School performance

One day, the mother of William, a ten year old boy, was talking to a teacher, complaining about the low grades that her son had brought home.

Upset, she poured out her dissatisfaction. She spoke about the school's lack of care with the children's education, claiming that her son was not receiving adequate support.

Teacher Vera, patiently explained to her that learning depends on each student, the way they receive the teachings and the willingness they demonstrate in learning.

The mother, unhappy, did not agree with that theory.

Walking down the hall, they passed by the library where three students did their homework after school. As an example, the teacher asked the first boy:

	- What are you doing? The boy, angry, replied: - I'm grounded, doing this crappy task that should have been delivered yesterday. Now, I can not play!
- And you? - she asked the second boy.

- I am doing this homework because I do not want to flunk! Later on, I'll play ball with my friends – he said, flustered.

- And you? - she asked the third boy.

The boy, smiling, responded willingly:

- Ah! I'm doing these exercises because I want to learn! Our teacher just explained this subject and I am trying to fixate it so I do not forget what I learned in class.

Turning to the mother, who watched the scene silently, the teacher concluded:

- Got it? The content is the same, but the reaction and the motivation of these three boys is completely different from each other.

The mother apologized, head down, recognizing that the teacher was right.

- Deep down, I know my son does not like to study and his poor performance is his own fault. However, we are poor and I worry about his future, seeing that he is not interested in learning. What to do?

Teacher Vera paused and pondered:

- Find out what your child wants, what makes him happy or something that he has an interest in.

On her way home, the mother thought hard and finally figured it out. William had long wanted a computer, and she had not paid attention thinking it would be money thrown away.

That same day, she spoke with her husband and they decided to meet the desire of the child. They would have to make a big effort and work harder to pay for the computer, but it might be worth it.

Before going to bed, William's father called him and pondered:

- My son, we know you want a computer but you have done nothing to deserve it. Improve your performance at school and we will think about it.

	Excited with that promise, the next day William woke up well disposed and decided to improve. At school his behaviour was different, trying to pay more attention in class. At home, he would do his homework and then study the subject. With each passing day, he acquired a real liking for studying, becoming fond of books.
Result: when he brought home his report, proud, his grades were much better and his parents were very happy.

The next day, when William came home from school - surprise! - he found a computer already installed and with all the necessary equipment!

With eyes wide with astonishment, he turned to his parents, who watched by the door:

- It's yours, my son! - confirmed his father.

William embraced them with tears in his eyes:

- Dad, thank you! It was everything I wanted most!

However, in doubt, he looked at his parents:

- I thank you for this. But I know how much it must have cost. Well, actually, you have already achieved your goal. I have now learned to like to really study. It was no longer necessary that you gave me a computer!

- You earned it, son. It is yours.

William, more peaceful, considered:

- Well, if it is so, now I need to take courses to learn how to use the computer. Then later, I can make money with it and return a little of how much you have given me all this time. His parents, excited, realized that the value of the gift was small considering the happiness they saw in their child.

Returning to school to thank Teacher Vera for her help, the mother, who previously only received complaints about the child, heard, satisfied, from the teacher:

- Congratulations! Your son is very different. It is like a miracle! How did you do it?

The mother smiled and said:

- It's simple. With affection, attention and stimulation. And a computer, of course!
 

Aunt Celia