Toward the end of 2009, Rago suddenly didn't like going to school. It was a complete surprise to all of us because he was an achiever, a child full of energy and love for learning.
We later found out that allegedly he, together with his classmates, were scolded by the principal. Rago and his classmates, who were early for school, were playing, perhaps running along the corridors, which is usual for children to do. Then came the new and stricter principal, and reprimanded them for doing so.
The other children with him were not as affected. But, as we all know, people react to stimulus differently. Some are more sensitive than others. Some have a stronger coping mechanism than the others. Apparently, Rago was among the sensitive ones.
Still, we persevered, and so he was able to finish Grade 1. His grades were affected but at least he didn't have failing grades or grades below 88.
School Year 2010-2011 came. We were all excited, including Rago himself, to join his Kuya Gabo in the big school. Happily, he took the entrance test and passed and did well in the interview. We happily bought the books, uniforms, shoes, and other school supplies.
Then came the first day of school. I saw the hesitation in him, so I brought him to school that day. I was holding his hand and felt it tighten and tremble a little when we were going inside the big school campus. All the students were welcomed by the nuns at the entrance of the campus. I kissed him on the cheeks, pushed him gently to
Only to find out later in the day that he didn't go to his classes. Instead, he was just there in the teacher's room, and waited for dismissal time.
From then on the struggle began. He would go to school and tug along Ate Fely. I am grateful again to the sisters who accommodated him and his needs. Until he finally said he wouldn't go to school anymore.
Wizheart and I panicked. We wouldn't want our bright boy drop out of school at Grade 2. That was when we resorted to seeing a psychologist and at the same time approached another school in the area.
Rago's therapy sessions started right away, and started loving school again in the second school we found for him. Again, we thank God for educators who truly understand child psychology. Rago was given time to adjust, do what he wanted, and let himself decide when to attend all classes. All that time, we were not made to pay a single centavo. It was only last week, that we paid the two months that Rago had been attending. The school head said, "I think your son is making good progress now." We are grateful to her. And being a La Sallian myself, like her, I am proud that she has been upholding the La Sallian teachings and applying it to her school.
Yes, I almost had a 2nd-grade dropout.
This may serve as a warning to all mommies out there, AND to educators out there. Please please please study child psychology, and please learn ways to handle children or your students well. You play a major role in a student's life---especially in a young student's life. You couldn't afford to bring with you to the grave the knowledge that you have ruined a child's future.
Update:
Right now, Rago is in Grade 6, and enjoying school. He is into volleyball and basketball, and his academics is good, too. I'm happy, too, that he loves doing his homework and very diligent in doing his projects. Simply put, he is loving school, and I couldn't be happier.
For those of you who are going through the same thing with their children, my advice is that you get right to the problem. Seek help before it's too late.
Posted by Meikah Ybañez-Delid
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11 comments
It is very hard for us parents to see our children not interested in learning, and even knowing that their coping is not low, or they're too sensitive. Good thing he's loving school now, more than that, he has a thirst for knowledge and is diligent with his projects.
ReplyDeleteYes, Cym... and I praise God for that! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're on point with educators truly learning child psychology. It's important that teachers are able to gauge a child and know how to best handle them not just to be there to give lessons from a book.
ReplyDeleteYou're so blessed to have been connected with the right people during that time. I agree that a lot is expected of our educators today, which causes lots of parents to homeschool.
ReplyDeletei enrolled my 3 yr old daughter in a ballet school here in laspinas. and i didnt like how the maestra treats my daughter. unfortunately, its non refundable so my daughter just went to her ballet for 2 sessions. i never forced her to go back thinking she might have a trauma to all teachers.
ReplyDeleteHi mommy Meikah, did you confront the principal regarding this? You're blessed to have addressed the problem at the very early stage, it may have worsen if it was neglected.
ReplyDeleteThat's worrisome... yeah we really need to be careful in choosing teachers for our kids. Alalay lang sis :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have been blessed, Maan! That's the thing... I think DEPED or CHED should beef up their teacher training on this aspect.
ReplyDeleteRight, Maria. It's really important. After all they are the ones who are helping us mold our children the right way.
ReplyDeleteI had a very traumatic experience in 3rd grade that I never quite recovered from. It was with an impatient math teacher. :( yeah, teachers must be trained in that area too.
ReplyDeletei am happy for rago and for you. as parents we should always be involved with our children and although trust in the school is important, we should always be vigilant. no teachers and administrators are perfect. we have to do our part.
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