Oops not doing her best in class

@dawnald (85146)
Shingle Springs, California
February 20, 2009 3:03pm CST
No bragging about the children today. This morning Naomi had me sign a note that she had written at her teacher's request. It basically said that the class wasn't doing so well at paying attention to the teacher and she was apologizing for not doing her best. I really wonder if it was on purpose or not that she waited until her dad had left for work. So what do you think about this type of thing? Does it get the message across to the child? I've never heard of it before, but I suspect so...
1 person likes this
6 responses
• United States
21 Feb 09
I will tell you the honest truth from the kids point of view. It hasnt been that long since I have been in that situation, and no.. it doesnt help. Really, it just annoys us.. lol. Me, I'd "forget" to turn it in for like a week and by that time the teacher would forget.. It really is just annoying to us, especially when they make us do that "I will pay attention in class" like 50 times. In that case, we would usually get a friend to do half or something. SO honestly, no, it doesnt really work. lol.
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Feb 09
I think they all did it at the same time in class, but anyway we shall see. My fear is that the teacher may have lost control of the class. If so, it will probably happen again!
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
22 Feb 09
True. My son had a day care teacher who did not know how to talk to the kids in a firm 'I mean business' voice and they just walked all over her!
• United States
22 Feb 09
Yeah, i remember that happening with a few of my teachers. They should just be super firm in the beginning, because if they are really nice, students just walk all over them.. and then they are surprised that they lose control of the class. Truth is, when we have no normal discipline (not crazy stuff and not too easy) we loose a lot of respect for the teachers, which causes what seems to have occurred in your daughter's classroom. Im not saying we are proud of it- it just happens. Same how parents have to give the right amount of discipline, so do teachers. :]
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• United States
21 Feb 09
I'm not sure if you are asking if getting a note home is normal or your child's reaction is normal lol. I would say that yes, it's normal for a teacher to notify the parent if a child is having issues with their attention. It was probably just a way to make sure you were aware of what was going on in the classroom. Not knowning your husband, it's hard to guess, but perhaps your daughter felt you'd be the more understanding parent and thus waited to show the note until she knew you'd be alone. That too is very normal behavior. She didn't want to get punished. I wish you luck. Namaste-Anora
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Feb 09
Well I meant specifically that the teacher made the child write the note. Turns out she had every child in the class write one so it wasn't just Naomi.
• United States
21 Feb 09
Sounds like the entire class got off target then. I would say it helps to a degree. It's really dependent upon the type of parent at home. If the parent thinks the teacher is over-reacting, and doesn't back the teacher this is futile. However, if the parent talks it over with the child, finds out what caused the note, it can open up discussions in which the parent can back the teacher, while still forming a great dicussion with the child.
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Feb 09
I don't think the teacher was overreacting. My concern is that she gets the class back under control so that the kids are learning.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Feb 09
I just hope it doesn't make her fearful of her Dad's reaction...that would be a terrible thing. I was afraid of my Dad and let me tell you that was something awful to live with. It's the teacher's job to conduct a lesson that will ensure the students full cooperation yes? It takes 2 to tango. Personally, I think most teachers don't do enough these days.
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
23 Feb 09
He does get upset sometimes but not here. It was the whole class.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
21 Feb 09
I have never had my son bring home a note that the teacher made them write before. I am not sure if it helps get the message across or not. I would hope so. Maybe the teacher is hoping that since they have to take the time to write it down they have to think about what it is they are writing down.
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Feb 09
that's probably what it is!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
21 Feb 09
I have never heard of this strategy either and would be interested in finding out if it worked. Although I left the school system 20 years ago I still have a great interest in education.
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Feb 09
It was the whole class. I hope it worked. If the class gets out of control often, the kids aren't going to be learning.
@hildas (3031)
23 Feb 09
Well this is a different tattic the teacher is using and I suppose she would try anything to help
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@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
23 Feb 09
Hope it does!