Question for all of the teachers....

[PRINCESS VIJA]

My DS is starting 2nd grade this fall, and he NEEDS to be at the front of the classroom. Primarily because of his vision challenges, but also because if he was in the back, I know he would be way to distracted. So I was considering writing an email to the teacher at the school's website a few days before school starts to introduce myself and my DS and request that because of his vision challenges that he be placed in the front of the class. On the website, she is one of the few teachers that created her own web page, so I figured she probably does check her emails. I've had mixed responses from some of the moms I've talked to. Most are warning me that it might look to "pushy". But I know what DS needs, and I of course would word it as a request, not a demand. We do not have an open house or back to school night prior to this, so I don't know what else I could do to let her know. What do you think??? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Sonya]

I don't think it would be pushy at all, sounds like a good idea to me. I always hate it when nobody tells me there might be an easy way to help a struggling child. I hate calling home or talking to a counselor and they say, well didn't you know? Johnny has....... and needs to sit in the front!(or other easy remedies)

 

[glo]

To be honest, I have no trouble with you writing the teacher. I would reccommend that you put it in writing in a letter too. Emails are a good way of getting something quickly to someone, but paper is official. I think your request is reasonable, and if you explain why you are making it, then it should be no problem. I see nothing wrong with it. Yes, I am a teacher, and I do not mind requests from parents. Always remember youare your child's best advocate in most cases.

 

[Amy]

You're not being pushy at all, esp. if your child has vision challenges. My oldest DS is allergic to nuts, so I send a note to his teacher before the beginning of every school year to alert him/her to this fact - I found out the hard way that some teachers use peanut products for crafts (edible play dough).

As long as you're not "demanding" things for your child, and are merely alerting the teacher about a situation, I don't see anything wrong with that. All of the teachers I've dealt with over the years encourage parent/teacher interaction.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks for your responses. I do feel better about it and will certainly make the request. I also appreciate the idea of writing the letter to the teacher! Thanks everyone!

 

[gemmie214]

Not pushy at all. I feel that any info that helps a child learn better is necessary info. I would be thakful for that type of help. I agree with Glo that a follow up letter is important.

 

[wovenwonder]

I would first 'nicely' make the request by mail (not email) and I would attached a note from the doctor stating that it is medically necessary due to attention and vision problems. And I would not hesitate to 'demand' it if she doesn't follow thru with the request. In fact -- you can have it placed in his IEP to be sure that it is followed thru with properly.

 

[snuggles]

Most of the teachers I know would welcome an email like that. I would suggest being very friendly and maybe just tell her that you wanted her to know before hand so that it might help her with her planning. Good luck!

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Sounds like a great plan, Vija!! Most teachers love parents who get involved with their kid's classroom experience, so I doubt she'd be offended in any way! (and I know I still owe you a PM! LOL)

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Every year my kids' teachers send home things for us to fill out to "tell them" about our children. One thing is always related to things like this. I always ask my HS students about vision issues (and if they are allergic to bees since a lot of those fly in as well).
Robin M.

 

[Kermit]

Most teachers only mind if parents make unreasonable requests. Telling the teacher that your son will do better in the front will help her know that you're a concerned parent. I don't think it will be a problem at all.