Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher

Kid Abstract Art

I am newbie when it comes to dealing with the public school system. Capt. M started kindergarten a few weeks ago. I was very uncertain on what to expect from both the school and my child. I am surprised by the amount of work kindergarteners have- it’s more like a first grade curriculum. Gone are the days of just fun crafts, recess and nap time for kindergarten!

Capt. M has been exhausted to say the least. A couple of weeks ago he started telling us he didn’t want to go to school. It was “boring”. I was a concerned parent and decided to call a conference with his teacher. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Was his teacher pushing him too hard? Was he enjoying school when he got there? Did he have friends? Because it sure seemed like he didn’t have any friends according to his reports.

I expected his teacher to meet with me for a few minutes to give an update on Capt. M. Those minutes turned into an hour and 15 minutes. What an awesome and caring teacher he has! In that time I learned that it wasn’t exactly the teacher pushing the kids, it was the administration. You see, ALL of the kindergarten classes are in the same boat. A lot of work with no time to rest. From the amount of worksheets Capt. M brought home I was under the impression that his teacher was just pushing papers at the kids all day. Being in the class I was able to see the numerous hands on activities, computers and play stations. Although they do have a lot of worksheets to do each day, his teacher has a hands on activity before they complete the concrete work on paper.

His teacher indicated that Capt. M’s feelings of not liking school were due to the overwhelming amount of information he has learned in the few short weeks. Fortunately, she said he does enjoy class and even raises his hand! And guess what? He has a lot of friends!

I encourage you all to call a meeting with your child’s teacher. It was very insightful not only to how Capt. M is doing and interacting but how the class is run. My mind is much more at ease as I get to know his teacher. Plus I have learned that my son leaves out a lot of information- imagine that?!

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Renae Chiovaro

Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.