A few days ago, P had a quiz in Chinese. When the quiz was returned and I checked it, he had an additional mistake, which would take his score to 7.5/10 (and this means “just passed”).
So, without mentioning the 7.5, I told him that he made an additional mistake in one number that his lao shi missed. (She checked it correct rather than marked it wrong.)
P: Oh.
Me: I think you should tell your lao shi she missed this one. (Pointing to the mistake.)
P: But I would have a minus one more, mom!
Me: Well, yes, your score would be 7.5 instead of 8.5.
P: (sullen)
Me: But you’ll be telling lao shi the truth. I’m sure she’ll be happy as I will.
Next day, in the midst of play, he casually says “Mom, I told lao shi about the mistake.” I felt my heart swell. I said, “So, what did she say?”
He says, “Oh, she made me erase the wrong word and write the correct one.” I say, “So she didn’t minus your grade anymore?”
P: No.
Me: I’ll bet you’re happy. I’m so proud of you, P, for telling lao shi the truth
Posted by Beautiful Mom on Saturday, 13 December,2008 at 10:11 am
That’s so nice of Paul. From my experience, teachers would usually give that as a bonus for being honest, which is a good incentive for the students to value the virtue.
Posted by Jennie on Wednesday, 24 December,2008 at 2:39 pm
Aww… you’re doing such a great job in raising your kid. Integrity will be instilled in your child and he will be the best person he can be.
Merry Christmas, Jen! God bless you and your family!
Posted by Aiza on Wednesday, 7 January,2009 at 11:16 am
Wow, that’s nice of him to tell the truth, and for you to point it out. Cheers!
Posted by Ronnie on Tuesday, 10 February,2009 at 2:36 pm
Very nicely done! I’m glad it all worked out for the better.
Posted by auee on Wednesday, 25 February,2009 at 7:45 pm
What a great incentive to foster honesty. It took a lot of courage from P.