School achievements - Contemplate these queries if your intention is for your child to attend a grammar school.
Increasingly, parents are sending their children to grammar schools, thinking that these kids are smarter and more gifted than they actually are. In reality, only two out of one hundred children are highly gifted. However, it's crucial for the child not to lack anything later in life, considering the constantly escalating job requirements.
The admission criteria for grammar schools differ from state to state. Sometimes, the teachers' recommendations are binding, while in other cases, it's the parents who make the final decision. Factors that impact a teacher's recommendation include the child's school performance and learning progress throughout their primary education.
To find the most suitable school path for the child, parents should consider the following questions:
Question 1: What work habits and performances does my child demonstrate?
While the Abitur may offer numerous career prospects, parents shouldn't get lost in optimization cycles. Instead, Klaus Seifried, a school psychologist from Berlin, recommends first reflecting on the child's strengths and talents. What are the areas where the child consistently performs well? Where does it lag behind and still manage to succeed? It's essential to understand the child entirely, including one's personal expectations. What are your own aspirations for the child, and what past experiences influence your mindset?
Some parents may not fully comprehend their child's work behavior and performance, a phenomenon observed by elementary school teacher Stefanie Woelfle in Bavaria. Parents need to introspect and identify their perspectives before making plans with their child.
Question 2: Does my child possess the ability to take responsibility?
A child's aptitude for grammar school isn't solely determined by their intelligence but also their self-regulation skills. Can they take ownership of tasks and duties? For example, packing a school bag, completing homework, and managing deadlines? "Those who can't do this may find it challenging in a grammar school environment, where cognitive demands are higher and competition is stiffer," comments Klaus Seifried.
On a grammar school, students must learn to learn independently. Stefanie Woelfle, an elementary school teacher in Bavaria, has noticed that children are increasingly depending on their parents for various tasks. "Besides cognitive skills, children at grammar schools must be able to structure themselves more extensively and be aware of deadlines like upcoming presentations or class projects," she says.
Question 3: What are my child's genuine desires?
A child's suitability for grammar school isn't only dependent on their intelligence but also their motivation. Does the child want to attend a grammar school? Does it have the necessary drive and determination to excel and achieve excellent grades? It's essential to understand the child's aspirations and interests. What excites them? What do they hope to accomplish? It's also vital to consider their learning style and whether it matches a grammar school setting.
Social skills play a significant role in a child's ability to handle the increased demands of a grammar school. Do they have friends? Can they cope with setbacks? Are they resilient?
When choosing a school form, parents need to assess the child's strengths, weaknesses, motivation, learning style, social abilities, and self-management skills. Only then can they make an informed decision about the appropriateness of a grammar school for their child.
To assist parents in gauging their child's capabilities, encourage open communication between them. Explore the child's dreams, which schools they envision themselves in, and what they enjoy learning about. Klaus Seifried, a school psychologist, has observed that some students only develop learning motivation after puberty. In such cases, he suggests considering a comprehensive school where the Abitur can be acquired in 13 years.
Parents should be affectionate combined with perseverance when supporting their child's interests. "The child might initially respond with monosyllables to these questions, but they might divulge more later or during soccer practice," suggests Klaus Seifried. It's crucial to create 'time islands' for parents to actively listen, particularly when things aren't going well. When a test has been failed or a classmate conflict arises, parents should let the child know, "I'm here." Parents' responsibility is to encourage their children to self-manage their learning, including making mistakes.
Question 4: How do teachers see my child?
The compatibility of the child with the school environment can also be gauged by understanding how teachers perceive them. Each school offers different learning settings and environments where a child may thrive or struggle. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the academic ecosystem, parents can make more informed decisions.
Ultimately, parents must consider their child's unique needs and preferences to choose a suitable school path. A comprehensive understanding of the child's abilities, aspirations, and motivations will guide you in selecting the best option.
Good communication between parents and teachers is crucial. It helps teachers have a better understanding of children's capabilities, and the kids themselves feel that their parents are trusting the school's evaluation. Experienced educator Klaus Seifried emphasizes this, saying that "The better parents and teachers can talk to each other, the more accurately the kids can be assessed by their teachers."
Despite recent advances in education, there's still a bias in recommendations. For instance, kids whose parents are academics are more likely to get a recommendation for the selective gymnasium over those with less education. So it's totally necessary for parents to meet with teachers at parent-teacher evenings or have private conversations.
Seifried urges parents to work with teachers in understanding their child's potential. "Apply the experts' knowledge and trust their professional judgement," he suggests. If there's a conflict between parental and teacher perspectives that might cause controversy over the school recommendation, he recommends consulting a school psychologist. These professionals can provide an independent evaluation to help resolve this issue.
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After reflecting on their child's strengths and talents, Elsbeth Stern, a concerned parent, realized that her son excelled in mathematics and language arts, showing consistent performance in these areas despite occasional struggles in other subjects. Recognizing this, she decided to consider a grammar school for her son.
In spite of her son's demonstrated intelligence, Elsbeth understood that a grammar school's rigorous academic environment would require self-regulation skills and the ability to take responsibility. She knew that packing his school bag, managing homework, and meeting deadlines were vital skills that he would need to hone to succeed in a grammar school setting.
