Finishing

Sometimes in the classroom a teacher has a meaningful conversation. I remember talking to my sons about finishing the things that they start. Finishing is a big word to kids who haven't got the concept yet. In fact, it is really hard even as an adult to finish everything. For example there is that counted cross stitch in the closet that is 'almost' finished. I just have to put the names on the family tree and put it in a frame. I am just waiting for everyone to get married so I can finish the family tree. Another project that I have lined up to finish is a baby quilt. It goes on and on but I know that I will finish these projects. I am finishing a project that has been sitting on my ironing board since before Christmas. I am now getting around to it. But I would like to go back to the student in the classroom. This is a made up scenario that often happens at school so if anyone reads this and thinks it is them...it might be.

Student (ambling up to me): "I got an F in Science."
Me: "Why did you get an F?"
Student: "I didn't finish my notes."
Me: "Why don't you finish them?"
Student: "I was absent the day that the teacher gave them."
Me: "Why don't you ask another student for them?"
Student: "I don't know."
Me (to the classroom): "Does anyone have the Science notes that .....can borrow?"
Other student: "I do."
Me: "Now you have the notes why don't you copy them?"
Student sits there for a moment: "I don't have a pencil."
Me:" Does anyone have a pencil that ....can borrow?"
Other student: "I do."
Me: "Now why don't you sit there a copy the notes?"
Student does it in five minutes and brings his grade up to a B-.