Logan’s Poetry Recitation

Logan had to prepare for a Poetry Recitation that he presented today. He chose to do “The Wheels On The Bus”.

The objective of Poetry Recitation is to build up the child’s presentation skills as well as to provide an opportunity for him to speak confidently and fluently in standard English. Logan will be tested in his pronunciation, expression and rhythm, eye contact and creativity.

So for the last week I have been making Logan practice presenting the “Wheels on the Bus”. I tried to keep him motivated. I didn't stress him and try to make it as fun as possible. I explained that he needed to speak slowly and to pronounce the words clearly at all times and never to mumble. I've explained to him on numerous occasions that he should not just recite the poem word for word and instead he needed to express himself and speak with variation and to give occasional emphasis. He’s a smart cookie and he understood and did real well during practice.

I also drilled into his head that he needed to make that eye contact with his audience at all time. That is most important and that would allow him to score great marks which he was excited about. The thing about my kids is that scoring thrills them to know end and they always like to put in their best to get the best marks! They really do make me proud.  I think I can pat myself on the back as I have raised two great kids.

Last but not least, I explained to Logan that creativity is an extra benefit for scoring high marks. I told him that he will need to have a lot of expressions and enthusiasm about the poem…and props!! So I spent the day with some help from my husband, making the prop for Logan’s presentation. I've cracked my brains the last week or so and finally come up with making a cardboard bus which Logan could put on during the presentation.

When my daughter Lani was young, I did the same for her show and tell. I spent hours on her props and right now, I get to do it all over again and this time for my son Logan.

Logan came home excited today telling us he had done well for his presentation and he also mentioned that he was the only student who brought a prop. WOW! Parents were given the worksheet to inform us about how the scoring would be done. Long before I even had the worksheet, I planned to make a prop…of course it was an added benefit and more so when it was stated in the scoring sheet.

I just cannot understand why parents these days are not involved in their child’s life. Sadly, these parents are also mostly stay home mums so it’s not like they don’t have the time. I am not trying to credit myself for being the greatest parent but I work full time and yet I am able to put aside time to get involved in my child’s education, etc.

It’s just sad how parents expect the teachers to do everything when it concerns their child’s education. There is only so much the teachers can do…you need to get off your ass and do your part as well.

Don’t they realize that parents are the child’s most important teachers, guides, and advocates? Parents’ opinions and actions play an important role in shaping their child’s development. Being an involved parent means guiding and connecting with our children. I feel that parents who are involved in their child’s lives find that their children are more successful in school, chose better friends, and have fewer discipline problems. If you don’t think it is true than prove me wrong.

Being involved is more than just sending your child to school. Besides helping with your child’s School work, involved parents also find time to talk one-on-one with their child and really listen to what they are saying. Effective parents also validate their children, by letting them know that they can see things their way. These parents aren’t afraid to have fun and goof off with their child. They do special things together, go on outings, plan family events, and model how to behave in these different settings. It doesn't take a genius to do all of that.

Parents should advocate for their children’s needs. It is the parent’s right to voice their opinions about school activities and policies. By speaking up, parents help their child feel supported, secure, and successful in school. Some parents may feel apprehensive about getting involved in how their child’s school is run, and that is only natural. But follow your heart because you’re the best person to know what is good and what is bad for your child.

I am not a perfect parent but I always try to be the best. I feel sad whenever I see children who are neglected or being pushed away by their own parents. But I cannot save the world so I concentrate on my own children and giving them the best in life, the best lessons and to be the best mum I can be to them.