Commonly used phrases in school reports.... what do they really mean?

[dimsumdiddly]

DS aged 9 got his school report yesterday. It was good(ish) but describes him as "strong-willed and determined". What does this mean in "teacher language" do you think and are there any more phrases good or bad that you should look out for?

I’d say that means ‘bloody minded... but in a good, productive way.’

I’d say it’s means he likes to do things his own way.

Doesn't follow instructions.

Doesn't always follow instructions.

Sometimes insists on doing things his way even if it's totally wrong.

Yep, I’d say bloody minded and isn’t keen on taking direction. Can be a positive thing though, knowing your own mind etc!

Doesnt listen to the teacherm

My 4year old had "is a well liked member of the class who always makes his friends giggle" which I take to mean "tells lots of jokes about Poo" 😂

If I wrote that it would definitely mean won't do as he's told!

Depending on the child it could be that they stand up for themselves and are assertive or they could be the class bully. They could hold their own in debates or could dominate the whole thing. They could have good ideas for how to do things or they could refuse to do it the way they are told. It can mean many things.

Doesn’t follow instructions

Argues with adults

Won’t be told that 2 + 2 is 4

Sorry, that really means he's being bratty at school.

on his own agenda. Won't be told what to do.

A "my way or the high way" sort of child - convinced he's right/ won't do as he's told/ argues back/ doesn't follow instructions. This is why I always make it clear if something is good or bad on reports 😛

My 4year old had "is a well liked member of the class who always makes his friends giggle" which I take to mean "tells lots of jokes about Poo"

Yeah, that says Class Clown to me 😂

If I wrote that it would definitely mean won't do as he's told!

Yes, that's what I'm worried about. Always been told that he's very well behaved and we've never had any complaints but that phrase is ringing alarm bells. Dh is taking it to mean that he's determined to succeed with his work but I'm not so sure

I would take that to mean, Doesn't do as he is told, and is a bit cheeky when refusing to do things.

Was there anything about focusing, trying harder, being more consistent or concentrating/listening.

If so, I'm afraid he's being a little shit.

If the whole report was totally positive and that's the only line that's a bit questionable then your DH is probably right.

Also does it chime at all with what you know about your child?

If I read that in DC1's report I would assume it was more positive (or wonder if the teacher had mixed him up with another child)
If I read it in DC2's I'd assume he won't do as he's told

It's not generally considered a positive in primary children..

Agree with the others. Either doesn't do as he's told or argues when given instructions.

Also does it chime at all with what you know about your child?

Not really, he's always been quite compliant and eager to please although I've noticed the last year he's starting to answer back a bit more or insist that he's right about things. All quite low level and typical of his age but now that comment's made me wonder if he's doing the same in school.

It was followed by a line about him being determined to overcome obstacles this year (he has dyspraxia) and making progress as a result. So either of us could be right.

Determined on its own is ok. If he's usually well behaved could you check with the teacher whether strong willed means anything negative like won't do as he's told?

Was there anything about focusing, trying harder, being more consistent or concentrating/listening.

No the rest was talking about how much progress he's made. So maybe making progress but being a little so and so in the process?

Feel a bit ott but I've asked the teacher to give me a quick ring. If he is a little shit then I'd rather they told me straight so we can nip it in the bud.

I think speaking to his teacher about it now is a great idea.

‘A lively member of the class’ is always one to look out for...