Dear Noah

I enjoyed the other day going to the library with you when you had the day off from school.  I liked your independence is getting to the library.  I liked how you took your time to find two books that you wanted.  I liked how you read the books quickly.

You got two Ninja Meerkat books.

And you have been reading other books lately for enjoyment.

Your grades in school lately have not been great.  And I know that you have been frustrated.  You have told me that the teachers aren’t teaching you.  And that you are being graded on stuff that you haven’t yet learned.  I understand this.

But I also think you need to work harder.  I think you will become a better reader and writer if you keep reading for enjoyment.  And I think you will continue to advance in math and science if you keep doing practice problems.

At the dinner table tonight, you were so proud of yourself to tell me that Liz taught you division!  And I gave you some simple division problems and you nailed them.  And you made up some multiplication problems and got them right, too.

I am less concerned with the grades as I am with you learning the concepts.  And with you having the right attitude and enthusiasm for learning.  I was very sad last week seeing you cry as I went over your graded papers with you.  I am not disappointed in you.  I love you.

Keep working hard.  And continue to be enthusiastic about learning.  I am here for you … always

Love
Dad