Teacher at DS's school gave incorrect info. UPDATE

[floridafam]

DS and his class were in their library today practicing for a Geography Bowl.

One of the questions was "What is the largest continent?"

DS wrote down Asia and showed his answer.

The teacher said that was incorrect and the correct answer was Africa. She then pointed at a globe and told the kids you could fit every other continent in the world into Africa.

So, the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are all being told Africa is the largest continent in the world.

So, how do I say something nicely? They can't have an incorrect answer burned into their minds.

Thanks


UPDATE-

We went in this morning. I have to admit, DS and I were both a little nervous. For some reason, I thought she'd be upset or something that we were correcting her. She saw him and said "You're right" She had an old poster or something that gave incorrect info.

We all had a good laugh and my son felt a lot better. She told him to not be afraid to speak up if he knows he's right.

Problem solved.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Send her a website or two:

What is the largest continent?
Asia is the world's largest continent at 17,300,000 square miles (44,806,812 square kilometers). If you're considering Europe and Asia combined as Eurasia, then it's the largest continent at 21 million square miles (55 million km2).

http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzlargecontinent.htm

 

[KAMLEM]

Are you sure that your son isn't confused? Maybe he got them mixed up.

 

[vivilasvegas]

Was the teacher filling in for the regular geography teacher??

Well, your son can always go in and tell the teacher that his mommy said she was wrong.

Honestly, I don't know what I'd do.

 

[Beth76]

I would send a note with your son saying "My son wrote down Asia as the answer for the largest continent which is correct. You said it was Africa, but I'm sorry to tell you that is incorrect. Just thought you should know." And maybe add some landmass stats or something.

ETA: You probably should not assume that it went down as said. Maybe put it in a question form. "I just want to be sure my son is getting the correct information."

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And here's the complete list:

http://worldatlas.com/geoquiz/thelist.htm

1 Asia - (44,579,000 sq km)
#2 Africa - (30,065,000 sq km)
#3 North America - (24,256,000 sq km)
#4 South America - (17,819,000 sq km)
#5 Antarctica - (13,209,000 sq km)
#6 Europe - (9,938,000 sq km)
#7 Australia/Oceania - (7,687,000 sq km)

I would definitely send her a note--and just include the list. She has given erroneous information. If she refuses to convey the correct information (I'm sure your son will tell you)--then notify the principal.

 

[punkin]

let me tell you about the time my DD's pre-k teacher did a lesson on why larger objects fall to the ground faster. I guess she never heard of Gallileo and the tower of Pisa.

I took her aside and explained gravity and wind resistance. She had never learned it in school. Imagine

 

[floridafam]

I double checked with DS. He said he's positive about what was said. He knows a lot of Geography, honestly, he probably knows more than DH and I put together.

He said he didn't want to say anything because "she's the teacher."

I just can't let 300 some kids think that Africa is the largest continent.

I like the suggestion of saying I just wanted to make sure he is getting the right information. I think I will go with that.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

let me tell you about the time my DD's pre-k teacher did a lesson on why larger objects fall to the ground faster. I guess she never heard of Gallileo and the tower of Pisa.

I took her aside and explained gravity and wind resistance. She had never learned it in school. Imagine

So what did she tell the kids?