America’s New Top Model Student

Little Zo Peep brought home her 3rd period report card last week. In Kindergarten her “grades” consist of Minus signs or Check marks or Plus signs. She is graded on about 40 different dimensions – everything from listening well to recognizing long vowel sounds from sharing to penmanship (to name a few).

Like previous grading periods, the Peep received lots of Plus signs, a couple Checks and no Minus signs. She also received this comment from her teacher:

“Z**** continues to show excellent progress and is mastering all of her studies. She is a model student.”

I read these comments to Zo Peep and she retorted,

“Model Student??? You mean, like America’s Next Top Model?”

Let me explain:

In the summer of 2006 my niece Monica worked as my Nanny and stayed with us during the week. She introduced Zo Peep and me to many reality shows including America’s Next Top Model. Although we don’t watch it every week, Zo Peep and I are still fans.

Zo Peep’s comment made me smile. Wouldn’t it be great if model students were admired and lauded as much as long-legged, size zero beauties? Can’t y’all imagine a reality series in which contestants vie for the title of America’s New Top Model Student?

Not very likely, eh?

Interestingly, -- in spite of her teacher’s comments -- I would never call my little one a model student. Honestly, Zo Peep shows little to no passion for school. Some mornings she whines about how she HATES school. Plus, Miss Peep periodically tells me how many days are left until school is over for the summer – as if she is counting down a prison sentence.

Perhaps her love for school will kick in later and I’m expecting too much of my not-yet-six-year-old. I hope she develops a love for learning. Maybe it is already starting. In the last few months I've seen her show a real interest in science (she loves to do experiments at home) and a joy in reading and spelling. Maybe her love of learning is starting to emerge and her love of school will follow shortly thereafter.

Stay tuned.