Disappointed in Kindergarten (Part 2)

[PrincessDesiray]

Hi! I am the mother of two DS's one that is 5 (kindergartner this yr.) and a 2 year old (will be attending preschool in 2 weeks). I am also a college graduate with a teacher certification and I can tell you something sound odd about that classroom that you are explaining. It sounds more special needs from how you explained it. A 7 year old being in the classroom could be a parental choice, they do have the right to keep their child out of school until they belive they are ready though and the child with the bladder issue could be that child's way of coping with a new school. I mean my sons first day was today, one little girl cried the whole time. When did your daughter start school?

In kindergarten or at least at the end of it for our school district the children will be able to count and recognize number up to 100. They will learn their math skills which includes counting by tens. Letter recognition is done at this level as well. But here is the deal kindergarten is where the teacher starts them out so they can move on the same page trhoughout their school years. I saw today as my son wrote his full name first and last in seconds while his classmate struggled with the first three letters of his. No matter what every child is different and comes from different backgrounds.

If you feel it a problem speak with the teacher but if they just started like my DS I would give it time.

 

[caroline1851]

when my son was in K, they started the year simply by identifying all letters, working on a few sounds, identifying numbers, but by the end, they were reading, etc. At the end, they had to count by 2's, 5's and 10's up to 100, know 24 sight words, read very simple books, do simple math, etc. maybe it's just slow start to the year? have you asked what the plans are for the year? I mean, pretty much all K classes have to teach the same stuff so maybe she's just going about it a bit slower?

 

[Aristomommy]

Our school holds a curriculum night after about 2 weeks of school. Parents will learn what the students will be learning in each subject and what the expectation is. Does your school do something like that? If not, I would ask you child's teacher what her goals are for the school year.

You may need to "afterschool" if you child seems excited and willing to do it. I would not push academics otherwise. You can also send in a book that is an appropriate challenge for your child. DD read Magic Treehouse type books during reading time and her teacher encouraged it.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

This unfortunately is one of the big issues with public school. You can't pick and choose what kind of education your kids get. Unfortunately, you are going to have to supplement. Get a map, get a globe and start teaching her that kind of stuff. We started teaching DS the states and Presidents at age 3.

Let me ask you this...is your daughter reading yet? If not, at home work on this in the evenings. One of the biggest recommendations I have is a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. My SIL homeschools and although it's not the one she used, she says that all of her homeschooling friends highly recommend it and have used it. I am planning on getting it soon so I can start teaching him.

Our DS is in Pre-K and we too are worried that he's going to be ahead of the curve in Kindergarten as he is already writing his name. He's been in school for a week. Granted he had some of the letters down but there are a few he really struggled with. Not anymore. It's not perfect but he's not doing too shabby either.

Good luck!

 

[tmarquez]

Thank you all for your replies and advice!

I'll try to answer some of the questions. This is a year round school. they started on 07/24. There are 5 K classes, all have 12 or less kids. The teacher is not new, has been there for years. We have alot of "charter" schools in our area, but they are really hit and miss...and the good ones have long waiting lists. I wanted her in public school because I feel it's important to be in a diverse enviroment, after all that's how real life will be.

In FL, a child must be 6 by Sept 1 in order to enter 1st grade, DD has a Nov bday so skipping K is not an option (this is for public school only).

Our school is a year round school, and the middle of the 1st grading period is coming up so I'm assuming they will be having parent/teacher conferences soon. If not, I will call the teacher and ask for a meeting.

I've read the state guidelines for what they are supossed to know by the END of K and DD has already been taught all of it.

I don't mind giving DD worksheets to do, although I really think it is the schools job to do that. I give her as many worksheets as she asks for and often have to tell her to take a break...no more for today. At the same time she is pretty much only reviewing what she already knows because I am just not capable of "teaching" her some things. And I feel like this is where the school is doing her a disservice.

DD does read, I don't know how to say how well. She does not read as well as her friend in 3rd grade. I wish I knew her reading level, it would be easier to get books for her.

I feel like basically K is a daycare and we need to do what we can afterschool to satisfy her need to do "work". The school she was at for preK has their assignments, homework and projects listed on their website...I think what I will do is borrow from there.

I also want to say that i don't pressure her to learn or whatever. Believe me, when it comes to school...I was (am) LAZY! I only ever did what I needed to do to get by, nothing more. For me...school was a place to hang out with my friends. DD loves learning, and wants to do it constantly...like I said sometimes I have to tell her that enough is enough already. She likes to play too, but it seems like she needs an even amount of both.

Again, socially she is fine...everyone that meets her says she is a social butterfly. She gets along with kids of all ages. The only problem I have with her is that she is boy crazy.

This morning when we were driving to school, she told me again that she is bored with coloring. I wanted to change the subject and asked her what she DOES like about K. She said her friends, Ms. Conway (a different K teacher), the school store, going to art class, and Alex (he's the 7 year old and apparently very handsome).

She also told me about a club called Odyssey of the Mind that groups k-2nd graders together to do projects and experiments (insert evil laugh here). So she took me to room 505 and she joined. This may be a positive thing.

 

[wall*e2008]

Why not do as the teacher asked and get her work sheets. Talk to the teacher and see if you DD can do them when she completes her required work.

 

[sashagiselle]

Try having a more direct conversation with the teacher, if she still doesn't get it talk to the principal about having her pulled into a first grade class for a few hours a day. Also they may have programs that you are not aware of. My dd just started kinder today and since I had talked to the principal about her reading and math skills, she was put into a dual language program (spanish/english) that should be a challenge and was told that they would be putting her in a 1st grade class a few hours a day and on other days she would be with other "pulled out" students doing enrichment work/project. The schools philosophy is that the more advanced kids shouldn't just be given more work. Good luck

 

[NY_MOM]

As a former pr-k teacher I know that the first month or so is usually a time to get to know where each child is academically, and then begin planning accordingly. However beyond that I would first talk to the teacher, give her some time to implement a more challenging curriculum for your DD. If that doesn't work, I would then go to someone in an administrative position and see what they could offer. I'm sure that I will be facing the same challenges in the coming weeks. DD will be starting Kindergarten, and is ahead of the game (i.e. reading,adding,subtracting, spelling ect.) I plan to give the teacher 1 month or so to see how she's challeninging those who are ahead of the game and if I don't see that happening I will approach her then.Good Luck, and keep up the good work with DD, you can never have a child to prepared.

 

[surfergirl602]

My girls were doing that stuff in preschool. In first and second grade, they have homework every night, are reading, and doing math, geography, spelling, working on multiplication even for my second grader. I would be trying to get her into another school. What is a 7 year old doing in kindegarten anyway?

 

[Taterella]

Even though the law is that the starting age is 6 by Sept 1, there are exceptions. They are hard to get and vary by district, but it would be worth it to you to investigate. The methods are not usually advertised, because then every parent who thinks their kid is advanced would be applying, which the admin doesn't want to deal with.

Maybe once your child is involved with Odyssey of the Mind, one of the advisors will be able to assist you with proper placement.

 

[unionville]

Odyssey of the Mind has been the best experience for our whole family. I am the mother of a son that skipped 2nd grade (a whole different topic). Anyway, our school is well known for their OM involvement, but it is only offered for grades 3-5. You are extremely lucky to be able to get in with the K-2. OM provided a place for my son to exercise his creativity and problem solving skills. His team competed in the World Finals this past June. It was amazing! I hope that your daughter has a positive experience as well.

 

[rayasmom]

I haven't read all of the replies to the OP, but I have to say this thread is troubling to me. I have been an OT in a public school system for 11 years. In that time I have seen "kindergarten" transform into first grade. I am personally saddened as a mother to see so many "unimportant" things such as fine motor manipulatives, cutting, coloring, pasting, tearing, playdoh become pushed aside in favor for seatwork pencil/paper tasks. Developmentally, most of these kids can't "properly" form letters (start at the top, place letters along a line, form letters with correct formation, etc.) , tie their shoes, button their jeans or punch in their lunch number the first 9 weeks of school. Look around the classroom. How many of the kids can correctly grasp a pencil? Their motor skills are not fully developed, but who cares about anything other than reading or math scores? It's a lot of pressure to put on such young children. Especially those without any 4-K preparation.

But I will also say that there is a huge difference in the cirriculum from the beginning of the school year until the end. If you aren't satisfied with the amount of instruction right now, there should be a big difference mid year.

 

[MightyMom]

I haven't read all of the replies to the OP, but I have to say this thread is troubling to me. I have been an OT in a public school system for 11 years. In that time I have seen "kindergarten" transform into first grade. I am personally saddened as a mother to see so many "unimportant" things such as fine motor manipulatives, cutting, coloring, pasting, tearing, playdoh become pushed aside in favor for seatwork pencil/paper tasks. Developmentally, most of these kids can't "properly" form letters (start at the top, place letters along a line, form letters with correct formation, etc.) , tie their shoes, button their jeans or punch in their lunch number the first 9 weeks of school. Look around the classroom. How many of the kids can correctly grasp a pencil? Their motor skills are not fully developed, but who cares about anything other than reading or math scores? It's a lot of pressure to put on such young children. Especially those without any 4-K preparation.

But I will also say that there is a huge difference in the cirriculum from the beginning of the school year until the end. If you aren't satisfied with the amount of instruction right now, there should be a big difference mid year.

AMEN!!!!!!

My DS8 has cerebral palsy and we worked ENDLESSLY on fine motor tasks in preparation for school. I knew all the "tricks" from hours of OT. So now... DS4 is being drilled here at home. He has to write on a verticle surface (chalkboard) with broken pieces of chalk to encourage a proper finger grasp. He colors with tiny pieces of crayons for the same reason. I draw lines on construction paper and have him cut on the line. Today I started doing the basics of Handwriting without Tears.

We've been learning sign language all summer so that's helped with finger dexterity.

My little one won't enter kinder until next year. He has major sensory issues which will challenge him in a kinder setting..... the last thing I want is him being stressed out because he's behind in fine motor skills too!

 

[Ali]

When my DS was in Kindergarten a few years ago I shared your concerns because he had been in preschool for 2 years and had learned everything that was a K standard in the sunshine state standards already. I expressed my concerns and was told that he was there to work on socialization and learn how to be a leader in the classroom.

As a Precial education teacher in Florida and a mom to a new 2nd grader - I know that we are all suffering from anxiety, despair, and a sense of loss with hw TS Fay ruined our first week of school and I know that teachers around here are still assessing what each child can do. I read that you child is in a year round school and that's different. I am just getting through the day right now with al the flooding I am dealing with and w are all trying to make things secure for the kids. Coloring is also a way to judge the way all the kids hold pencils and whether they can follow directions and coplete work so most K kids do need to do this.


My only suggestion (and I didn't read the first post on giftedness so sorry of this has been discussd) is that you speak to the teacher first to see ho the curriculum is being enhanced for your child. Each teacher's manual has listed suggestions for low level learners and for high level learners. Get specifics on how your child will be challenged and take notes in your meeting. Then, wait a week, see if there is a change in what your child says about school. If you see no change call the teacher and tell the teacher that you are calling the principal to set up a meeting about your concerns and you wanted to let her know what was happening.

With the principal you can share your concers and ask if there is a K class with a concentration of higher learners with a teacher who is using differentiate strategies for those higher level learners that your child you switch to so her ability to receive a "free and APPROPRIATE education" are met with less stress on everyone. It is typical to split the higher learners in a grade level among 2 teachers so the ability goups can work together and have challnges in the classroom.

Typical disclaimer - I am not a doctor, lawyer, expert, this is just my opinion"

 

[mdsouth]

First, ask to see the curriculum guide for K. The district should have this in notebook form. It will list all the skills the children are expected to master during the K year.

If it seems that the teacher is progressing at a reasonable rate, but the curriculum is just not challenging enough, contact the school counselor and principal to ask about having your child evaluated for the possibility of moving her up to 1st grade. This is rarely done, but it's an option.

If it seems as if the teacher isn't covering what she's expected to cover, meet with her first. Give her 2 weeks. If you see no change, ask to have your daughter moved to another room.

Is there a reason for the small class size? This seems very unusual in this day and age? If this is an overflow class they may have hired a teacher last minute, or moved one down from another grade. A new teacher may quietly struggle without anyone in administration noticing until parents speak up.

Another option: does your state allow open enrollment? Where I live parents can enroll their child in any school in any district as long as they are willing to provide transportation. If this is an option, you may find that there is another school nearby that provides a better program.

Good luck with this!

I agree with lntsmom. I am a teacher in a public school and previously taught at a 4 year college teaching future teachers. From what you have told us about your teacher's response to your email, it seems as if the teacher might be fairly new to the profession AND/OR might not know how to modify the curriculum to fit your child's needs. Those of us in the profession refer to this as differentiated instruction. Public School has a responsibility to education ALL children based on their needs and provide an environment that will increase their skills and knowledge. Right now, your DD's needs are not being met.

I suggest you email or call the principal and set up an appointment in which both the principal and the teacher are present. You can then voice again your concerns and discuss options together. I would also make sure that I share with the principal the teacher's reply to your email. This will alert the principal to the fact that he or she needs to provide the teacher and possibly other teachers in the school with training on how to differentiate instruction for ALL learners (this includes students that more advanced than their peers).


For everyone out there, each state has a Board of Education website that posts guidelines and standards for each grade level. These standards can be accessed by anyone. Just google Board of Education with the name of your state and you should find the appropriate website. Each district must also post school report cards that share assessment information. This should be available on line as well. If it is not, it is mandatory that the districts provide copies of the school report for anyone that requests one. So go to your school district's main office. The local school should also have copies in the office.

Please keep us informed.

 

[bellebud]

didn't read all the replies so sorry if repeating...I don't see how giving worksheets *after* school is going to help w/ boredom *in* school.

Can you send these worksheets into school with her and she could do them if/when she's done w/ the assigned classwork? Or have a journal she does whenever she's bored, and hand it into the teacher for grading (stickers) so it's 'real' work for her.

I totally understand all the kids being at different levels and it being hard for the teacher. A journal or worksheet she can do herself wouldn't distract the teacher from helping the other kids. Or maybe if the teacher wouldn't mind, the journal could be a journal that you "grade", so the teacher doesn't have any extra work regarding this at all. She could bring it back and forth to school and pull it out when she's bored. You could put a topic on the top of the pages for what her assignment is for that page (write her address 5 times on 1 page, write out number words from 1 to 10, draw shapes and divide them in half, etc, etc). Then she could simply go at her own pace and do what she can without disturbing anyone.

Hope it gets better for you/her.

 

[tmarquez]

Thanks Ali. I just wanted to say that we are in Port St John and I hope you made it through the flooding without too much damage.

As a Precial education teacher in Florida and a mom to a new 2nd grader - I know that we are all suffering from anxiety, despair, and a sense of loss with hw TS Fay ruined our first week of school and I know that teachers around here are still assessing what each child can do. I read that you child is in a year round school and that's different. I am just getting through the day right now with al the flooding I am dealing with and w are all trying to make things secure for the kids. Coloring is also a way to judge the way all the kids hold pencils and whether they can follow directions and coplete work so most K kids do need to do this.


My only suggestion (and I didn't read the first post on giftedness so sorry of this has been discussd) is that you speak to the teacher first to see ho the curriculum is being enhanced for your child. Each teacher's manual has listed suggestions for low level learners and for high level learners. Get specifics on how your child will be challenged and take notes in your meeting. Then, wait a week, see if there is a change in what your child says about school. If you see no change call the teacher and tell the teacher that you are calling the principal to set up a meeting about your concerns and you wanted to let her know what was happening.

With the principal you can share your concers and ask if there is a K class with a concentration of higher learners with a teacher who is using differentiate strategies for those higher level learners that your child you switch to so her ability to receive a "free and APPROPRIATE education" are met with less stress on everyone. It is typical to split the higher learners in a grade level among 2 teachers so the ability goups can work together and have challnges in the classroom.

Typical disclaimer - I am not a doctor, lawyer, expert, this is just my opinion"

 

[tmarquez]

I don't have too much time right now, but I just wanted to stop by to add something.

Last night DD came home with a "yield" slip. Basically it's something I have to sign and return to the teacher. It says she was talking and playing around insetad of listeneing. DD has been in a "school" enviroment for 3 years and has been in trouble (they did time-outs) 1 time in those 3 years.

I talked to her about what happened. Explained that regardless of the situation, you don't disrupt the class and you are never rude and interrupt an adult. She knows this.

I asked why she did that. She said she was bored. That the teacher was talking/asking about favorite foods (they colored pictures of food) and that she has been talking about this for 2 days now.

I do NOT approve of what DD did, and made that perfectly clear. But at the same time I really wanted to write "what do you expect" on the back and send it back. But that's just me being angry, I would never really do it.

Thanks for listening.

 

[mom2my3kids]

If you feel your child is that advanced then maybe you should have her tested out of kindergarten. But usually kindergarten is where they are learning, letters, numbers, etc.. I know most kids know the basics when they enter but this is what kindergarten is for.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I am starting to think she is just not a good teacher. Kindergarten has been easy for both of my kids, but there was so much else going on that they loved it. There should be crafts (and not just coloring), role playing, socializing, singing, small and gross motor skill work. Does she have a book area where your DD could go? What about journaling? My kids' kindergarten teacher did journaling almost every day. It is so fun to see how far they come! One of their last projects was writing their own fairy tale. When my kids were done with their work, they were expected to go to one of the various centers and not just sit and do nothing.

I don't agree with doing worksheets at home. Two reasons: Kids need to be kids and play! Kids have after school activities that are also important. If she doesn't have homework, the worksheets could be homework, but I really don't think you should go over 10 minutes. The best thing you could do is read with her.

Good luck!