The True Meaning of Report Card Comments

So apparently I only blog on Snow Days...yeah New England! Today however, I am not spending my time in pj's watching movies and lazing around...it's report card season. Something I actually dread probably as much as going to the dentist. It's the 4 times a year that I let myself purchase Mc Donalds...because really, what solves stress better than a cheese burger with extra pickles and no onions?

I'm generally a pretty honest person and can read people well, which makes it quite difficult to not be TOO honest when it comes to the "comment" section of the report card.

I've tried starting with the good kids then working on the tougher ones next. I've started with the bad ones then would leave the few good ones for the finally stretch...either way, doesn't make it easier. My method is what I like to call a hamburger. Bun = Encouraging comment #1 Hamburger = truth or issue (in gentler terms of course) and finally thet Bottom Bun= another encouraging comment #2.

Hamburger Example:

"Billy continues to do well this quarter. At times Billy still struggles to stay on task and is easily distracted by his peers and anything in his desk. When Billy puts forth his best effort he does a great job. He is very respectful and a good friend to his peers. Great job Billy!

True meaning:

"Billy isn't failing, no stress. Billy never tries. He breaks all of his pencils and picks at the nametag on his desk. I've had to replace it 5 times! When he's not doing this he yells across the room and gets his neighbors in trouble. On the SLIGHT occasion that Billy really works, he does OK. He doesn't talk back, and doesn't hit his friends which makes him ok."

There are many more but I don't want to see like a hater. I do love the kiddos, just not report cards!