I was accused of being "soft" today for allowing Clayton to stay home. Why? His regular teacher is out for 3 weeks with surgery. They have had a sub in now for two weeks. This morning he refused to get out of bed and was near tears when he explained his sub yells at them and refuses to do much more than hand out the work sheets. She also told all of those precious grade fours that it had been a long couple of weeks and that while some of them she could handle, there are a number of them she can't. How's that for your self esteem?
And so yes, much to the disappontment of Dan's aide, i let him take a day off. In her opinion we need to learn early to just stick it out.
Hmmm. So oyr kids should learn young that adults have the power to demean and belittle them? That emotional and psychological abuse in any form is ok if it comes from someone in a position of authority? That you should just put up and shut up to maintain the apoearance of peace?
No thanks. I only wish he had the forum to vouce his concerns and advocate for all the kids in his class. To be able to say "when you yell at us it does not help us be better, it only make us resent you more!"
So if I'm soft for wanting to give my child a day of refuge from the storms of life, so be it. The love and respect he feels from his dad and I will resonate far further into the future than anything he might miss out on at school today - especially the yelling.
Where can i start a movement toward quality teaching in this public school system that only seems to squeeze the life and happiness out of our kids?
You should go and see the teacher and tell him why Clayton wasn't at school, and then tell the Principle what happened. You have the right to voice your concerns. Be affirmative!
ReplyDeleteAs a footnote: I went to see the principal this morning because Clay didn't want the teacher to know it was him complaining in case it got worse. We are in the process of trying to sort things out since she will be there for 4 more weeks. The principal is confidant this teacher would not want anyone's feelings hurt and has suggested trying to have Clayton agree to meeting with herself and/or with the teacher to try and help them understand each other. We'll see if I can get that to happen. I have spoken to Clay and explained that he needs to continue trying to do what is expected of him and learn to use positive self-talk inside his head, ie: she looks and sounds upset, but she is not angry with me, she is angry with that child who is not doing as they are asked. Here's to getting him out the door tomorrow. I am trying to help him view this as a positive learning experience, the chance to speak up for himself and help the class and the teacher grow. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI agree that 1 day off is okay. We've had those days here too....but from there, you need to work on coping strategies. The teacher also needs to be aware of her actions and how they are affecting the children. Helping C to develop good strategies to cope is the key.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I had some HORRIBLE teachers growing up. I had to go to school and face it and suck it up and it hurt at the time, but didn't scar me for life...I don't think!
Good luck. You da mom!! You'll help him figure it out, I have every confidence.