Would it be proper to explain to my son's teacher?

Question

My son is in Pre-K and his teacher is concerned that the children know their street address, phone number, their birthdate and year and the first names of their parents, as well as rhyming words. She sent a note home in my son' s backpack telling me that he does not know these things and needs to work on them at home. I know he does know them because he tells me all of them at home and he has had 2 years of preschool including learning these things. (I think pre-k is somewhat early to know your street address and phone number but anyway) Would it be appropriate for me to send a note to her tomorrow morning telling her that he knows these items and has demonstrated them to us at home? My son told me that when his teacher was asking the kids these questions and it was his turn; he replied, "I don't know," because he didn't want to stand up and talk in front of everybody. When I try talking to her in person she is the type who cuts you off mid-sentence and says "Have a nice day."

Directly after muttering, "Have a nice day, she quickly turns around and walks away, leaving you still trying to get a word out and wondering if you'll ever get to talk to her!"

Answer 1

Why not show the letter to her boss and talk to her boss about this behavior? She has no reason to be a snide wench like that.

But as a parent, please let your son know that if he does not want to participate, he should say that. Saying he does not know makes him look like he is ignorant on the given topic and will only separate him from his peers.

Knowing all that information you listed by Pre-K is not early. My 2-3 yr old toddler class knows about half and the Preschool class knows all of that.

Again, talk to her boss about her concerns and let your son know that "I don't know" is not acceptable unless he really doesn't know.

Answer 2

I find it interesting that you are prepared to have this woman, who is obviously insensitive to a parent's concerns and a child's fear of speaking in public, educate your son. Children at this age are very maleable, and are suseptable to every nuance. A woman who very obviously is not intesrested in the parents' input, nor the child's feelings, is not a person who can educate your child to be fair, kind, thoughtful, considerate. I would be worried that she would be instilling my son with a low sense of self esteem and a lack of respect for authority. If I had an option in this case, I would seek a different school..

If this is not an option, you shoudl definitely try to make yourself heard in this regard. In addition, a good relationship between the parent and the teacher is conducive to a good education in studies and social conduct. You might want to book an appoinment with the teacher, so that she has no choice but to hear you out. Begin by explianing that you appreciate her hard work with the kids (a little falttery can go a long way here - keep it sincere) but that your child is afraid of talking in public, and can she please take that into account. You must be very careful that you make no insinuations that she is not a good teacher. Remember at all times that you msut keep her friendly towards you, so that the child will not suffer for it.... You can tell her that you understand that it disrupts the class flow when your son doesnt want to participate, and that you will discuss it with him. This will provide the impetus to a parent-teacher cooperation: you are working on the problem together!

I would leave off approaching the principal until you are really stuck (she wont see you, or she wont cooperate). Speaking to the principal is akin to snitching in her books, and she will not take kindly to that.....

In all events, follow your heart. He is your child and deserves to have a good education in a warm and friendly environment!

Ps. You should try to find out if the child was scared of the kids, or the teacher's ridicule should he make a mistake? Do be careful that you dont suggest that to him; rather let him tell you how and why he feels. good luck!

Answer 3

By all means, send a note to this teacher, and while you are at it, you might want to call the school and talk to the director about this woman not wanting to communicate with you face to face. Have you considered that your son might not have the social skills that you do at your age and that he might be reluctant to stand in front of the class because this woman might be rude to him too? I am all for respecting teachers, but this is Pre-K. The important thing is that you are satisfied that your son KNOWS his address, etc., and that he would be able to tell someone in an emergency. It sounds to me like he is being intimidated by this teacher.

Answer 4

Call her and ask for an APPOINTMENT after school. When the two of you are sitting down in a classroom she can't just walk away. If she does, call the principal and ask for a meeting and see if she is as anxious to cut you off in front of her superior. I have raised 5 kids and 2 step children and have had a LOT of time with teachers. They are for the most part VERY overworked and over stressed and underpaid. They WILL however pay attention to persistence and your child will get a quality education if you insist on making them stand out in the crowd.

Answer 5

Just write her a note telling her he knows thar info but he was taught not to give that information out. If a teacher cut me off while I was speaking to her, I would find another Pre-K. A child should know this information by the time they are 4.

Answer 6

Yes send the note. Then talk to the principal tell him/her what the teacher is doing. If she treats you that way just imagine how she is treating your child. No wonder poor guy didn't want to stand up in class. If you don't handle this now it may affect his advancement in school. Good luck, and don't be afraid to stand up for your child ever.

Answer 7

It definately is something that a child should know, but he shouldnt have to say it over and over and over. Could cause problems in the long run. Who wants their children running around the park screaming I live at so and so, my phone number is so and so and on and on. Its common sense, these teachers are getting rediculous. My kids didn't even have to know these until they were in kindergarten. In pre school they do start teaching kids these things.

Answer 8

You might want to get your child away from the influence of this teacher. If she treats parents with such arrogance, immagine how intimidating she must be to the children. That may be the reason why your child didn't want to answer her question, because she put him on the spot. It's more likely that he didn't want to stand up and talk in front of the class because of her intimidation.

Answer 9

I think it's great that kids are learning these important things sooner, because too many kids are kidnapped everyday.. but as for your child not wanting to participate in class, let him know that it's alright to stand up in class and answer the teacher, it will be better for him in the long run, build his self confidence...

And you should tell her boss how she treats you when you approach her with a problem..

Answer 10

Get used to confronting teachers. Prepare yourself for dealing with school board members as well. There is so much incompetency in todays school systems that it is shameful. I still have 5 years left with my youngest son and the system has about beat me down. Remember, it is your child's right to get an education, but you may have to insist upon it for it to happen. Good luck.