These memories stays life time.
That little kid whom I wwas holding and roaming around is about to finish his schooling. Time flies, our son is about to appear the 10th board exam day after tomorrow, and this brings a closure to his school life. A lot has changed compared to how it was in our time, but I love hearing his experience and I am sure, these memories will stay with him for his entire life. And what else we could have given them best - if they are educated, they will find out their way.
The school conducts lot of preparatory exams like pre-board / VSTs ( very similar tests) to prepare these students for the final exam. And they are very tight on the scores because they feel that is how these kids will learn not to do mistakes. And they distribute the papers for these kids to see it themselves and even ask if they are not happy.
The class teacher plays an very important role in school life, consolidating feedback from all others and then conveying that to us. But hey, we know our kid best, isn't it ? In earlier classes, I barely went to the PTM ( Parent Teacher Meeting) in all these years, but this year, I purposely met her in all PTMs to know about his improvements - not only in academics ( which is obvious from his scores), but all other aspects. It puts a little pressure mentally on the kids even though we are very friendly to our kids. And even though she was very happy with his improvements , she did point out to his weak points suggesting improvements. Our parents barely went to our schools and there was even no such thing as PTMs - they could go and meet any day, but back then scoring marks were the only thing that was expected from us - unlike now, where overall growth is a much important aspect. And we love to hear from our boy about all the happenings in school - its so much fun. Kids are more vulnerable today than us - back then we barely had anything other than physical sports, but they have everything at their disposal to go the wrong way. So it's very important we maintain a very friendly relationship with them and guide them - get them the confidence , differentiate between good and bad.
So far my advise to our kid is to prepare the best - if you put effort, then there will be rewards. It may vary to expectation, but that is what helps them learn. When they grow young, those leanings would matter more than their marks - all from our experience. And more ever, we should not burden them with very high expectation. I am happy as long as he puts effort.
And the process has changed a lot - the mark of the mother is a must in his detailed records maintained by the board. Usually she had been going to all PTMs earlier but then on the final day of bringing the admit card, we both went to discuss with the class teacher for the one last time. The class teacher shared some tips from what she has observed in all these preparatory exams. The boy gets stressed if he finds a difficult question that he cannot answer the best way. And then that carries over the entire duration. Such experience can come from only someone who closely watched with utmost care.
He should leave them to attempt at the end, without thinking too much - a very important tips that I will have to tell him before every exam on the boards - to get the best of his capabilities.
The boy will miss his lovely time at the school, but then these memories and close friends are going to be with him for his life time. Coming back we could not resist taking some more photos. Wish him all the best for his board exams starting in a day.
And this one will be on the frame - reminding all these lovely time from the last decade.
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