School

[IWMP]

My kid had a meltdown today. Not sure his reasoning was wrong but not how he should be responding. The had tests and then art all day. Which is just put of routine and he struggles with that anyway. So the art he did it and he's not a fan of art. But then they were to do the exact same piece of art again and he refused. He didn't understand why he had to do it twice. And so he lost his reward time and that always upsets him. He talked to me after-school and said it's not right why should they take something that's already his and make us pay for it. They are holding his work hostage. That was his words. So they are planning to frame this work and sell it to us for £10. I assume that's why they want two copies. One for the display and one to sell. I mean he isn't wrong. I said I want to buy it and we are paying for the frame and he said he doesn't want a frame. Lol. I think the point is, you just have to do the work right.

[Marcus]

It's probably only the framing they want to charge for. It always felt a little coercive when my kid's school would want us to pay to frame his art as it was clear it didn't cost nearly as much to frame as they charged us. I would chalk it up to being a fundraiser for the school, and buy 1 framing of each kid's art to donate, and also so my kids could receive one in school with all the other kids.

On the other hand, sometimes you just have to stand your ground. When my oldest was in preschool, decades ago, the teacher called us in for a conference and she said she was concerned because he refused to color the trees green. (He colored them purple, and refused to change.) We just laughed, but she was serious! We found a new preschool.

When I was in 5th grade, my teacher had a rule that if you finished a test, you had to sit quietly and do nothing until everyone else finished. This drove me out of my mind as I always finished early and sitting there mindlessly was impossible. IMPOSSIBLE!!!! I don't recall, but I am sure I must have caused a bit of a ruckus, because the next thing I knew, my mom went over the teacher's head and negotiated with the principal that I would be allowed to keep a book in my desk and read it after testing. Peace was restored. I have a feeling Jersey Girl would have a few choice things to say about these types of experiences.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to talk to someone at your school about your son's need for consistent routine, and ask that he not have to exactly repeat an art project for external reasons unrelated to his education. Or, that during testing, he be allowed a choice of activities if art is just there to fill the gaps in between testing. Maybe reading in the library, or something. If they argue they don't have the resources for separate activities, volunteer to step in and assist.

[Jersey Girl]

My kid had a meltdown today. Not sure his reasoning was wrong but not how he should be responding. The had tests and then art all day. Which is just put of routine and he struggles with that anyway. So the art he did it and he's not a fan of art. But then they were to do the exact same piece of art again and he refused. He didn't understand why he had to do it twice. And so he lost his reward time and that always upsets him. He talked to me after-school and said it's not right why should they take something that's already his and make us pay for it. They are holding his work hostage. That was his words. So they are planning to frame this work and sell it to us for £10. I assume that's why they want two copies. One for the display and one to sell. I mean he isn't wrong. I said I want to buy it and we are paying for the frame and he said he doesn't want a frame. Lol. I think the point is, you just have to do the work right.

He's right.

I could go into a whole lengthy explanation but it won't change the fact that he's right.

There's a communication and philosophical problem there, as well as delivery of continuity for a student whom they know good and well needs it.

Beyond that...he's right.

[Physics Guy]

It’s a while since we’ve had any kids in early school, but I remember some things from my own time. That’s how much it can affect you. Keeping reasonable order with kids is necessary for learning, and just for getting along in a group, but some early-level teachers seem to lose sight of the aim. It’s as if they think that conforming to their rules is the point of it all.

[IWMP]

I think he is right too Jersey Girl. But I'm happy to buy the art because I think it will be nice to have. But I know at the end of the year they bring everything home anyway.

Teacher said he was fine today.

Marcus, they know he needs routine. It's them that told me he struggles with change. He has been doing very well this past school year. I didn't realise they planned to only do tests and art that day or he could have had a heads up. Its good that you were able to have a book for after tests. You'd think with their extensive experience with kids that they'd think to give kids books. I never had that problem lol. Half the time I wasn't even aware I was doing a test when I was a kid.

Physics guy, I think this teacher is more old fashioned and strict. She seems super friendly some days and then other days her patience seems a little thinner. My kid likes all of his teachers. They are in split years so he has 4 teachers. So it's already a bit all over the place but he is coping well. Have secondary school dilemas right now because we apply in August and I can't decide what schools to apply for.

[Jersey Girl]

Physics guy, I think this teacher is more old fashioned and strict. She seems super friendly some days and then other days her patience seems a little thinner.

Right. on. the. money.

Look for information about the feminisation of the classroom. Teaching is a female dominated field of work and often (more often than not I'd say) female teachers construct a classroom community that leans towards the needs of female students (she's not even aware of this...ask me how I know) and ignores the needs of males students. It's a situation where male students, whose needs are not met, are often frustrated, fail to comply and are identified as having behavior challenges when in fact, it's the structure they're being forced to comply with.

I didn't even know I was doing this myself until the last oh 5-6 years of my teaching career. When I became aware I changed everything and I mean everything from the way I set up the environment (in the classroom, the environment IS the first teacher) to what activity I allowed to happen inside and outdoors.

Ride bikes down the playground hill. Run* in the classroom. Build structures from loose parts that filled the expanse of the classroom. Art and science experiences that involved whole body movement and real tools. (Real wood saws, hammers, mallets, screw drivers, drills, etc.)

Super hero, police, and military play with weapons was allowed.

The result? No accidents. No incidents. And...widespread collaboration broke out! It was AMAZING.

*In the ECE classroom we are taught in our courses NOT to create "runways" in the classroom. This is to limit movement and therefore, limit injury.