Yesterday I sent a note with my daughter to school to give to her teacher. The note simply said that I was just letting her know that I have been working with my daughter at home on her spelling, and could she suggest any ways that may help her work on it at home. Then I thanked her for all she was doing in class with the children, I knew she had been working hard with them (1st graders). I get the feeling I may have ticked her off or made her feel slighted in some way, but it was not intended in any way. I was just worried because the last few of my daughter's spelling tests had poor grades and notes attached to them in all caps and underlined that said PRACTICE! The response I received to my letter was was as follows:
Mrs. Smith,
I KNOW you have been working with Alexis on spelling! Just hang in there! I am sending you some different ways to work on it at home. Maybe it will help.
Mrs.(teacher)
2007-02-06 10:47:55 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
As a former school teacher, I was always thrilled when the parents showed an interest in how their kid was doing and asked what they could do to help their kid learn more. I can't see how she could possibly take offense at what you wrote. It sounds as if she is happy that you are interested. You don't owe her an apology.
2007-02-06 11:00:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that you owe her an apology. She not only addressed your concern, but did offer some ways - hopefully they are useful for you and your daughter.
I find, as a teacher myself, that some of my words are twisted around when I send emails or write letters. I, personally, would rather call on the phone to parents so that they can hear my tone personally, and not misconstrue it. It is so easily done in writing, and I have had many misunderstandings through it.
I think you did the right thing by getting in touch with the teacher, and as someone else noted, I am thrilled when parents contact me and show that they are involved in their child/ren's learning. It makes me feel like we are more of a team working for the best learning experience for the child.
If these strategies do not work, do not hesitate to contact the teacher. I don't know if she is new or "seasoned" to teaching, so she may be feeling overwhelmed as well - hence the hasty reply. First grade is tough with all of the needs that are in the classroom, but like I mentioned before, it sounds like your note and her note both show that you are working as a team.
And if the strategies don't work, getting in touch with her again is not a bad idea. You may want to set up a meeting or conference on the phone or face to face though to insure that no misunderstandings are made in the future on her side and on yours.
I hope this helps....You are a wonderful parent for being concerned and involved in your child's life at school!
2007-02-06 11:40:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
If all parents were like you and worked at home with their children then teaching would be so enjoyable. It's good also that you care so much, not only for your daughters progress but on how you may have made the teacher feel. See this from a different point of view - maybe it was a thank you in what she can see you are doing to support your daughter at home. Look at the different ways she has sent you and feedback to her how you got on with those and perhaps thank her for the additional support. You by no means need to apologise for being a good parent, even if she is ticked off - this may only go to reinforce that she needs to look at additional strategies.
2007-02-06 10:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all. The teacher seemed to handle the letter very well. Yes maybe her response was slightly odd but maybe she was anxious to let you know that she has seen a difference in your daughters spelling recently but didn't have the time to write a lengthy letter. Don't worry. If it would make you feel better it would be very kind of you to respond with another letter saying "thank you for taking the time to help me and send me information on how to help even more with my daughters spelling" or something similar. Have a great evening :)
2007-02-06 10:54:31 · answer #4 · answered by daddys girl 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think you are really mis-reading the note. It sounds as if the teacher can tell you have been working with your daughter, and that she appreciates it. She then goes on to let you know that she is answering your plea for help by sending homework options home. The note is encouraging and grateful. Most teachers today are absolutely overwhelmed, and many parents simply don't try to work with their children. This teacher can tell she is dealing with a parent who is concerned about her child's reading skills and is willing to do something to help.
By the way, have you tried the Cat in the Hat? And other Dr. Seuss books? They really helped our children. Good luck.
2007-02-06 11:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I was coming into this thinking that you were being a douche and humiliated a student or something. As a college student I can say you are right. If she is going to be 30 minutes late why bother at all? Im the same age as her and I can manage because I schedule my classes for times that I can make it. Honestly, If I were you I wouldnt let anyone in after a certain time(20 minutes sounds fair to account for traffic or emergencies)
2016-05-24 01:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No apology needed. From the tone of the teacher's note, it sounds like she's glad you are helping your daughter at home. She has sent you new ideas and methods to help you tutor your child more effectively. Send her a thank-you note instead!
2007-02-06 10:54:04 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
What a thoughtful, considerate response. I don't know what your problem is with it, because the teacher has acknowledged your efforts and is going to provide you with alternate ways to work on the problem. What more do you want? And what makes you think anyone owes anyone an apology in this situation?
2007-02-06 10:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by old lady 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
You have nothing to apologize for. You helped your daughter get better at something she was struggling with.
It is our jobs as parents to educate our children. With 26 students in a classroom how can 1 teacher effectivly educated them all?
If the teacher is irrited, it's more at herself, i am sure than you.
2007-02-06 10:57:18 · answer #9 · answered by Crazymom 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That doesn't sound to me like she is ticked off. It sounds like she's acknowledging your hard work with your daughter, and she gave you what you asked for--suggestions for helping her. You don't owe her an apology, you owe her a thank you note.
2007-02-06 10:53:02 · answer #10 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋