Day 12&13 - Law of averages

The aftermath

Ben and I watched the live memorial service on the iPad, and had a moment to grieve together, and learn to lean on each other in times of utter helplessness. I think it is important for children to understand that no matter how much they think parents are in control, they are not, and that it is OK. It is even OK to not have any questions or answers at all.

Words fail me when I think of the atrocity committed against the innocent. I hope that in time, this wound too shall heal, with deep scars surely, but heal it will...

Back to grading

I went over the grading formula with my son this morning, taking a sample set of homework, classwork and test grades and averaging them by category, and then applying the rule from most teachers for the final grades. 70% tests, 20% classwork and 10% homework. His eyes were round like saucers when he saw the average/final grades recalculating, and the importance of not getting grades with lot of change, but get them more on an even keel. I have saved the XL, and know I will have to reinforce the idea sometime next month, but I think it was a revelation for him.

More to the point though, I said, let's just focus on the process, and results will always follow... Keeping the backpack free of papers (handle each paper once, toss or file), use the planner to plan the homework and projects, breaking down large tasks and assigning due dates for each. Planning the day/evening, following up, being accountable, not making excuses... that sort of thing breeds success I told him. And don't forget the all important to-do list. However you maintain it, create one first.

Report for the day

Ben and I checked the grades online today, with no fear of what we will find, because of how consistent we have been on all homework, projects and tests. Predictably, there were no surprises. He did have questions on why the 98 in Math didn't bring up his grade as much as he would have liked, which led me to the XL lesson above. I even taught him to do simple formula in XL. Always looking for the teachable moment...  

I walked 3 miles yesterday with a dear friend. Today, I did not walk. Praying and meditating a lot, and today's meditation really touched me.

Our centering thought for today is:

"As I let go of the need to arrange my life, the universe brings abundant good to me."

Today's Sanskrit mantra and its English essence are:

Om Anandham Namah
My actions are blissfully free from attachment to outcome.