Comments on: Teach Them Well

By: amy jo

amy jo — Wed, 04 May 2011 22:48:40 +0000

As someone who has worked with young children for a very long time, and also as a current preschool teacher, I love this post.
It's nice to be able to hear a parent's side of the story, because once the kid's gone, you hear nothing from the family again.
I believe it should not be the decision of the teacher or director or principal or whoever to decide that a kid is "unfit" for a school or whatever, and then kick the kid out. It hurts the kid and the kid only. Sure, parents will figure something else out for daycare, and the teacher will go on. It is gonna suck for the kid.
I mean sure, there are some situations where a child leaving a school or center is beneficial, but I think those situations are ones where the kid is violent with others to an extent that cannot be changed. However, even then, there are so many more options than just "well siyonara" Sit and talk with mommy and daddy, bring junior along if need be. Find out what's going on at home. It's KIDS 101, chances are good something might be happening at home, or even at school when no one can see. Maybe junior gets picked on. Maybe animal crackers send him into a flying rage. Who knows, point is: don't kick him out for it. Find out what is going on, get the kid the help he needs.

By: Momma C

Momma C — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:15:54 +0000

Teacher and parent here- Who's right?
They both are.

and thanks to our low standards for preschool teachers, they do not have the same education standards as k-12 teachers (and the pay is more miserable) Many preschool teachers have no degree at all. And let me tell you- kids today are getting more complicated. Mix little training with children who deviate from the norm even slightly and here you are.

By: LucisMomma

LucisMomma — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:48:20 +0000

All I know is that I've been a teacher (7 years, 2 in K and 5 in 3rd) and now I'm home with my kids (K, 8th and 12th grade). We homeschool. The youngest child is from China, the older two are bio sons. My life has totally changed with our youngest. She is high-anxiety, hyper-vigilant, and oh yes, let's throw in some OCD...I don't know how I would cope if I had to work away from her, and I don't know how *she* would cope with that. I can imagine her being the screaming one at the popsicle-stick station in preschool. Right now, I'd be happy if she could sleep by herself and not freak out when she thinks I've disappeared but just went to the bathroom.

Love your humor on your blog!

By: Hazel M. Wheeler

Hazel M. Wheeler — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:05:34 +0000

I have my own preschool and have never had to kick a child out. And I've seen some strange stuff.

I kind of think the parent in your scenario is right, to a degree. Classroom management skills and strategies are just as important as knowing the material one is teaching. Ideally, the family would be referred to some sort of early intervention specialist or behavioral specialist for services which might help the child if after several conferences and corrections by the teacher, the child was still deemed unmanagable by the teacher. Kicking a child out for uncontrollable anxiety should be the last resort; trying to find resources and help for the family, be it for the parents, child or both, should be the first.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:41:08 +0000

I just have to say, I LOVE YOU!
I am one of the teachers who is still waiting for an opening to come up here in Michigan. I agree with you 100%! The reward you get as a teacher are the students who continue to come back to say hi, remember you and still come to you for advice or help. It is a real shame that our politicians don't value education!

I miss my classroom and my students!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:52:39 +0000

Well, I teach preschool and I agree that is not the decision of the teacher. It is or should be the decision of the administration. And there should be a procedure and steps taken before a student is just kicked out.

I also agree that safety is first. Is the child being safe to him/herself, could possibly harm others? That always comes first in our preschool.

And I also agree "It's Preschool". Their first time to start learning. Learning how to be social, be away from parents, be with other children, share, be patient, take turns, etc. Lots of life long skills there.

I also personally believe that teachers do a lot of "raising my chidren". I have 3 myself and the teachers in their lives, year after year, see my children more than I do in a day and week. I have to do my best job at home and raise them as well as I can, so that they can go to school and learn. Not have the teacher do the "home raising" lessons at school, but rather the "education raising" at school. Both are huge responsibilites.

Loved this post. 5 stars!
LN Malacky

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:45:12 +0000

I am all for you telling the side of the teacher….as it was my kid. The problem was they didn't try to work it out, make a plan or give any notice. It was all very unprofessional.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:11:55 +0000

glue and popsicle stick table
HA HA HA!!!!!!
LOVE IT!!!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:43:44 +0000

I was all ready to flame you for not telling the teacher's side but of course you did and you did it well. Thank you.

By: Elyse

Elyse — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:22:32 +0000

Great post! My french teacher had this sign in his classroom that said "teaching is the one profession that makes all other professions possible," and it's really true when you think about it- it DOES all start with teaching. He also had terrible, terrible breath. But, terrible breath and all, he was one of the best teachers I've ever had. This is making me nostalgic – good teachers are my favorite.