My daughter I just found out has a teacher this 5th grade year that she really didn't want. My child is a good student and gets student of month and makes straight A's. I have never picked my child's teachers in past and it has worked out every year. She loves school and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. So I don't want one bad year to ruin it.
I found out that she has a teacher that has a child the same age as mine. My child and hers are always in conflicts at school and at church. It seems that mine is not a popular or doesnt care whether she's friends one week or not. To get to the point. This teacher called my house in past and was asking me about a conflict between all the girls. And I simply told her I would talk to my child and find out what really happened. But I really don't like to get into the kids business like that. My child had already came home and told me that the little girl told everyone in choir not to sit by her and my daughter told her to shut up and stop bossing people around. So my daughter made her cry infront of everyone. My child is very kind hearted and wouldn't hurt anyone but oh by all means don't MESS with her cause she will tell you what she thinks.
Any way I'm just afraid that this may be a horrible year for her if she is in this ladies class especially if she gets involved to the point that she calls parents because her child was crying. So I set an appointment to meet with the prinicpal and discuss my concerns but I don't want to name names or list teachers names... Because remember we are not suppose to know who their teachers are...I just want her to be aware that I think my child may have a conflict with a teacher in the rotation she may possibly get?? How should I word it and if she keeps her in the class how should I approach the teacher? HELP MY MEETING IS TOMMORROW AND OPEN HOUSE IS THURS
This is tough... I would
This is tough...
I would simply call the school and explain the situation and just state that since her daughter and your daughter do not get along well and you both (parents) are aware there is a problem and are addressing it but would prefer to avoid any conflicts of interest in your daughter's schooling. I would also just state that you don't want to feel that your daughter isn't getting treated fair because of this and know that you might blame her of treating her differently (whether it's intentional or if it's deserved). The school will probably remove her from the class if you stress the problems with her child. Sorry, hope it works out for you!
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
Yes, I agree with what you
Yes, I agree with what you just said, but if it was me as paranaid and protective as I'm of my children. I would most certainly switch teachers before the school started. Once it starts it is harder for the child to adjust and it is usually better for the child that she starts in the same class with her classmates. Maybe switching classes before school started might be a good thing. I'm more than sure that the principal would be more than understanding in this matter. I would just go about it this way. But if you want to wait till school starts and than see, that would be an option. But listen to your child, because if she doesn't want to go in her class, and she does. It could affect her grades.
I hope it helps...
sisi a mom of 2 girls and a boy
Good reason or not, there
Good reason or not, there will always be a better situation available. I would keep my child in the class and work really hard this year on teaching my child that this is one of those times to really shine and develop her people skills. What valuable skills she'll learn this year about working the system...about never letting obstacles and difficult circumstances dictate her ability to accomplish her goals. Discuss ahead of time, all of the reasons to switch classes and all of the reasons to stay with this teacher. Talk to her about all of the potential conflicts that MAY arise and how she can handle them. Adapting to difficult circumstances this year will teach her so many more valauble skills that she can use in years to come when she gets another difficult teacher (of course, making sure that the teacher is treating her fairly and according to all standards, goes without saying). Demonstrate a GREAT attitude with this teacher for your daughter and show her how to win in this, and any, situation!
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
I don't see a problem with
I don't see a problem with mentioning names in this situation. Simply put, your child and her child have had conflicts in the past and you feel having this teacher will make things uncomfortable for everyone involved. You can mention things like you are sure the teacher will be professional and look past personal issues, however, you want your child to feel comfortable and you want to be involved as a parent and you believe that would be difficult in the current situation.
Hope that helps... Just don't get into the details of the problem with the girls and your problem with the teacher/parent.
Good luck and I hope your daughter has a great year!
Definitely do it before
Definitely do it before school starts. Starting off on a bad foot won't be beneficial to you, your daughter, the teacher or the class. Because you've never been asked to be switched before, they'll likely consider your situation more seriously and be more empathetic.
Emphasize that it's nothing to do with this teacher's teaching skills, only personality conflicts and how your daughter best learns. Let them know that these conflicts would be a distraction for your daughter in class and you don't want to see her grades suffer and do not want to disrupt the class because of conflict.
Emphasize both sides of the issue (teacher and student) so that the principal could see how a change will be beneficial for all parties involved, not just that you prefer your daughter have a 'better' or 'more popular/likable, etc" teacher.
Write as to how it goes...I'd be interested to see how it turns out.
Is this really a big deal?
Is this really a big deal? In our school, there is a standard, pre-written form, available to anyone who wants to change their teacher assignment.
You simply fill out the form....our school said "forms accepted until Aug. 31st"
So you just ask for the form and turn it in.
Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 7 yr. old daughter and a 5 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.
I work at a school and I
I work at a school and I know that principals don't like it when parents take an hour to explain why there child shouldn't be in so and so's class. My suggestion is to be honest and to the point...that you have had problems with this teacher on a personal level because of your children and you don't want her to be your daughter's teacher. There is nothing wrong with that. And the principal will appreciate your honesty. You don't have to say what happened or when it happened, just that it DID happen and you think it's best that she have a different teacher. Besides, there might be other parents that feel the same way you do. You may not be the only one to talk to the principal about this particular teacher.
Paz
WOW you are lucky!!!
WOW you are lucky!!! Changing teachers is an EXTREMELY big deal in our district and very difficult to do...once they choose, it's almost set in stone!
Is this a private school?
Considering the history, I
Considering the history, I would probably request a different teacher. You want her to be in fair situation and it seems it may not be the case if she is in her class. No shame in that, your looking out for her best interest, not just being a "snob" or something.
Mother of 2 beautiful girls!
This is a delicate
This is a delicate situation. The most important thing is to make sure and take a positive stance with your daughter regarding the school year and to be supportive of your needs.
I do not know how supportive the school is of parental concerns about classroom combinations, but that should not discourage you from making your concerns known, especially if you have a good rapport with the principal. The important thing when approaching the situation is not to discuss the teacher in question specifically but to talk about your child's needs from a teacher. Often times schools will not move students once the rosters are set and so it is time to formulate a game plan to make it a positive experience.
First, does your child travel to different teachers throughout the day? Look at how much time your child actually spends with that particular teacher and then formulate a plan as to how to approach the teacher regarding your concerns (maybe of course not all, but pull out the ones that you can address with her most diplomatically). The main thing is finding a way to help the teacher, whoever that turns out to be, the best possible way to relate to your child.
Good luck!
JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.