I have written before about J and school. And how he is so much like I was. Well, today I got to see him in action at school. This was the first time I was able to help out this year as his first teacher, who retired at Christmas, didn’t have anyone in. And this second teacher wasn’t asking either, so several of us just told her we were going to come in.
First I must say this, his teacher deserves a medal. Some of the kids in his class are just out of control. And I mean, seriously out of control, should be sent for a time out in the corner or something out of control. Or maybe they just need a hug, I don’t know. You know what I do know. They need a hug. They need attention. One on one attention that they don’t have to share with a sibling or another parent. These kids are crying out.
As a result, my Son is getting left behind. Not only him, but the few boys in the class that behave and are scared silly to upset the teacher so they don’t participate, they don’t sing along, they just sit criss-cross applesauce and listen. The difference from last year to this year is truly amazing. I have noticed it all year long, but at least now I can pinpoint what is actually going on and encourage him a little more appropriately. In addition I can make sure I offer my help each and every week, if I have to. If by me helping out means the teacher can give more attention to all the kids and rest easier in the evenings and be better prepared for them the next day, then I will do it. I need my Mom’s help with Apple, but that’s ok because she knows that it is for J.
I do hope that next year will be better, otherwise I might just be signing up for some homeschooling. Either that or switching to a private school, will have to see how it goes. Either way I am ready.
Comments on this entry are closed.
What a cutie!!! That’s a fabulous picture!
I totally hear you. Pete is only in J/K this year so it’s less important, but I know in the second half of S/K reading is becoming important and it’s hard to get the printing and reading basics in if the teacher is occupied with other students. It’s a tough situation. I say volunteer when you can – Pete’s teacher is awesome for letting us go in and loves having our help.
Maybe you can e-mail me privately – do you mind me asking what school he goes to? I’m a teacher and used to teach in that neck of the woods, maybe I can offer some tips or advice. School troubles are no fun for moms!!!
What a great picture!
I’ll bet he was glad to have you there. I’d guess the teacher was too even if she didn’t say so. I hope you get clear direction on what to do next year.
Oh, good luck, that is tough. I think, like Shannon said, it might be a good idea to volunteer more? Or perhaps your son does need to go to a new school next year.
And what a beautiful picture of your boy – I hope you frame it!
I have a couple of friends who are teachers and it’s amazing to hear about some of the out of control years they have where they just have too many needy students to end up with a well-balanced classroom. It’s hard for them, it’s hard for the kids, it’s hard for everyone 🙁 I think it’s great you’re going to help out. I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated by everyone!!
My son had an out of control SK year. He was the quiet one and he didn’t do well. In grade 1 he had the best teacher and things went much better. He has been steadily improving. He is in grade 2 now. Hopefully they can split up these needy kids into different classes to ease the burden on the teachers.
Good for you for going out to volunteer! I’ve been doing that for years and found it invaluable. Yes, it helps teh teacher, but most importatnly, one gets to know the kids and see teh dynamics at play. And the kids get to know you too. And mostly, your child gets so much opride in having mom there. Do it while you can. You well know taht in a few years, it won’t happen.
I’ve always approached schooling in a “one year at a time” manner. Always reassessing. Always questioning: is my child happy? And as you know, I’ve done some changes if needed. Yes, some years are better than others regarding which teacher they get. But also, your child could end up in a “bad year” in teh sense that they’ll be with a certain group of kids year after year.
Beautiful pic of J btw!
Hope to see you soon.
Wow! This is what scares me about sending the kids to school. We go to the homeschool activities this year and I was planning on putting her into the private school preschool next year and then comparing the two. Right now I sit back and watch how she interacts with the other kids and the teacher.
She is a blend into the background kind of child and like you said I have a feeling she will be one of those who gets passed over.
You are amazing to dedicate your time to J’s class. I would eat up every minute of help I could get if I was that teacher, it sounds like she has her hands full!
Hi, I’m sickened by the lack of discipline some of these kids have, it’s literally a form of child abuse~ I believe….. I could tell you stories but not on here!!! I’m not happy with the situation at school this year, but hopefully next year it gets better. I wonder if teachers are having a harder time now, or if through the years there’s always been bad discipline problems at home in some families that translate to school.
Every time I see a photo of “J” he has got great skin like a Noxema commercial!!!