the benefits of packrattery

[elite]

I've just unearthed a Learning Pattern Assessment of my fourth-grade, nine-year-old self. I'd just skipped third grade. I believe this was the first of a long line of teachers who both adored and hated me.

The assessment is on a scale of 0 to 5, from low to high. Here are some of my favorite 0s and 5s:

.....

Has a vivid imagination and prefers fiction, legend and fantasy over the sensible, factual or realistic: 5

Conforms to the standards and expectations of the teacher, and seeks to do what she is 'supposed to do' rather than taking independent action: 0

Responds to classwork only when she finds it to be fun and entertaining, and becomes inattentive if it requires study and concentration: 5 (this one had little sunbursts around it for emphasis)

Is interested in the abstract, wants to use theories and principles to explain facts, rather than simply learn the facts or understand their meaning: 5

Her communications are terse, compact and logical, displaying precise grammar and syntax: 0

Does not like being confined, wants to be free to roam around the classroom and is often disruptive: 5

Tends to be sensible, stable and practical, and not imaginative, creative or ingenious: 0

Does not like structure, routine or orderliness, prefers to do as she wishes, and tends to ignore rules: 5

.....

That's right, kids. I've been a rambling, fangirly, independent soul since day one, and I've got this yellowed paper to prove it.