for teacher's approval and he always likes the class to recognize his good deeds. Providing TJ music and movement activities with a partner or a small group is a step to encourage him to try new things and to participate in large group activities."

We are quite happy with the quality of feedback we got from the school. It really helped us learn more about TJ. Now, time to do something about that big appetite. On second thought, there's wisdom in 'di naman matakaw, magana lang kumain'. :)

Wing's Afterthought: Our son goes to Ingenium School in Marikina. Click on the school sticker to go to their website.