If you want your kids to do well on tests (regular class tests; can’t speak to that standardized garbage), you need to show them how to study by studying WITH them, at least until they get the rhythm. An adult ordering a 10 year old to concentrate is pointless.
Michael is creative, with a great imagination. For some things that distracts. On the other hand, it also leads to great scientific questions, medical breakthroughs, marvelous literature, and other creative insights. When a person’s brain goes a mile a minute w creative thoughts it is extremely hard to force them aside to attain and practise foundation material.
Kids have always claimed “no fair” when someone else does better than them on a test. The unfortunate thing is that these days the adults agree with them.
Michael’s father can offer to help Michael to show how to concentrate. John can confiscate all of Michael’s toys and electronic gadgets until Michael’s work improves.
Do something while studying that can be repeated just before testing. Spritz a small amount of scent on your wrist, suck on a strongly flavored hard candy, wrap your pen/pencil with a highly tactile fabric. Whatever it is, do it consistently. These sorts of things create a sort of “memory anchor” and makes data recall much easier. You’ll even find that you can recall what you studied years later if you smell the scent, taste the candy, etc. again.
John is understanding in this case. Future strips will have him basically saying “Michael, get your head out your ass!”
STORY SPOILER: John laying down the law and Elly demanding Michael get his head “out of his fourth point of contact” did not so much occur with schoolwork, but at home in the later years when Michael becomes moody and surly 95% of the time. One strip showed Michael shouting at Farley to get out of the easy chair; Michael rudely shoving Elizabeth out of his way instead of saying “Pardon me”, and having the table manners of Jabba of Hutt when the family is eating dinner. Michael is clueless why his entire family is angry with him, which is why his parents must do the above.
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
Got another solution, John?
Argythree over 9 years ago
He can’t think when he concentrates? What???
hsawlrae over 9 years ago
Think about WHAT???
pelican47 over 9 years ago
Try concentrating when the TV is not on, and your boom box is not blasting.
bt over 9 years ago
If you want your kids to do well on tests (regular class tests; can’t speak to that standardized garbage), you need to show them how to study by studying WITH them, at least until they get the rhythm. An adult ordering a 10 year old to concentrate is pointless.
AliCom over 9 years ago
The kid needs to spend more time studying and less time enving his friend. Maybe someone has to teach him how to study and make him do it.
sukiec over 9 years ago
Michael is creative, with a great imagination. For some things that distracts. On the other hand, it also leads to great scientific questions, medical breakthroughs, marvelous literature, and other creative insights. When a person’s brain goes a mile a minute w creative thoughts it is extremely hard to force them aside to attain and practise foundation material.
JanLC over 9 years ago
Kids have always claimed “no fair” when someone else does better than them on a test. The unfortunate thing is that these days the adults agree with them.
USN1977 over 9 years ago
Michael’s father can offer to help Michael to show how to concentrate. John can confiscate all of Michael’s toys and electronic gadgets until Michael’s work improves.
bryan42 over 9 years ago
That’s a Brian for you – we’re just naturally good test takers.
Can't Sleep over 9 years ago
Not all brains are created equal.
nickel_penny over 9 years ago
Do something while studying that can be repeated just before testing. Spritz a small amount of scent on your wrist, suck on a strongly flavored hard candy, wrap your pen/pencil with a highly tactile fabric. Whatever it is, do it consistently. These sorts of things create a sort of “memory anchor” and makes data recall much easier. You’ll even find that you can recall what you studied years later if you smell the scent, taste the candy, etc. again.
westny77 over 9 years ago
Quit your whining. Boo Hoo. You bore me.
sbischof over 9 years ago
…anyone ordering anyone to concentrate is pointless!
USN1977 over 9 years ago
John is understanding in this case. Future strips will have him basically saying “Michael, get your head out your ass!”
STORY SPOILER: John laying down the law and Elly demanding Michael get his head “out of his fourth point of contact” did not so much occur with schoolwork, but at home in the later years when Michael becomes moody and surly 95% of the time. One strip showed Michael shouting at Farley to get out of the easy chair; Michael rudely shoving Elizabeth out of his way instead of saying “Pardon me”, and having the table manners of Jabba of Hutt when the family is eating dinner. Michael is clueless why his entire family is angry with him, which is why his parents must do the above.
TINA ! almost 5 years ago
Did she get a years older in a day?