Met KHC's new teacher today

[papie]

Oh, I was expecting something more positive.

BUT she may be awesome and a great teacher and she may love him. Give her a chance. We are all friends with bitches and that doesn't make us bitches too.

[sprky79]

Dude, there is nothing wrong with moving him NOW. You don't need to put yourself through that mega hassle again :-)

[mypunkinpie]

I hope she's way better than her BFF and doesn't get an ear full of crap about KHC from said BFF. What did you think of her (his new teacher)?

[Kit]

Oh God. Can you move him??

[Deleted]

I think a lot of teachers pretend to be friendly but their teaching philosophies may be totally different. Homework is a step in the right direction but I would definitely request a move if there are early warning signs again.

[daisyheadmaizie]

I really hope this teacher is better and treats KHC and you guys well this year. I see no problem switching him if you do not see that happening though. There is no reason to suffer, and KHC should love school at this point not dread it.

[LLL]

I hope it turns out to be a great experience/school year for KHC

[fatnisseverdeen]

You know, you can request specific teachers. Or request that your child be moved to another class. It happens all the time.

[joenali]

Why do you like homework so much?

[pantsparty]

Aug 8, 2012 10:57:03 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

Also, and this might sound kind of .. douchey of me, but sometimes I suspect the teachers don't respond well to us because we're... a little yuppier than the norm there. We live in a sort of transitional area, and while we're nowhere near wealthy, we tend to be on the upper edge of the socioeconomic spectrum here. And I wonder sometimes if that colors their reaction to us a little.

Does that sound asshole of me? I don't mean it to.

How do they know this? Is it really that obvious by looking at your address?

[speckledfrog]

Aug 8, 2012 18:33:00 GMT -5 fatnisseverdeen said:

You know, you can request specific teachers. Or request that your child be moved to another class. It happens all the time.

Are you a teacher? I don't think it's easy to just up an switch your kid into a new class. Especially based on a feeling that she may not like him.

Lucy - that is a bummer. It sucks that you guys didn't have a great K year. I am still holding out hope that 1st goes better.

[joenali]

I HATE and LOATHE giving homework to my students. It doesn't show me anything and I do not give "special homework to special snowflakes". And I believe that kiddos should be at home spending time with family, reading, playing (unorganized play, not sports every day). I do have to give homework, but it goes right into the recycle bin, so it's a big waste of paper too. I don't give grades based on whether or not a kid does their homework.

So if you like homework, can't you give your kid a dedicated homework time and you supply the homework?

[joenali]

Aug 8, 2012 18:57:41 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

I knew this would be an argument. I'm not arguing; I know a lot of people "HATE and LOATHE" homework. But it works for KHC, and that's what I care about.

We did give him homework last year; but it's sometimes difficult to ascertain where a class is in terms of lessons, particularly when there are already communication issues between the teacher and the parents.,

Not trying to argue, but yes you are right when there isn't commuication going on there is a problem with trying to figure out what is going on in class. But I'm sure you know, homework should not be the end all be all as to what is happening in class. We do so many things that are not paper and pencil and can't be quantified through homework.

[fatnisseverdeen]

Aug 8, 2012 18:45:41 GMT -5 speckledfrog said:

Are you a teacher? I don't think it's easy to just up an switch your kid into a new class. Especially based on a feeling that she may not like him.

I was. And it is. All it takes is a parent asking (or in our area, demanding!). We're in a high COL area and most parents were very helicoptery/picky about their child's classes and teachers. Kids were moved around all the time.

[missmaddie]

Aug 9, 2012 21:35:07 GMT -5 fatnisseverdeen said:

Aug 8, 2012 18:45:41 GMT -5 speckledfrog said:

Are you a teacher? I don't think it's easy to just up an switch your kid into a new class. Especially based on a feeling that she may not like him.

I was. And it is. All it takes is a parent asking (or in our area, demanding!). We're in a high COL area and most parents were very helicoptery/picky about their child's classes and teachers. Kids were moved around all the time.

We live in a similar area with very involved and entitled parents in our local schools, and it does NOT happen. Like almost unheard of. It would happen monthly if it were that simple and dictated by parents' requests (including some legit that SHOULD result in moving). Unions make it fun too... :N: (And I work in the school system here, and consult to probably 2 dozen schools each year, and rarely see it anywhere).

[jens]

I think giving homework is an important part of teaching kids responsibility, deadlines, etc. And for kids who struggle with a particular subject it's a chance for extra practice, and to keep parents up to date on what they're doing.

Some schools do go overboard with it, but I think many teachers dislike it because they just dislike the extra work. (I'm not saying that's you, Joenali - my husband is a teacher and this is the attitude he sees with some coworkers)

Eta: ps. I hope KHC has a great year. I was pissed reading the stories about his dickhole teacher.

[jenna]

My SS rarely received homework. He's 11, and has been living with us since the very end of 1st grade.

I am pro-homework. He needs to get in the habit of studying, and completing assigned tasks. It also reinforces what he's learned in school. We have actually given him worksheets to complete.

A worksheet 4 nights a week isn't going to kill anyone.

[jenna]

Aug 8, 2012 19:00:36 GMT -5 joenali said:

Aug 8, 2012 18:57:41 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

I knew this would be an argument. I'm not arguing; I know a lot of people "HATE and LOATHE" homework. But it works for KHC, and that's what I care about.

We did give him homework last year; but it's sometimes difficult to ascertain where a class is in terms of lessons, particularly when there are already communication issues between the teacher and the parents.,

Not trying to argue, but yes you are right when there isn't commuication going on there is a problem with trying to figure out what is going on in class. But I'm sure you know, homework should not be the end all be all as to what is happening in class. We do so many things that are not paper and pencil and can't be quantified through homework.

Yeah, but when I ask my SS what he's studying, and he can't give me an answer, or gives me the wrong answer - that's an issue.

[cleo29]

Can you start looking into what it would take to switch classrooms now?

[cleo29]

Aug 10, 2012 6:41:26 GMT -5 Cloverfield said:

Aug 8, 2012 18:54:05 GMT -5 joenali said:

I HATE and LOATHE giving homework to my students. It doesn't show me anything and I do not give "special homework to special snowflakes". And I believe that kiddos should be at home spending time with family, reading, playing (unorganized play, not sports every day). I do have to give homework, but it goes right into the recycle bin, so it's a big waste of paper too. I don't give grades based on whether or not a kid does their homework.

So if you like homework, can't you give your kid a dedicated homework time and you supply the homework?

I did not think homework is about showing the teacher what the child does/doesnt know. I thought it is about repetition and application and structure.

Color me confused, but I thought homework was less about the teacher and more about the student and helping them retain and put into practice what they are learning at school. I also think the earlier they get into the habit of doing homework, the better since it actually does matter when you get older.

[Deleted]

Aug 10, 2012 6:41:26 GMT -5 Cloverfield said:

Aug 8, 2012 18:54:05 GMT -5 joenali said:

I HATE and LOATHE giving homework to my students. It doesn't show me anything and I do not give "special homework to special snowflakes". And I believe that kiddos should be at home spending time with family, reading, playing (unorganized play, not sports every day). I do have to give homework, but it goes right into the recycle bin, so it's a big waste of paper too. I don't give grades based on whether or not a kid does their homework.

So if you like homework, can't you give your kid a dedicated homework time and you supply the homework?

I did not think homework is about showing the teacher what the child does/doesnt know. I thought it is about repetition and application and structure.

Seriously. I think arguments could be made for VOLUME of homework or DIFFICULTY of homework or when teachers use it not for repetition/application/etc but I really am not getting this "no homework for kids" thing at all.

LHC I hope this year is better than last!!

[lemondrop]

I'm dying here. LHC knowing what's best for her son makes him a special snowflake? I must have forgotten that ALL KIDS ARE THE SAME.

I also hope this year goes well for KHC and you guys!

[joenali]

Aug 10, 2012 7:52:41 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Aug 10, 2012 6:41:26 GMT -5 Cloverfield said:

I did not think homework is about showing the teacher what the child does/doesnt know. I thought it is about repetition and application and structure.

Color me confused, but I thought homework was less about the teacher and more about the student and helping them retain and put into practice what they are learning at school. I also think the earlier they get into the habit of doing homework, the better since it actually does matter when you get older.

And what about the child who goes home and doesn't have parents to help him or her?Homework in the elementary years is silly, homework does not help them retain information that they already learned at school. Isn't it ridiculous that we ask children to do more work after they have been working hard all day? Wouldn't it make sense to spend time with your child and not putting up a fight over homework that the teacher doesn't even look at? The best kind of homework is reading and spending time with family. Not drudging out some silly ass worksheet or packet.

An excellent example of homework that several of my students did was this: we had a social studies project at school in which we studied, discussed and made family crests (based on a fictional family). One kid went home to see if his family had a crest. Him and his parents looked up his family's history and in fact they did have one. He came back and shared with the class which in turn prompted half the class to do the same. This was not required for anyone they did it on their own . That's the kind of homework I like! These wre first and second graders.

[callalily]

I'm an elementary SPED teacher, so I see both sides of the coin. However, I give homework. Yes, I see all of your points. Some kids don't have support, but maybe going home and doing their homework is structured and routine. Kids shouldn't need support for homework, that isn't the point of it in my head. Homework is something that should be done independently to gain confidence in their abilities OUTSIDE of the school environment. Some kids don't have parents who help them in that respect. Generalization is a huge part of learning. Elementary kids still need to learn to generalize. That is what I see homework as. Homework is also a huge part of routine. When you get to middle school/high school/college, you HAVE to do homework. You have to generalize. I think the earlier it starts, the better. IMHO. Each teacher has their own teaching philosophy, and sometimes it works for a kid, and sometimes it doesnt. LHC knows her child, and what he needs. End of story.

[Deleted]

I agree with Callalily!! Great points.

[Deleted]

Aug 10, 2012 9:20:39 GMT -5 callalily said:

I'm an elementary SPED teacher, so I see both sides of the coin. However, I give homework. Yes, I see all of your points. Some kids don't have support, but maybe going home and doing their homework is structured and routine. Kids shouldn't need support for homework, that isn't the point of it in my head. Homework is something that should be done independently to gain confidence in their abilities OUTSIDE of the school environment. Some kids don't have parents who help them in that respect. Generalization is a huge part of learning. Elementary kids still need to learn to generalize. That is what I see homework as. Homework is also a huge part of routine. When you get to middle school/high school/college, you HAVE to do homework. You have to generalize. I think the earlier it starts, the better. IMHO. Each teacher has their own teaching philosophy, and sometimes it works for a kid, and sometimes it doesnt. LHC knows her child, and what he needs. End of story.

pish tosh with this "i can see both sides" nonsense. there is only one side! pick one! then fight to the death! with swords!

[callalily]

Aug 10, 2012 9:23:35 GMT -5 cville said:

Aug 10, 2012 9:20:39 GMT -5 callalily said:

I'm an elementary SPED teacher, so I see both sides of the coin. However, I give homework. Yes, I see all of your points. Some kids don't have support, but maybe going home and doing their homework is structured and routine. Kids shouldn't need support for homework, that isn't the point of it in my head. Homework is something that should be done independently to gain confidence in their abilities OUTSIDE of the school environment. Some kids don't have parents who help them in that respect. Generalization is a huge part of learning. Elementary kids still need to learn to generalize. That is what I see homework as. Homework is also a huge part of routine. When you get to middle school/high school/college, you HAVE to do homework. You have to generalize. I think the earlier it starts, the better. IMHO. Each teacher has their own teaching philosophy, and sometimes it works for a kid, and sometimes it doesnt. LHC knows her child, and what he needs. End of story.

pish tosh with this "i can see both sides" nonsense. there is only one side! pick one! then fight to the death! with swords!

LOL. I'm pro-homework. I work with teachers who aren't and have seen how hard it can be for kids in later grades when they aren't used to it. I do see both side though, I just am pro-homework personally. And my sword is currently being sharpened after my last debacle, so if fighting could wait a few days, that would be awesome

[lemondrop]

Aug 10, 2012 9:23:35 GMT -5 cville said:

Aug 10, 2012 9:20:39 GMT -5 callalily said:

I'm an elementary SPED teacher, so I see both sides of the coin. However, I give homework. Yes, I see all of your points. Some kids don't have support, but maybe going home and doing their homework is structured and routine. Kids shouldn't need support for homework, that isn't the point of it in my head. Homework is something that should be done independently to gain confidence in their abilities OUTSIDE of the school environment. Some kids don't have parents who help them in that respect. Generalization is a huge part of learning. Elementary kids still need to learn to generalize. That is what I see homework as. Homework is also a huge part of routine. When you get to middle school/high school/college, you HAVE to do homework. You have to generalize. I think the earlier it starts, the better. IMHO. Each teacher has their own teaching philosophy, and sometimes it works for a kid, and sometimes it doesnt. LHC knows her child, and what he needs. End of story.

pish tosh with this "i can see both sides" nonsense. there is only one side! pick one! then fight to the death! with swords!

This makes me think of Highlander. My brother has the entire series on DVD. :-| There can be only one.

[Deleted]

LHC, if it helps any, my mom was a teacher and while all the teachers did talk (or she'd hear "oh you have X, he's a handful!") she did actually wait to meet the kids to make up her own mind. Sometimes she used the other teachers' comments to help the kid, not everyone can learn the same (or sit still all day).

So hopefully this teacher is also a good one who will take her friend's opinions with a grain of salt - use them if it means she can help KHC with whatever problem the other teacher thought he had and otherwise wait and see how he behaves in her class.

Good teachers also know when there are behaviour or learning problems these sometimes resolve themselves as the kid matures and a summer can make a big difference at this age.

[cleo29]

Aug 10, 2012 9:13:44 GMT -5 joenali said:

Aug 10, 2012 7:52:41 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Color me confused, but I thought homework was less about the teacher and more about the student and helping them retain and put into practice what they are learning at school. I also think the earlier they get into the habit of doing homework, the better since it actually does matter when you get older.

And what about the child who goes home and doesn't have parents to help him or her?Homework in the elementary years is silly, homework does not help them retain information that they already learned at school. Isn't it ridiculous that we ask children to do more work after they have been working hard all day? Wouldn't it make sense to spend time with your child and not putting up a fight over homework that the teacher doesn't even look at? The best kind of homework is reading and spending time with family. Not drudging out some silly ass worksheet or packet.

An excellent example of homework that several of my students did was this: we had a social studies project at school in which we studied, discussed and made family crests (based on a fictional family). One kid went home to see if his family had a crest. Him and his parents looked up his family's history and in fact they did have one. He came back and shared with the class which in turn prompted half the class to do the same. This was not required for anyone they did it on their own . That's the kind of homework I like! These wre first and second graders.

So no homework for kids because some might have lazy parents? You are also assuming that just because the kid does not have homework to do that the parents are spending copious amounts of family time together. I think that is silly. Homework reinforces what you have learned, it doesn't have to be hours and hours worth, but I don't think it is silly or a waste of time. And as someone who had learning issues homework was actually a great marker for my teachers on my difficulties and they were able to use it as an example when meeting with me or with my mom.


as I mentioned before, you are preparing them for what lies ahead. And it sounds like you would like homework if you knew for sure the parents would be involved.