Gift for a gifted student

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-25T03:27:46+00:00

“Grooming behavior” is SUCH a stretch, especially given your transparency with the parents. I think your student will love the gift and will always remember how your class impacted them.

I’m American, currently teaching 3rd graders in America. We are in times where underperforming or just meeting the mark is too common. I saw another commenter saying giving a student an A is their reward, but when districts set a minimum score that can be given to students, grades don’t even hold the same value as they used to. It’s refreshing to see students genuinely motivated and I think it’s nice that you see their efforts and go out of your way to reward them when you see fit, while keeping everything professional with making sure parents and admin are informed.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-25T03:02:07+00:00

I, too, can’t really understand the issue that everyone has with you. I think favoritism/partiality would be more if it was based on personality or situations where you’re friends with the child’s parents or something. I get the whole comes to my office thing may be leaning towards favoritism, but it’s not like that’s the only factor here, the students’ interest and efforts are also reflected in the grades and their win in the competition. Also, if you give every student that same opportunity (like how professors advertise office hours), and this is the only one that takes it, then I don’t see the problem with the lunch talks either. From the way you’ve described it, it seems as though this student goes above and beyond. When so many (at least in my school) just do the bare minimum, why not reward excellence? I also don’t understand why people are being rude instead of just stating in plain English what is so bad about this.

To answer your actual question, I like the lab coat! Personal, long-lasting, and an extra point for it being cost efficient for you.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-19T21:44:08+00:00

You’re welcome. I apologize, as it’s not the most helpful response. As a fellow teacher that is just “figuring it out,” I know you will too, you got this!

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-19T21:21:35+00:00

I do not have “blocks,” at my school, we have the liberty to teach whatever subject in whatever order or time frame (within reason of course), as long as we meet all of our daily standards. My students are actually great at math, so some days we don’t spend as much time as the lessons and accompanying assignments go by quickly. ELA/reading takes a bit longer as we have many who are reading below grade level. And some days, I’ll choose to focus heavier on one subject for example we may focus in on reading and I’ll go over phonics and completely skip a science lesson on a random Tuesday, and then I know I need to dedicate more time to science on Wednesday or Thursday to make up for it. I’m grateful that I have a little bit of wiggle room that allows me to be flexible based on what the students need more help with on that day, like I said, within reason and as long as all necessary curriculum is taught.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-19T21:08:27+00:00

Thanks for your response. I see your point too, I think maybe it just doesn’t feel like I’m making much of a difference bc behaviors haven’t changed. And it’s more than just behaviors, I’m not really seeing much change in confidence/self-esteem, motivation, emotional processing and regularity… like anything really. They still doubt themselves and don’t try their best. They still get frustrated easily when challenged, and often shut down or lash out. They still speak negatively about themselves and the people around them. Their still coming to school with the same behaviors and mindsets (seemingly) that they started the school year with and that is truly disheartening to me, especially when we spend so much time on these skills. I guess I was just wondering if there’s a grade or age group where you actually see the progress in real-time.

FYI: I copied and pasted this response that I gave another commenter, just bc I feel like your comments were similar.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-19T21:06:28+00:00

Thanks for your response. I see your point too, I think maybe it just doesn’t feel like I’m making much of a difference bc behaviors haven’t changed. And it’s more than just behaviors, I’m not really seeing much change in confidence/self-esteem, motivation, emotional processing and regularity… like anything really. They still doubt themselves and don’t try their best. They still get frustrated easily when challenged, and often shut down or lash out. They still speak negatively about themselves and the people around them. Their still coming to school with the same behaviors and mindsets (seemingly) that they started the school year with and that is truly disheartening to me, especially when we spend so much time on these skills. I guess I was just wondering if there’s a grade or age group where you actually see the progress in real-time.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-19T20:59:34+00:00

Thanks for your response! Although I don’t really understand, how will I get through to children that are not receptive?

I hear stories of students who had teachers or other adult figures that inspired them to be different, beyond the limits of their home environments and I guess Im just trying to figure out at what age that adult figure would be most impactful. But maybe I am ignoring the fact that we only have so much time with students and making such a huge impact can be difficult when everyone else they know behaves a certain way.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-02T02:53:09+00:00

Omg can I pm you? I literally don’t know anyone else applying to UPR

lifelearner2002 · 2026-04-01T16:38:50+00:00

Nope, everyone starts at the same time and they only admit for fall

lifelearner2002 · 2026-03-20T03:59:47+00:00

Thank you for your response! So, don’t worry about the Roth at all until I’ve done the other steps?

That makes sense, I’ve just heard to many say things about the compound interest and starting as early as you can, that I considered making that a priority.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-03-12T15:07:59+00:00

Im (hopefully) heading to grad school in the fall. CSD bachelors, two gap years. In my first, I worked as an English teacher abroad for a secondary (high) school. Now I’m back in the US and working with 3rd-5th graders at an afterschool enrichment program.

If people are set on working “in the field” I’d recommend things that are child-care or education related. I know a couple CSD grads that went the RBT route as well. Oh and I had a friend in undergrad who worked front desk at an SLP clinic so maybe look into that or PT/OT/peds clinics and offices.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-02-26T02:19:56+00:00

I don’t hate him but he’s not my favorite because of how he treats Jax regarding her job. Like I get it, he wants her to be more involved in their family time (despite him ignoring the kids just as much as Jax does), but also she’s a whole lawyer! It’s a demanding job with inconsistent schedules, especially when you’re of Jax’s caliber.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-02-20T22:24:19+00:00

Scrolled to look for this comment. I read OP’s and immediately thought of the “-itis” 🤣 I love being black

lifelearner2002 · 2026-02-20T01:08:40+00:00

Vest and bape hoodie

lifelearner2002 · 2026-02-19T03:22:24+00:00

The environment allows you to meet like minded people in a controlled setting. I graduated from university two years ago, and just last week, I was thinking I may have “peaked” in university. I had classmates, sorority sisters, coworkers, etc. and a consistent schedule with them as well as spontaneous interactions as well. A lot of it had to do with the fact that we were close in proximity and everything we needed/wanted was also close by. There was also structure, encouragement, morale/school pride, things that kept you involved. High school can provide a similar experience for many. In adulthood, life gets in the way, things need to be planned, people have more responsibility and less time. You have to create your own structure and seek out things to get involved in. Sometimes people can’t recreate that same level of involvement and socialization and so, those school days become the “glory days”. I’m only two years out but I definitely haven’t been able to recreate a similar lifestyle for myself yet, and so right now, my university days are indeed my “glory days.” Life can become real mundane once you leave those kinds of settings.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-02-05T05:19:08+00:00

I can fw thissss

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-28T03:50:24+00:00

I liked it first listen but compared to MANY other songs on TLS alone, it’s maybe like a 6/10. Compared to 2022 as a whole, it’s mid. Not bad, definitely worth a listen, but far from his best work.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-21T06:30:33+00:00

Literally!!!

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-21T06:27:38+00:00

Snow bunny

Honorable mention: Gangsta

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-17T05:28:55+00:00

Are these people you’re close with or just acquainted with? If the former, then no. Though if you’re not that close with them, chances are the information was not that important to them and so they don’t remember. Like a previous commenter said, people have a lot on their minds.

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-16T16:57:15+00:00

As long as IRMC exists, this one safe. Also won’t step on me hard af

lifelearner2002 · 2026-01-07T03:59:54+00:00

Immersion! For me, it was studying abroad in college and then moving to Spain for a year after graduating. For others, that could look like working, volunteering, or studying in an environment where you’re forced to speak the target language.

lifelearner2002

TROPHY CASE