Do you agree with this class punishment?

[Deleted]

DS has library marked on his calendar today and was all jazzed this morning about getting to check out a book.  When I picked him up, I asked what kind of book he picked out.  He was almost in tears and said the teacher wouldn't let the class get books today.  Some kids were acting up and were too loud, so they had to sit in silence for the rest of the period.

These are kindergarteners.  I'm a little wtf at the whole thing since the big thing is reading at this age.  Also, DS said they had a short recess today so they could finish their workbook.  They only get ten min in the morning and ten in the afternoon.  This is his teacher's first year so I'm wondering if she's just trying to lay down the line.

[expatpumpkin]

It's September, so maybe this is the teacher's way of drawing the line, as you suggested... I'd let this go this time. If it becomes a pattern, however, different story.

[mommylikestattoos]

The first few weeks, especially for early ed grades, teachers definitely focus on routines, structure, expectations, etc. My guess is the teacher is attempting to have the students see what behaviors will and won't be tolerated. Give it a week or two and see what happens.

[karmasabiotch]

I don't agree that kids shouldn't get to pick a book is an ok punishment.

[iamgrace]

That isn't appropriate for any age.

[Deleted]

Hm at that age...I don't know. I remember in like, 2nd?, grade, having to do library time in silence. We didn't get a story read to us -- we just went to return books and pick some out. And we couldn't talk to our friends while we did it.

[Deleted]

I agree generally though that teachers often set up the barriers hard in those first weeks so they can be more lenient later on -- when the teacher and kids all get to know each other better.

[UMaineTeach]

I generally hate all class punishments.

[goaskalice]

Ugh, I don't understand why the ones making trouble couldn't be punished? I'm not sure what kind of lesson she was trying to teach the "good" kids, except that she's a mean teacher. Poor kid.

[hopecounts]

my guess is a bunch of kids were acting up she threatened no library in the heat of the moment and then had to follow through when the class didn't settle down.
I'm not a fan of restricting book access for the whole group but I'd let it slide this once in case it was a momentary lapse in judgment not to be repeated. if it happens again I'd speak with the teacher and see what she has to say.

[Deleted]

It's hard enough to get kids to have an interest in reading. I'd be angry that she took away a library trip as punishment.

[Deleted]

I don't even give class punishments to middle schoolers.

[eb777888]

I think it's a stupid punishment. I'd be pretty annoyed. I'm not saying I'd go to the school and raise hell, but I see where you're coming from. I think it's inappropriate, yes.

[goaskalice]

Sept 6, 2013 16:59:11 GMT -5 @otterama said:

It's hard enough to get kids to have an interest in reading. I'd be angry that she took away a library trip as punishment.

This was one of my thoughts too.

[Deleted]

I feel so bad for the modern school teacher.

Seriously.

[shell403b]

I'm a teacher of almost 20 years and I find that inappropriate. In my earliest years as a teacher I know I did carry out whole-class "punishments" (which I think is what happened to your son today), but as a long-time vet now, I can say that's not the way to go.

Consequences for behavior is one thing, but you can't hold the whole class responsible for the actions of a few, esp when a. it's K for Christ's sake and b. the activity taken away is library time. The kids acting up, missing a party? Sure. To not be able to get a book for reading? What?

I've been at schools that would implement silent lunch because of a few kids messing around, not following directions. That was shitty too.

Is she a first year teacher?

[Doggy Mommy]

I'm a teacher, and would never even consider taking away library time. That's really weird and isn't even close to being a natural consequence. It sounds like this teacher doesn't have a classroom management system and is floundering.

[Captain Serious]

How foolish! Never, ever make reading or it's loss a punishment!

[game blouses]

Sept 6, 2013 18:18:36 GMT -5 bricco said:

Sept 6, 2013 16:57:02 GMT -5 hopecounts said:

my guess is a bunch of kids were acting up she threatened no library in the heat of the moment and then had to follow through when the class didn't settle down.
I'm not a fan of restricting book access for the whole group but I'd let it slide this once in case it was a momentary lapse in judgment not to be repeated. if it happens again I'd speak with the teacher and see what she has to say.

This is my guess too!

My first year I made so many sweeping 'threats' that I then had to follow through on.  Yikes!!!

Definitely not a good plan, but I'd cut her a break once in case it was something like this.

I agree. I made so many boneheaded moves as a first year teacher. They figure things out after a few weeks or so. If it happens again, I'd definitely say something though. 

[Deleted]

She is a first year teacher. She has a couple of the more rambunctious boys from last year's class, so I'm sure it's challenging for her.

I don't want to be the crappy parent who jumps on the first year teacher, so I'll wait to see what happens. I told DS we could go to the library this weekend and he can check out all the books he wants.

[starshine1977]

As someone who had a hard class my first year of teaching (which wasn't so long ago) I'd cut her a little slack for awhile. Unfortunately discipline is one of those things that you can't/don't really learn in classes and kind of have to learn on the fly when you start teaching. She should figure it out soon. If you still have concerns, talk to her about it (gently).

[Booze Raccoon]

I disagree.  I'd also probably be that pain in the ass mother who complains.

[Deleted]

Class punishments for me are a last resort. I usually only do those if the class as a whole is very rambunctious and I have a hard time picking out the ones who keep up the talking. I wish I could come up with a better solution. I've had my instructional coach sit in one class that will not stop talking. It's frustrating.

[Deleted]

Sept 6, 2013 18:05:54 GMT -5 toledo said:

If only she could have just smacked those few kids and moved on.

You know what? Lets settle this.

In 20 years, lets GTG, line our eldest children up, decide which one is the bigger asshole.

Owner of the bigger asshole pays for lunch. Walla.

[eb777888]

Sept 6, 2013 23:51:26 GMT -5 cjoy said:

Flying to Texas for a free lunch is silly.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using proboards

OMG!!   PPPPPPPPPllllease!

[alare]

Sept 6, 2013 20:29:52 GMT -5 @cse1960 said:

Not that I agree with this; but is it one of those peer pressure things? Everyone misses out on something fun, so the kids all are unhappy with the transgressors, so the transgressors don't do it again because they don't want everyone mad at them? 

That's why this punishment seems familiar. She's totally channelling Hogwarts. Taking away rubies from Gryffindor and making everyone pissed at Harry.

[eb777888]

Sept 7, 2013 0:26:47 GMT -5 toledo said:

Sept 6, 2013 23:57:11 GMT -5 eb777888 said:

OMG!!   PPPPPPPPPllllease!

What does this mean?

uhhhh, that I want her to come to Texas because I like her.

[eb777888]

Oh, jesus. I was not implying that any kid will turn out to be better than the other.

[eb777888]

Sept 7, 2013 0:57:02 GMT -5 toledo said:

Page 2 of this thread feels like I've waded into brackish water spiked with discarded hypodermic needles. I'm getting out of here.

[snickers]

Poor guy
I would probably let it go this one time, but if my child told me again that he wasn't allowed to check out a book during library time I would have an issue with it.