Comments on: What’s going on at school?

By: Deb

Deb — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:00:49 +0000

Thanks for the ideas, I love the idea of observation rooms, that would be so cool! I suspect that we’ll always be supplementing their education, my parents did so it’s just the natural thing to do. We’re waiting on a Spanish course to arrive right now – my sister lives in Spain and after visiting her cousin at Christmas the big one wants to learn to talk to him.

I’d love to have regular updates, the problem is having the assertiveness to ask for them! I can ask how she’s going, but I find it really hard to ask someone to do something extra.

I agree I know what my daughter needs, however there’s a huge difference between that and knowing how to help them learn it. As a science teacher I know the appalling job most non-specialists do of science, even with the best of intentions. I’ve sat in too many staff rooms and talked to amazing colleagues to assume I am an expert in early childhood education, I could do a reasonable job by my daughter deserves more than that. Unfortunately, that’s a general position that may not work in this specific case. There are no other social or group activities available here so I’m very reluctant to take her out of school even if I end up doing 90% of the educating at home. But it may end up unsafe, in which case we’ll definitely be homeschooling!

By: keepingmumsane @ what I don't say

keepingmumsane @ what I don't say — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:21:29 +0000

I work with kids with special needs and one thing that most of the schools do for these kids is keep a communication book. They record things in them that the child did each day including photos etc. Obviously that’s going to be hard in a class on 20 kids with only 1 teacher as opposed to a class of 6 and a teacher plus an aid but they could still keep a moddified version.

Also regularly dropping into the school, coming to the classroom, getting involved with the school etc.
.-= keepingmumsane @ what I don’t say´s last blog ..A question of sleep and sanity =-.

By: Sarah @ OneStarryNight

Sarah @ OneStarryNight — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:54:52 +0000

When DS1 was in school (I do not want to scare you off here!), it was a FIGHT to get the school and his teachers to not only RESPECT me but stay in contact. I wouldn’t find out about issues until MONTHS down the line, my emails/phone calls/etc would be ignored.

My only advice is to BE THERE. Really get involved with the schooling, with the SCHOOL, with the teachers. Make EVERYONE aware that you ARE an active participant.

We unschool now heh.
.-= Sarah @ OneStarryNight´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: At the Chicago Botanic Garden =-.

By: Lauren @ Hobo Mama

Lauren @ Hobo Mama — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:55:44 +0000

My kid's on the younger side of yours, so I don't know how much help I'll be but I'll try. Could you suggest that the teacher send out an email or printed newsletter occasionally with updates? I enjoy regular communication like that from my son's preschool. Does the teacher do daily or weekly status updates for each student or would s/he be willing to? .-= Lauren @ Hobo Mama´s last blog ..April Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting advice =-.

By: Darcel

Darcel — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:58:34 +0000

First I have to say…I don’t believe that anyone knows what our children need better than we do. We are their parents.
It sounds like your doing everything you could be doing right now.
Homeschooling could also be an option.

By: Zoey @ Good Goog

Zoey @ Good Goog — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:30:42 +0000

As someone who also has limited schooling choices (in the future) I’m so interested to see what kind of responses you get!

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. A good way to make sure that you get off to a good start with the teachers – is to tell them that if you do cross-over into parent-from-hell territory they can let you know ;o) Although the teachers that I know are always really appreciative of parents who take an active role.
.-= Zoey @ Good Goog´s last blog ..The Real Toddler =-.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:42:39 +0000

I don’t have any experience with this on the parenting end (my little guy is just a year) but I do have experience from the teaching point of view.

It sounds like you’re doing all the right things. Talking with the teacher, your daughter, volunteering. Actually, you sound kind of like my dream parent. (I worked at an inner city school with LOW parent involvement.)

one thing that I would say though, don’t assume that the early childhood experts know more than you. You are an expert on your child and you deserve to be a leading player in your child’s education. I would take issue with any teacher that feels differently.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Help a Mama Out =-.

By: Cream of Mommy Soup

Cream of Mommy Soup — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:38:49 +0000

I think just being as involved (as a volunteer — there are always tons of opportunities to volunteer at a school!) will be your best bet. Of course, lots of pressure-free conversations about what’s going on at school will help too. My kids were in public school last year before I decided to take them out and unschool them.
.-= Cream of Mommy Soup´s last blog ..Dear Lovey Hart, I am Desperate =-.

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:14:36 +0000

my son will be starting preschool this fall...so I don't have full expereince in this yet. But I will have no problem being the parent that is always there asking questions and making sure things are good. My mom is a preschool teacher and I know she would rather parents ask 100 questions than none at all. .-= Alexandra´s last blog ..Extra Curves =-.

By: Melodie

Melodie — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:09:55 +0000

I would make an appt with her teacher,or principal, explain your desire to keep abreast of what's going on and ask them if they have a preferred method of communication if you have any questions or concerns as they arise in the future. This is what I have done with my daughter's teacher. I would encourage you to build a relationship of some sort with your child's teacher, so they can get to know you as well. The better they know you the more likely they will feel comfortable talking to you about things too. Good luck! .-= Melodie´s last blog ..How Can I Avoid Beauty Obsession? =-.