I just wanted to check in and see how Payne is progressing in class. I saw on his report card that he's having a lot of trouble in some areas. Is this typical, or beyond what you normally see for boys at this point?
He seems very tired after school and needs a lot of encouragement with homework as well. I'm a little worried he's not adjusting adequately to a school schedule and curriculum."
I got this response: "Payne is doing a little better keeping up, but still needs reminders to get started or stay on task when it comes to working independently. He has been keeping up during whole group when we are working in Math and our Superkids lessons. I and the other teacher that maybe in the classroom, give him lot's of positive encouragement when he stays on track.
I see this attribute from time to time, mostly in boys. I know Payne's birthday is in November, but I do see a lot of immaturity in his ability to self start and self motivate. You may want to speak to your pediatrician the next time you visit about some of the issues Payne is having. As far as the homework goes, that tends to be a typical thing as far as getting it done.
My suggestions with homework would be to have consequences and some small positive reinforcements. I would also have a timer. Homework should not last more than 15 to 20 minutes. If you feel that it is to much, just do a page or two.
Payne still has some time for growth until the end of the year, however if we are still seeing the same issues with Payne in the Spring, we will definitely revisit and consider our options. Our ultimate goal is for Payne to be successful!"
So, is she saying she think he might have ADD or something? Is she talking about maybe holding him back? I'm sad because until this year it was always "he's fine! He's great!". I don't want school to be so hard for him.
She does sound like she is hinting at it. I feel very defensive for you because immaturity is normal. I don't like the idea of punishment for homework. You are teaching him school is fun and you dont want him to get down on himself for something that might not be dev appropriate for him.
Holy WOW! I'm sorry you got that email; as a mom, I can't imagine reading that about my kids. I interpreted it same way you did about ADD and being held back. I'm not sure how old Payne is but this would play a big factor in how I would approach these issues. I also think it was totally inappropriate for this teacher to broach these subjects via email. This definitely warrants an in-person meeting.
Post by pantsparty on Oct 30, 2014 12:23:41 GMT -5
I mean, how much of this is simply being 5 years old? School just started - I would think a little more leeway would be given.
She does seem to kind of go back and forth - like saying if he can't complete the homework, to just do a page or two, or wait until spring to re-evaluate.
I would hand-pick the kinder parts of the email and put off any intervention until the spring. LOL.
I'm not a good self-motivator and I'm 35. I agree with LHC; follow your gut. You know your kid better than anyone. Her grammatical errors are also making me itchy.
Also, I react strongly when people try to push a diagnosis on a kid this young or even suggest such a thing. Five-year-old boys, frankly, ALL HAVE FUCKING ADD. KHC was the same way Payne is, and I'm sure Jack will be the same too. Little boys are unruly, wild creatures. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't approach anything like ADD or ADHD until KHC was in the first or second grade at the VERY least, and was showing signs of poor academic performance.
If Payne is having trouble paying attention sometimes, but is able to be redirected back on track, as the teacher's email indicates, I would be pretty strongly inclined to think he's just a regular five-year-old.
Duuuuude. I do a LOT of work with K-2nd graders right now and this email is making me feel sort of red for you and Payne. Most of our K kids don't even have daily homework, and if they do, it's simple enough that they can knock it out during snack without even needing to attend study time. Trust yourself and your kid. I know it's important to engage them academically young, but they are still babies Homework should be simple and habit forming, not stressful.
She is hinting that he might need to be held back. You asked how he was progressing in class and she answered your question.
You are a legal secretary right? Maybe you should stick to typing and leave educating children to the people who have spent years in school learning how to do just that.
Post by balletofangels on Oct 30, 2014 12:40:41 GMT -5
As a Kindergarten teacher I cannot get past her grammar errors.
I know you mentioned he's in Catholic school. Here that would mean that the teacher does not need to be a certified teacher. I'm wondering how much education and experience she has with early childhood? It seems like she is following along with programs and doesn't know how to appropriately differentiate.