Struggling with teacher?

Question

As a parent of a first grader, what do I do if the teacher is currently 1 month behind on curriculum? It's only November! I volunteer in the classroom. I feel I am hurting the teachers feelings by asking questions about my childs progress. I've noticed that some of the students are still learning to read, and a lot of time is spent with them. My child has about 1.5 hours of uninstructional reading time a day, since he's reading at 2nd grade level.
They haven't even started handwriting yet! He comes home almost every day in tears saying he's not learning and when he has a question, he's not being noticed. He tells me he can not concentrate on written worksheets while other children are involved in playful activities during Math time. (other students flicking pennies across the floor, instead of using them to count) Has a hard time focusing in such a chaotic atmosphere.
Just don't know what to do, or how to approach the teacher who is extremely overwhelmed.

I have spoken to the teacher, and I am concerned about printing, not script. I was told by the teacher in a conference that they are 4 weeks behind schedule, due to so many at below level that have to brought up to speed. I have also spoken with the principle, but have not yet spoken to a guidance counselor. This may be a good idea.
Again, I do not envy any teachers, and I agree they are very challenged with different level of students in the classroom.
I do not think AG programs start until 3rd grade? I'm not looking for that, but would like to see some kind of challenge to keep my child from getting frustrated with reading alone, and not feeling like he's lost in the shuffle.

I have tried to communicate with the teacher, but feel she is getting "irritated" with me, and I'm just trying to make sure my child is getting the same attention as the other students in the classroom.

Maybe I'm just an overly concerned parent, and we are doing additional work at home

Answer 1

Talk with the principal immediately. It is completely ridiculous that your child should be left to suffer for the sake of the lowest common denominator. Fight on behalf of your child.

Answer 2

How do you know exactly where the teacher should be in terms of curriculum? Unless your teacher is operating on some weird "script" in which every single day is planned down to the minute, isn't it possible she's addressed some things from "further ahead" in the curriculum and is saving some things for later in the year. I totally agree that ninety minutes of free reading time is completely inappropriate and that issue needs to be addressed. You should arrange a meeting with the principal and the teacher and ask to see her Year Plan. This document will show how she divided up the curriculum and when she plans to address each of the main learning outcomes. You might be surprised to find that things like handwriting (I'm assuming you mean script as opposed to printing) aren't even in the first grade curriculum (as that varies by area). Also, pick up the official curriculum documents from your nearest major library (they're hundreds and hundreds of pages long) so you can go to the meeting educated about what your teacher is actually required by law to be teaching.

I work with the local Center for Gifted Students, and I highly suggest that you hold off on any Gifted Education programs (as suggested above). Many people don't realize that there are many factors that lead to a child being identified as gifted, including a unique set of social indicators including discomfort in social situations and a tendancy to become angry or frustrated when not constantly challenged. Your son might be smart, but that doesn't mean he's gifted. Putting him in a school or class for gifted students could be a VERY, VERY bad idea.

Answer 3

You're in a really tough spot. Speaking from a teacher's point of view (cause I have been there), she's in a really tough spot too. Since you already addressed the issue with the teacher (and I'm sure she's stressed being 4 weeks behind with so many lower level students) I would take it up with someone higher up on the chain (superintendent, school board). And the teacher needs needs to speak up as well. There def. needs to be an aide in that classroom. Most first graders learn to read in first grade anyway, so if he's already that much ahead look into gifted and talented programs. Maybe if the distractions become too much he can go to another classroom to do his work quietly. Maybe the teacher could get extra copies from 2nd grade work to do when he's done with his classwork, or special brain teaser type things.
I don't think there is any need to continue to with the teacher. She knows your concerns and as you said is extremely overwhelmed. If she's a non tenured teacher, the chances are she's not going to speak up. She'll probably be afraid that if she does, it'll send the message that she can't handle the job and won't be asked back next year. Forget the teacher and move higher up, past the principal if need be. At least you're showing concern early in the year before it's not too late! Good luck!!

Answer 4

There are gifted and talented education programs in many areas, those provide a challenge to students. Try looking into some of those. If you have time to home school that can be a great option, one thing with him being so young that can stunt his social skills so make sure to keep him interacting with children his age. Also don't be afraid to request a parent teacher conference, to voice your concerns and if that doesn't work go to the next level. Another option you can try is the school board, let them know the problems that you are having, chances are they will review the teacher and possibly give you the option of your son going on to the next grade. Also you can try tutoring him or getting him different work books, that way he has the opportunity to stay on track. Don't worry about hurting the teachers feelings she needs to know how you feel and she might appreciate that you took the time to notice.

Answer 5

There are a lot of 1st graders that are just learning to read. And these students should have the teachers attention. Explain to your child that he is advanced and help him to learn at home. Talk to the school guidance officer and explain that your child is bored in school, he is advanced compared to the other children. Where I live, they will move the child up a grade. This happened to my son. He wanted to quit school in first grade because he said" I read the same words everyday" If that is all they are going to teach me ,then I am done with school. " They moved him up a grade, it gave him more of a challenge and he liked it. Did high honors all through school and college.

Answer 6

take the bull by the balls, it's your kid that is suffering. The teacher needs to do her damn job, that is what we pay them to do.

Do not worry about "hurting someone's feelings".. The hand wringing people do about feelings is costing this country too much as it is. Talk to the principal, inform him/her of your concerns and ask what you can do as a parent to get things on track. If you need to take your child out of Public schools and find a private school or home school him.

Answer 7

I would approach the principal or the guidance councelor about it. If the teacher is that overwhelmed she may need some extra help for a while.

Answer 8

you need to home school your child until they get into middle or high school because it see that public school is the baby sitting ground for other kids not a school. I have 3 nephew who have started 1st and kindergarding. All 3 are having problem because they all know how to write, read, some of their math. My mom teach them at home along with my 20 month who knows her abc. most parent dont have time to teach their child at home so the ones who do child is bored and discourge with school. you need to take him out of school and hometeach him.

Answer 9

You need to talk to the teacher before you talk with the principal or anyone else. Just tell her what you have observed and don't criticize!

Answer 10

Homeschool.