I haven't posted here in a long time because it just makes me feel discontent with the fact that my hubby refuses to let me home school our kids. But I need to ask some advice. My son is in grade 2. Last year he was in a split grade 1/2 class. He did really well, and flourished because his teacher knew how to challenge him and keep him interested in his work. This year, he has brought home his spelling lists. They include works like "in" "on" "sit", etc. There are a few harder words, but nothing that I consider even close to grade 2 work. I was upset, so I sent an email to his teacher. This is what I wrote: "Hi there. I'm Rowan's Mom, in case you didn't recognize my name. I'm curious to know if the spelling words are going to get any more difficult in grade 2. I was shocked to see how simple the words are, and honestly, it's a bit of a joke for Rowan. I really struggle with sending Rowan to public school, because I know he could be so much further ahead than he is. I hate to see him lose his love for learning because he isn't being challenged. I realize that for a public school to work, the teacher must teach to the average child, and try to help along those who are a little behind. That really leaves the others to sit around and wait a lot. I know, because I was the same way in school, as was my husband. We both had way too much free time that was spent making trouble. As a parent, I'd like to do whatever I can to make sure that my kids are enjoying learning, and motivated to keep going. I'm wondering what I can do to make this work for Rowan. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Or if there is something you are doing in class that I'm not aware of, I'd love to know. Rowan doesn't say much about school. Thank you for your time!" This was her response: Hello Stacey, The spelling words will get more difficult as the year goes on. I do know that Rowan is bright and these words are easy. Along with each spelling unit the students learn about long and short vowel sounds with the words, use them in sentences and record them in their personal dictionaries to use in their everyday writing. There are many valuable lessons learned despite the words being easy. I can give Rowan bonus words on his spelling list that are more his level. He is challenged in other subject areas like math. He is given math puzzles and problems to solve. I think that it's important to work with him at home as well in areas where you see he needs to be. I see Rowan enjoying school and his friends. He always tries his best. I have to apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I was sick last Thursday and my weekend got very busy! I hope this helps and thanks for your email! Take care, Erin It just feels like she doesn't really think there is an issue! She thinks math makes up for it, but he's amazingly ahead in math too! And am I wrong in thinking that he should be challenged in school? Why should I have to make him do more work at home, if he already knows what they are doing in school? I guess I'm asking, what would you do? How would you respond?
Will the teacher allow you to send replacement work to school? (When the class is doing 3+3, he could be working on 3x3?) Would the teacher be open to one of those books/workbooks that give ideas for making class time more interesting to gifted or accelerated students? Perhaps she doesn't know how or doesn't have time to individually challenge him and/or perhaps she doesn't want him to get too far ahead, because he'll be stuck in a worse class year after year as he learns more quickly. Does the school have a grade-skipping program/option?
I have no idea whether she would allow me to send extra work. In my opinion, she should be the one doing that, since he's in public school, and we are paying taxes for him to be there. She's a new teacher to the school, so I don't know if she's had a lot of experience. She is quite young. That may be part of the issue. I'm not sure if they have a grade skipping option, but I hesitate to do that.
I think she answered your concerns well. She acknowledged that you were right and that she could add some more difficult words to his list for bonus points. She also addressed if he was enjoying school or not. I don't know this teacher and demeanor means a lot. So I cannot really even guess if she is a good teacher or not. She may be a wonderful person for your son. I would meet with her in person if you feel you need to further address the issue. The only limit I see there is the one you already mentioned- that she has to teach a whole room full of kids and she has to work on the average level. She also has to follow the guidelines of her school district and her principal. As far as being challenged at a young age. I think there are a couple of ways to look at that. I think it depends on how challenging you are talking about. He is young and if he is enjoying school, I wouldn't worry too much at this age. I don't think very young children need to be too challenged. Plus, a lot is learned just by living, in the hours away from formal learning. If you really want him to be challenged, I would suggest doing it at home from time to time. Yes, you pay taxes to have him educated, but a teacher cannot possibly cater to everyone.
I understand your frustration. I also agree she seemed to be using the "well he's challenged in math" as making up for it. But, like CabsMom I agree she seemed to address it well. As well as I would expect a public school teacher to be able to. They do have many students and have to teach the masses and they do have rules to follow as well. I think the extra spelling words more on his level is a great idea. What types of things did his teacher do for him last year that you were pleased with? Maybe you could talk to her and mention some of the things his former teacher did that seemed to help? How does your husband feel about it?
Just to clarify... he got two extra spelling words, one time. And they were both words that he had no problem spelling. His teacher last year "got him". She was two boys, and she said she could tell from the first few days that Rowan was just like one of her sons. So she knew how to talk to him to motivate him to do things. She gave him extra math or reading assignments to do. It was also a split class, so he was able to get in on the Grade 2 lessons in Grade 1. This was really nice... last year. Now he seems to know it all, and there is no challenge left.
Unfortunately, I think you're expecting too much from her. Classroom teachers simply don't have time to individualize for each child. Sorry, but that's the reality of "one-size-fits-all" education. For some kids, it's just right. For others, it's a tight fit and they're feeling confined with it. Others it fits way too loosely, and they keep slipping through. That's one of the main reasons people like homeschooling. This will, unfortunately, be an on-going problem. Some teachers will make a sincere effort, and others are too busy to bother with anything outside their box. All you can really do is to find ways to challenge him at home.
I'm sorry you are frustrated. It sounds like she is doing something even though it is not enough for your son. It is important to keep young ones challenged so they don't tune out. I'm not sure what future options look like. Are their opportunities for enrichment in future grades? For now, I would try afterschooling if he is not challenged at school at all. Perhaps you could work something out with his teacher so has has little required homework. That may give you more time to put towards challenging him at home. Who knows...maybe success might change your dh's mind about homeschooling.
We are actually moving in Spring. Just a couple blocks away, but it puts us in a different catchment area for schools. I'll be interested to see how the new school works out for Grade 3. It's the school that I went to for K-8.
In my opinion, she was very kind to even offer the extra spelling words. Where we live, schools are given curriculum and set expectations that they are to strictly stick to. Our public school students are required to take the FCAT test at the end of each school year, and the numbers are of utmost importance to the state so the teachers pretty much just teach the test. If you want him to learn more, I would imagine you'd have to do what you can at home. My daughter is in a 1/2 day kindergarten, but I don't think she is being challenged enough (she wants to learn to read so badly but they are still going over letter names/sounds/blends). So I've ordered a 1st grade curriculum we work with at home whenever she feels like it... However, I plan to homeschool her starting next year.
Stacey, at our homeschool moms get together last night Rhonda (who teaches at the high school) talked a bit about this. The teachers at the lower grades teach to the lowest level in their classes. By the time the kids get to high school, it's not so great. She says she has noticed over the years the material getting dumbed down. Very sad.
Thanks, Heather. I'm just really discouraged today. Between this issue, and having to fight Bria every step of the way to get herself ready for school, I'm worn out already.
Just yesterday Bruce was saying he thinks I would be less stressed if I sent the kids to public school (he doesn't want me to, it was just what he was thinking). Somehow I don't think it's true. I would be feeling the same way as you, as neither of my girls are just "average".
It's a sacrifice either way. Either the education can suffer, or the mother has to give up her time. I'm not sure there is a perfect way.
I think I understand her spelling strategy, because it's one I just started using for my 4th grader who never really learned the rules of phonics. The teacher is using simple words to drill into their heads various spelling rules. This has been working for my daugher and as we move onto more difficult words, she's finally starting to get it! You could take the rule they are using that week, then find some more difficult words that use that rule, and just introduce those to him. I do think the teacher is somewhat limited, with teaching a large class. Another option is to go to your PTA and/or principal. Depending on how flexible they are with curriculum and processes, perhaps you could voice your concern that the entire class has the same set of spelling words. When my kids were in public school, there were three sets of spelling words given each week, depending on what level the student fell: an easy set, medium set, and difficult set. Also, I know schools around here are starting to split up each grade for Reading and Math and send them into separate classrooms depending on their ability. The kids end up getting help and assignments more geared toward their level. Maybe your school could consider such a change? As for hubby, have you looked into some of the co-ops like Classical Conversations? The kids would be assigned a curriculum for the year, but you'd be the facilitator of it during the week. There are online schools as well, like K-12, that are public or private school, but done online at home. It still gives you the flexibility for your kids to move at their pace. Perhaps he needs to be in 3rd grade reading and 2nd grade math, for example. I hope it all works out! Sorry for my book!
Thanks, Laura. I plan on talking to hubby tonight, and seeing what he thinks about all this. We will decide what to do next. As for Classical Conversations, I WISH we had that here in Manitoba, but we don't. I think it's more of an American thing, right? We also don't have K-12 in Canada.
Stacey, I think you are right about Classical Conversations. K-12 does have an independent study option that is available to anyone. It's not free, but it's not super expensive either. It's a bit more of a "go at your own pace" than the online public school, but I think you still have access to tutors. I have not done it, I did attend a Webinar and tried some online samples, but we decided on another route. K-12 has a private school too, which I think is International. It's more expensive than the Independent learning, but you have a live teacher and classes you attend online. If you go to homeschoolreviews.com you can find other "box set" curriculum that your husband might be more comfortable with. We used Switched on Schoolhouse last year and it was GREAT for our first year of homeschool! I wanted more flexibility to be creative and we have a hodge podge of curriculum this year, but SOS is a full curriculum that will take you through each year. It's Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies all in one box. Like I said, LOVED it for my first year, because it held my hand! Good luck with your husband! If you are moving anyway, you should homeschool after your move until the end of the year as a trial!!! I also have heard of mothers homeschooling through the summer to try it out, and convince a reluctant husband!
