School Performance

One day, the mother of ten year-old William was talking and complaining to a teacher about the low grades that her son had brought home in the report card. Aggravated, she poured her dissatisfaction on the teacher. She spoke about the lack of care the school had with the children's education, claiming that her son was not getting the proper care.

	Teacher Vera patiently explained to her that learning depends on each student as in the way they receive the teachings and the good will they demonstrate in learning. The mother, unhappy, did not agree with that theory. Walking down the hall, they passed by the library where three students did their homework after school.
As an example, the teacher said to the first:

- What are you doing?

The angry boy replied:

- I'm grounded, and doing this crappy assignment that should have been handed in yesterday. Now, I can't even go out to play!

- And you? - she asked the second.

- I am doing this assignment because I do not want to fail! After this, I'll play ball with my friends – he replied, flustered.

- And you? - she asked the third boy.

The mother apologized, dispirited, recognizing that the teacher was right.

- Deep down, I know my son does not like to study and his poor performance is his own fault. However, we are poor and I worry about his future, seeing that he is not interested in learning. What should I do?

Teacher Vera thought for a moment and pondered:

- Find out that he likes, what makes him happy.

On her way home the mother thought hard and at last discovered. William had long wanted a computer but she had not paid attention to him thinking it would be money thrown away.

That same evening she talked with her husband and they decided to grant the child's wish. They would have to make great efforts and work harder to pay for the computer but it might be worth it.

Before going to bed, the father called William and said:

- Son, I know you want a computer but you have done nothing to deserve it. Improve your performance at school and we can think about it.

Excited about that promise, the next day William woke up cheerful and resolved to improve. At school his behaviour was different as he tried to pay more attention in class. At home, he would do his homework and then study the subject thoroughly.

As time went by, he developed a real taste for studying and started to enjoy his books.

The result: when he proudly brought his report card home, his grades were much better and his parents were very happy.

	The very next day, when William came home from school - surprise! - he found a computer already set up with all the equipment! With his eyes wide with wonder, he turned to his parents who were watching from the door: - It is yours, son! - confirmed his father. William embraced them with tears in his eyes:
- Dad, thank you! It is just as I have always wanted!

But in doubt, he looked at his parents:

- I thank you for this. But I know how much it must have cost. Look, in fact, you have already achieved your goal. Now I've learned to really like to study. There's no need to give me a computer anymore!

- You have earned it, son. It's yours.

William, calmer, considered:

- Well, if it is so, now I need to take courses and learn to use the computer. Then I can make money with it and return a little of the much you have given me all this time.

His parents, moved, realised that the value of the gift was small considering the happiness they saw in the child.

Returning to school to thank Vera for her help, the mother, who previously only received complaints about the boy, was pleased to hear from the teacher:

- Congratulations! Your child is very different. It seems like a miracle! How did you do it?

The mother smiled and said:

- It's simple. With affection, attention and stimulation. And a computer, of course!

Aunt Celia