How would you handle this teacher situation?

Question

My six year old son came home last week, asking the question, "How do people get cancer?"
I was quite surprised... but he told me they were doing the Terry Fox Run, so I assumed their teacher told them a bit about cancer so they understood why they were doing the run.

I asked what he was told, and this is what I got...

His teacher told him that when kids chew & swallow bubble gum, it gets stuck to their bones, organs & heart.. and thats how people get cancer.!

I was dumbfounded at this answer (For all the people out there who believe this ridiculous wives tale.. it's COMPLETELY false.. with scientific studies proving the falsehood).

I explained to him (in 6yr old language) how the digestive system REALLY works, and it's impossible for gum to stick to anything... and that no one really knows how people get cancer (Lifestyle, smoking etc. can contribute, but no one knows for sure etc.)

I'm calling the teacher tomorrow to discuss this... what would you say?

Our 6yr old son has always looked at teachers as being correct, and whatever they say is true. (He kept saying, but Mrs. So-and-so said it was). Etc..

After talking, he understands what she said cannot happen (Gum is one of his favourite treats, and he was then scared of it).

Just wanting to get some opinions from others as to what you would say to this teacher.

(I work in medicine, so I know the clinical truth regarding gum, cancer and the like)

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm a teacher and I am just shocked at this situation!!!

I think telling kids the kind of thing your son's teacher told him is terrible. Kids eventually figure out that the teacher has told them something that isn't true, and they lose respect for that teacher.

I think that you absolutely did the correct thing by telling him the truth.

Now, as to what you should say to the teacher, I would start by asking her to tell you what she told him. Make sure you get it from her. Then, use her words as a jumping off point for a discussion on fact and fiction about cancer. In addition, I would make it clear that you believe in telling children the truth, even about unpleasant topics. That children need to hear the truth on those topics in particular.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You are definitely right in talking to the teacher about it. Be polite about it initially though. As the mother of a 6 year old, I know how easy it is for them to get things confused. It is possible the teacher said, "there are different types of cancer, gum, bone, you can even get cancer in different organs." Maybe he/she even mentioned chewing tobacco and said you can get gum cancer from it... and sometimes it is swallowed and you get other kinds of cancer from it. Now... a child in a classroom filled with other students probably has a hard time paying attention 100% of the time. Just saying... it is possible you will talk to the teacher and he/she will start laughing at the thought of saying something like that.

My daughter still is confused about the whole idea of cancer and since the first case she heard of was my grandma who smoked... she will say people can only die of cancer if they smoke.

If you are upset that they were talking about cancer period... I don't know what to say to you. Cancer is a part of life, it is a horrible, sad part, but it is still so common it needs to be discussed..

Answer 3

He could have miss understood what she said , but i doubt it...... Some teachers don't know anything and fill their minds with trash...... how sad.....

my daughter who is 6, had the same problem last year ..... Her teacher told the class it NEVER rains or snows or gets ice in California and Texas................ the next week they had ALL 3.... lol that was just ONE of the miss information she was given !!!!!! The teacher got fired.

Call the principal !!!

Call and have her explain to you what she said then ask her for her source because you know SHES WRONG....

( I have cancer and i live a healthy lifestyle)and have never swallowed gum.

Answer 4

I would say, "Mr. Smith I want to talk to you about the information you gave the class on cancer and how if you chew gun and swallow it it get's stuck and you can get cancer. I'm really upset that you would lie to a classroom full of impressionable minds. And I expect you to correct your actions with the truth. And I suggest you do it immediately. As I am following up this conversation with the principal."

Personally, I had a little bit different incident happen to my 5th grader. My daughter is in G.A.T.E. and during the first recess they were to take pictures. But during the first recess is also the time you take whatever you need microwaved to the lunch lady. Unfortunately, she had to miss taking her cup of noodles and take the photo. Her teacher said she could use her personal microwave before they head to the cafeteria. So she did......and on her way to the cafeteria someone bumped into her and the hot cup of noodles spilled all over her hand and she dropped it. She had 2nd degree burns in some areas of her fingers. The next day a 6th grade teacher tells his class microwaves were banned because the girl that got burned wanted attention. Then he tried to lie to me and say he was talking about another student from the year before. Lets just say that teacher apologized to his class and my daughter. Speak your mind to this teacher.

Answer 5

First of all, don't always believe your child! The gum story is what your son said that she said...
Yes, go talk to the teacher, and tell her what your son said. Then she can explain.
And, as an elementary teacher -- I can tell you that we don't automatically believe things that kids say happens at their homes, either - some of the stories are just bizarre! You'd be amazed at the things children tell their teachers about their private lives of their parents and family! We take it all with a grain of salt...
Give the teacher the benefit of the doubt til you speak to her.

Answer 6

First-of-all, I would ask the teacher exactly what she had told the students. If indeed, she said what your son told you...I would either hash it out with her then or set up a parent-teacher conference. If you set up a conference, I suggest the Principle be present so he/she can hear what is going on....
It's one thing to teach a child that Santa Claus is real, but it's another to make up a lame story about gum causing cancer. Good Luck.

Answer 7

That instructor is burnt out and has ignored the coaching aims and aims she is almost a automobile with a wrecked battery the guy instructors seem to appreciate this. How approximately giving her a delightful suprise like a card or carrying her books or singing her a track that could make her get her dream returned

Answer 8

I would have a serious problem with a teacher telling my child something that was flat out false, and would at LEAST tell the teacher so in no uncertain terms, and probably would have a meeting with the teacher and the principle.

Answer 9

I would discuss this issue with other parents of children in this class and ask what they thought about this ridiculous claim.

And you need to find out: Did the teacher truly beleive this or did he make it up for lack of a better answer.

If he truly believed it then tell him that you would like him to keep his opinions about this topic to himself from now on, don't try to change his opinon, this might make him mad.

If he knows he made it up, that's a tough one. Ask him why he did it, why he didn't give a valid answer or simply state that he didn't know. Ask him if he does this on other questions or if he will in the future. If he does or will, speak to the principal about this.

It's sad that your son's teacher is telling him lies because when we are little we are programed to believe everythig that our teachers tell us. Good for you for teaching your son the right way!

Answer 10

I would see if I could get her to explain to her class that it was wrong, or see I could get ahold of some of the other parents to see if they know about it. How meny other children were tramatized about it like your son? Let her know that if anything like that is ever said agian you will report her to her surpiorors (unless you want to do that know). On the phone though, I would ask why she did it, then explain that it was not right and she needs to rectify the situation. If she doesn't rectify it or does it agian she will be reported.