so calm this mama bear down

[okeydokey]

I didn't catch anywhere the OP said she does not help her daughter at home. I'm more focused on the methods employed by the teacher, which would drive me closer to home schooling than ever.

Sorry, I'm not trying to moderate. I just feel it's unfair if people are speculating about what the op does at home without knowing for sure.

The OP said on the first page that she hasn't been doing the math because she was working on her AR goal instead.

And that it wasn't just multiplication/division she hasn't mastered but addition/subtraction as well.

 

[undertheradar]

she knows them - just not quickly

its not just multiplication - it's addition/subtraction too & I think division.

She didn't work on her math because she was working on her AR goal

I'm gonna go check our standards

Here

 

[undertheradar]

no problem - give her time to work on them send her to the computer lab/library - any place that would be less distracting & noticeable to the other students


and yes we have worked on them at home - with online games & apps on my phone. No, not daily.

Here

 

[luvsJack]

I have never in my life heard so many lame excuses. Some kids won't shut down! Some kids will keep working at it because they (and their parents) understand that basic math and reading skills are pretty important and need to be mastered.

Seriously, how long do you think this teacher should modify her plans for her class for this one kid?

There are many reason why a child is not mastering a skill. All children do not learn the same way. No, some kids won't stop trying but some will.

Sorry, but few 5th graders "understand that basic math and reading skills are pretty important. . . " They understand they have to do it.

Again, I never said she should modify her plans for the class. A movie is not "plans", its something to keep the kids busy.

Do you not think that a teacher should find what works for a child?

As for excuses, well, let's see, 1. its not my child and 2. None of my kids were ever behind in any class to have to make up work in this way. So, why exactly would I make up excuses?

 

[luvsJack]

It's not the teacher if the student is struggling with things she should have learned in lower grades.

If the child is struggling with something she should have learned in lower grades then it is highly unlikely that it is just laziness.

Maybe someone should go back and find out why she has been passing along and not mastering the skills.

 

[luvsJack]

I can clearly remember my 5th grade teacher (I graduated h.s. in 1989, so 5th grade was EONS ago) requiring (forcing?) us to stand in front of the class and recite the Gettysburg Address - word for word. If we messed up, we had to sit down and wait to be called on again. Until we got it right, we couldn't go to recess. Harsh? Yes (and really, to this day I don't know what purpose memorizing it served, but I can STILL recite it.) I wasn't scarred for life. Do I remember it fondly? Nope. Nor do I have fond memories of that particular teacher. But again, that harsh requirement didn't force me to hate school or my other teachers. I had a very successful educational career culminating in earning a bachelor's degree. I even married a teacher! And I have nothing but the utmost respect for teachers. I could never, ever do their job. And my dh is one of the best!

Yeah, we all had to do that. I never saw the point either,

I have a great deal of respect for teachers. Have worked with many as a classroom assistant and volunteer. My sister is a retired teacher. I have had great relationships with every teacher my 3 kids ever had---except one.

Doesn't mean that I think they walk on water.

 

[aaarcher86]

If the child is struggling with something she should have learned in lower grades then it is highly unlikely that it is just laziness. Maybe someone should go back and find out why she has been passing along and not mastering the skills.

Somebody? How about the parent.

 

[MSLRAC]

There are many reason why a child is not mastering a skill. All children do not learn the same way. No, some kids won't stop trying but some will.

Sorry, but few 5th graders "understand that basic math and reading skills are pretty important. . . " They understand they have to do it.

Again, I never said she should modify her plans for the class. A movie is not "plans", its something to keep the kids busy.

Do you not think that a teacher should find what works for a child?

As for excuses, well, let's see, 1. its not my child and 2. None of my kids were ever behind in any class to have to make up work in this way. So, why exactly would I make up excuses?

You have done nothing but make excuses for the OP and her child through out this thread. I'm not sure why it's so hard for you to think that it's not the teacher on this one. The OP admits that her child is behind in math because she was doing her AR that she was behind on, but yet there is no underlying learning issues. Apparently, no one else in the class (aside from the kids with IEPs) is behind. So that quickly leads me to believe that the problem is the child not doing her work and the OP not caring that she is behind.

You have said over and over that the teacher should have changed her plans for the entire class for this kid. I find it hard to believe that between grades K-5, that the OP's child has only been shown one way to do all math. But if she has and she's made it all the way to 5th grade without mastering the basics then she is way behind and the OP, not her teacher, needs to work on fixing that.

I also don't think that it's solely a teacher's responsibility to figure out what works best for each child. My DS has an IEP due to his Autism and when he has a problem, I don't call the teacher and tell her that she needs to change her teaching methods because he's not getting it. I call her and tell her that he's not getting and ask her for other suggestions on how I can help him at home. I work with his teacher to figure it out and then I make it happen for DS. (That's happened all of once in his 2 year school career thus far and one quick adjustment, made at home, got him right back on track.)

I also don't think that most kids have a 'have to do it' attitude about learning. Most kids that I have encountered, have wanted to learn all that they can from an early age because they see the importance of the basics (reading, writing, math, science, etc) all around them in everyday life.

If the child is struggling with something she should have learned in lower grades then it is highly unlikely that it is just laziness.

Maybe someone should go back and find out why she has been passing along and not mastering the skills.

No it's not unlikely that it's laziness. It's easy in lower grades for a child to fake their way through math. The work is relatively easy so the child can still use their fingers instead of learning/memorizing things. It's when they get to higher grades and the work gets harder and builds on the basics that they start to struggle because they are still trying to count on their fingers.

And that someone that needs to go back and figure it out is the OP!!! Apparently all the other kids get it so it's not an issue with other teachers or even the 5th grade teacher. You think this kid was embarrassed now missing a movie, just wait until she gets to higher level math classes in high school or college and she's the only one still counting on her fingers...she'll know true embarrassment then.

 

[Granny square]

Yeah, we all had to do that. I never saw the point either, I have a great deal of respect for teachers. Have worked with many as a classroom assistant and volunteer. My sister is a retired teacher. I have had great relationships with every teacher my 3 kids ever had---except one. Doesn't mean that I think they walk on water.

The ability to memorize and practice doing so is important for a variety of reasons. The content isn't important. Poems, speeches, whatever. By 5th grade an a/be student should know their math facts by rote. That is prep for the abstract concepts in the near future.

No one has said that that teacher walks in water. Merely that she has the right in her classroom to plan work and rewards, fun and consequences.

If the kid cried for an entire two hour movie and the ride home over the process mom shod be seeing that she needs to help this child! More than playing an app every once in a while.

 

[AC7179]

I'm a teacher, and it's understood in my class you don't get to watch the movie unless ALL your business is taken care of in class, first. That part doesn't bother me at all, and I wouldn't see it as a punishment but an opportunity to get extra practice. However, I would communicate this to
the student as discretely as possible and have her leave the room to work so everyone wasn't all up in get business. I don't think the teacher did anything wrong here, but she maybe could have handled it in a way that spared feelings while still accomplishing practice time.

 

[mefordis]

My daughter's teacher makes himself available in the mornings and after school. So this would never have happened in my daughter's class. He would have met with the student before or after school.

I'm a teacher, and it's understood in my class you don't get to watch the movie unless ALL your business is taken care of in class, first. That part doesn't bother me at all, and I wouldn't see it as a punishment but an opportunity to get extra practice. However, I would communicate this to
the student as discretely as possible and have her leave the room to work so everyone wasn't all up in get business. I don't think the teacher did anything wrong here, but she maybe could have handled it in a way that spared feelings while still accomplishing practice time.

 

[luvsJack]

Somebody? How about the parent.

Maybe so, maybe the parent and the teacher together should find out what is going on.

 

[luvsJack]

You have done nothing but make excuses for the OP and her child through out this thread. I'm not sure why it's so hard for you to think that it's not the teacher on this one. The OP admits that her child is behind in math because she was doing her AR that she was behind on, but yet there is no underlying learning issues. Apparently, no one else in the class (aside from the kids with IEPs) is behind. So that quickly leads me to believe that the problem is the child not doing her work and the OP not caring that she is behind.

You have said over and over that the teacher should have changed her plans for the entire class for this kid. I find it hard to believe that between grades K-5, that the OP's child has only been shown one way to do all math. But if she has and she's made it all the way to 5th grade without mastering the basics then she is way behind and the OP, not her teacher, needs to work on fixing that.

I also don't think that it's solely a teacher's responsibility to figure out what works best for each child. My DS has an IEP due to his Autism and when he has a problem, I don't call the teacher and tell her that she needs to change her teaching methods because he's not getting it. I call her and tell her that he's not getting and ask her for other suggestions on how I can help him at home. I work with his teacher to figure it out and then I make it happen for DS. (That's happened all of once in his 2 year school career thus far and one quick adjustment, made at home, got him right back on track.)

I also don't think that most kids have a 'have to do it' attitude about learning. Most kids that I have encountered, have wanted to learn all that they can from an early age because they see the importance of the basics (reading, writing, math, science, etc) all around them in everyday life.



No it's not unlikely that it's laziness. It's easy in lower grades for a child to fake their way through math. The work is relatively easy so the child can still use their fingers instead of learning/memorizing things. It's when they get to higher grades and the work gets harder and builds on the basics that they start to struggle because they are still trying to count on their fingers.

And that someone that needs to go back and figure it out is the OP!!! Apparently all the other kids get it so it's not an issue with other teachers or even the 5th grade teacher. You think this kid was embarrassed now missing a movie, just wait until she gets to higher level math classes in high school or college and she's the only one still counting on her fingers...she'll know true embarrassment then.

Then it stands to reason that her child is not wanting to do this for a reason, doesn't it.

I said she should have handled the movie watching differently and that she should perhaps figure out if there are other reasons why the child isn't doing the work.

YOU already know what is going on with your child. Of course you recognize when he isn't getting it. But the person in the classroom should be able to see it to.

Our kids were timed on math facts since whatever grade they were supposed to have those facts mastered. So, yes, it should have been seen by 5th grade. DD learned multiplication facts in 2nd/3rd being timed in 3rd grade. We were sent home a check list each week to know what they had mastered.

So, in your opinion, a teacher's job is just to continue going forward and not paying attention to the fact that one or more students just aren't getting it? I am so thankful that none of the teachers around here think that way.

A lot kids just love to learn, that's right. Doesn't mean they grasp the importance of things they find boring. And it doesn't mean a struggling kid can't be made to hate school.

 

[teacherforhi]

My daughter's teacher makes himself available in the mornings and after school. So this would never have happened in my daughter's class. He would have met with the student before or after school.

But the child has to be available before or after school for that to work. I offer that myself, but I can't require it, and many parents can't or won't drive their children to or from school. Years ago, we would offer a bus for after school tutoring, but currently, my school system is concerned about having the money to run regular bus routes, much less extra ones.

 

[teacherforhi]

I'm a teacher, and it's understood in my class you don't get to watch the movie unless ALL your business is taken care of in class, first. That part doesn't bother me at all, and I wouldn't see it as a punishment but an opportunity to get extra practice. However, I would communicate this to
the student as discretely as possible and have her leave the room to work so everyone wasn't all up in get business. I don't think the teacher did anything wrong here, but she maybe could have handled it in a way that spared feelings while still accomplishing practice time.

I'm a teacher as well. I'm curious as to who is supervising the student you sent out if the room? I can't send someone out without an adult and I can't be in two places at once.

 

[mefordis]

But the child has to be available before or after school for that to work. I offer that myself, but I can't require it, and many parents can't or won't drive their children to or from school. Years ago, we would offer a bus for after school tutoring, but currently, my school system is concerned about having the money to run regular bus routes, much less extra ones.

That's true. I just think a room with a movie going on is not conducive to memorizing or concentrating. It just seems like it was more of a punishment than providing a learning opportunity. Staying in for recess would have been better. Or I would have eaten my lunch in the classroom and allowed the student to do the same for a couple of days while she memorized her facts.

 

[luvsJack]

The ability to memorize and practice doing so is important for a variety of reasons. The content isn't important. Poems, speeches, whatever. By 5th grade an a/be student should know their math facts by rote. That is prep for the abstract concepts in the near future.

No one has said that that teacher walks in water. Merely that she has the right in her classroom to plan work and rewards, fun and consequences.

If the kid cried for an entire two hour movie and the ride home over the process mom shod be seeing that she needs to help this child! More than playing an app every once in a while.

Funny thing, they don't do the memorizing anymore. DD spent more time actually learning what the Address (and other things that we had to memorize). Her history teacher seems to think its more important to learn about and analyze the speeches or writings of history than to simply memorize words. I think they have memorized one passage from Romeo and Juliet and that was in 8th grade.

Mom does need to see that she needs to help the child, I agree. I am not saying that Mom doesn't have a responsibility here. But the teacher does too and putting the kid at a computer to cry while she works isn't going to do anything for her.

 

[undertheradar]

Then it stands to reason that her child is not wanting to do this for a reason, doesn't it.

I said she should have handled the movie watching differently and that she should perhaps figure out if there are other reasons why the child isn't doing the work.

YOU already know what is going on with your child. Of course you recognize when he isn't getting it. But the person in the classroom should be able to see it to.

Our kids were timed on math facts since whatever grade they were supposed to have those facts mastered. So, yes, it should have been seen by 5th grade. DD learned multiplication facts in 2nd/3rd being timed in 3rd grade. We were sent home a check list each week to know what they had mastered.

So, in your opinion, a teacher's job is just to continue going forward and not paying attention to the fact that one or more students just aren't getting it? I am so thankful that none of the teachers around here think that way.

A lot kids just love to learn, that's right. Doesn't mean they grasp the importance of things they find boring. And it doesn't mean a struggling kid can't be made to hate school.

Do you think it is possible that the OP needs to work with her daughter? You keep placing emphasis on the teacher being responsible here, yet OP's DD is the only non-special needs student who is behind. Looks like what the teacher is doing is working and the problem here is with the OP's DD and OP's lack of effort to strengthen these skills at home. I believe that the majority of families work on these skill sets at home to reinforce what is being taught in school.

 

[aaarcher86]

My daughter's teacher makes himself available in the mornings and after school. So this would never have happened in my daughter's class. He would have met with the student before or after school.

A parent would need to set up the transportation for that. Mom is dropping the ball.

 

[undertheradar]

Funny thing, they don't do the memorizing anymore. DD spent more time actually learning what the Address (and other things that we had to memorize). Her history teacher seems to think its more important to learn about and analyze the speeches or writings of history than to simply memorize words. I think they have memorized one passage from Romeo and Juliet and that was in 8th grade.

Mom does need to see that she needs to help the child, I agree. I am not saying that Mom doesn't have a responsibility here. But the teacher does too and putting the kid at a computer to cry while she works isn't going to do anything for her.

You keep basing all of your comments on how things are done in schools that you have volunteered in. Have your kids ever attended schools in other states? Mine have attended public schools in 3 states and there have always been consequences for failing to do your work. Yes, kids have been in classrooms working on classwork while others who have completed the work are doing other things. I just wonder how it works at the OP's house. If a child doesn't do want the OP expects them to do, does she have them complete the task while she is doing other tasks? Same basic concept, without all of the excuses that you and other posters keep finding for the OP.