Report Card Day

Matthew got his report card yesterday. Scott picked it up at school since Matthew was home sick yesterday and Monday. We had another visit from the always unwelcome "stomach virus fairy". Luckily this time there weren't any toys, books, or stuffed animals in the way. The last time this happened, we ended up sending four stuffed animals to "teddy bear heaven". Reed caught on, though. He said, "Mom. Teddy bear heaven is just the garbage can."

So back to Matthew's report card - for the most part, he is consistent. He stayed the same in most everything, went up in six areas, and down in two areas. He's doing well in reading and math, but needs help with his writing. When he writes stories at home, you can always tell what he means to say, but only if you, um, know what he means to say. (Does that make sense?) Most of the areas where he shows improvement are in the "Characteristics of Successful Students" section. (Responsibility, Motivation, Participation, etc.) So more proof that the apple can fall far from the tree.

After school, Scott took Matthew to the dentist (no cavities, but a lecture on better brushing habits), and then to the book fair at school. Matthew ended up picking out a crock pot cookbook. He is all excited about some of the recipes that are in there. I just hope that since he picked out the recipe that he will finally eat dinner! Tonight he had two or three bites of pork chop, a roll, and a spoonful of peas. He has finally learned that if he doesn't eat his dinner, he won't get anything to eat later on. ("If you are hungry then you should have eaten your dinner!") But I still wish he would eat more. I know that the day will come when I will want to take that back, though. He already gets double entrees sometimes at school. It won't be too long before he eats us out of house and home.

The comments section of the report card is always up for interpretation. Here's what his teacher said, with my comments in parentheses:
"Matthew is a dependable boy (can be counted on to interrupt) and very sociable (always talking to his neighbors). He is cooperative and takes an active part in all our activities (always raising his hand to offer his opinion). In reading, he seems to be enjoying the books we've been reading (he has experience on the stage-he's just acting). In math, continue to practice multiplication facts so he can become faster at solving problems (but if he shows that he gets faster, he'll just get harder problems). He is really enjoying science since we are learning about space (what 8 year old boy doesn't like space?)."