School and Sylvan

School is still a struggle even though Thomas seems to be doing well at Sylvan.  Not sure what is going on there.   Thomas is in third grade and they are learning measurements using standard inches, feet, and yards plus they are having to learn the metric system of measurement.   They did all that in one week.  This week they are working on volume.  Using the standard gallons, pints, cups vs. metric; liters and milliliters.  Does anyone else think this is a little fast?  Or is it just me?  I would love to know your thoughts on this.  You may post anonymously and that is fine with me.  I would just love some feed back on the subject.  I do not remember Jack doing these in the third grade.  I was told today that the EOG could be given on the computer as early as two years.  Thomas is not doing well on the computer bench mark tests now and they are going to give them a test that they put so much emphasis on, on the computer.  I do not like this push of technology on these kids.  Sometimes we depend too much on technology.  I would love to know your thoughts on this one too.

Wrestling tournament

The boys competed in their first official tournament on Saturday.  It was interesting, I had only been to see one last year but it is different when you are competing.  Jack won two out of  the three of his matches and he was not that interested in going.  Thomas was ready to go but did not have success.  He lost all three of his matches but, he wrestled hard and did well.  I was terribly proud of both of my boys.  Thomas lost two matches by a pin and one in points.  The one in points he only lost by two.  He was so close.  They both had fun even Thomas.  I think they each learned something new.   Jack and Thomas were wrestling kids 8-10 lbs. heavier than them so that was a little harder.  Jack took the Silver in his weight class.  He was so excited about that and he didn't really want to compete.  They have a Takedown tournament this weekend that they are looking forward to.  
I was not really ready to be a "mat" mom but I guess I am.  There are a lot of life lesson that the kids can pick up with this sport and any sport really.  The one big lesson Jack learned was that it didn't matter how much bigger your opponent was you could still win.   He also learned not to give up and to keep trying and fighting to the end.   Thomas had a few hard lessons to learn.  His lesson was to keep trying and fighting till the whistle blows.
I am very proud of both boys, they held their heads high even when they lost and they kept their good sportsmanship attitude.  Thomas was disappointed but I think he will work harder next time.   It is easy to win and be a good sport, anyone can do that.  It takes character to loose and be a good sport.

Progress Reports. . .

Have the progress reports for both kidos.  Jack all A's  and Thomas 2 A's and 2 B's  Yeah!!   He brought his C in Math up to a B.  So glad for him.   He is having such fun and learning a lot at Sylvan.  I do recommend Sylvan if your child is struggling in any thing in school.   I have learned with Jack to never take the Schools' word for anything.  You have to do your  investigating, and never take anything at face value.   Don't get me wrong, our school system is better than most but they all have their issues and need to be checked up on.  So Moms stay strong and always look further into things before you accept someone elses word.  I took the bull by the horns and had him tested independently of the school and am glad I did.  His confidence is on the rise as well.  I am so glad for that too.   Our kids need confidence if they are going to go out in this big old world and stand against the enemy.  It takes confidence to say no to things. It takes confidence to resist peer pressure.  It takes confidence to stand up for what you believe in.  It takes confidence to step out of the box and make it in this world.  That should be number one or two on the Moms' job description, build your childs' confidence because without it they don't stand a chance.    Kids today must face more things earlier than when I was little.  My teachers were always loving, caring, and somewhat mothering of all the kids in class.  Today the teachers are a bit abrasive and they do not reassure the kids and some don't care how they talk to the kids.  Kids are smart and pick up on these things.    It is hard to explain to your child why his teacher is making fun of his writing.   When you know deep in your heart she should not be.   Encourage, encourage, encourage, Love, love, love those kidos!!!!