Teacher visits?

[tinaw]

I promise to use my "nice-nice" voice.

 

[tinaw]

I'm not sure about the headmaster. He had only been there a week when I spoke to him. It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[bsnyder]

Good luck tinaw, and keep us posted!

 

[disykat]

I'm sort of amazed by this. My first thought was "Wow! A teacher who cares enough about her students that she takes her own time to get to know them a little bit before school even starts!" I consider that way above and beyond duty. I would think she would learn so much about a child without the other kids around and I'd think it would make the child feel really special.

It never occured to me that anyone would think it was an intrusion. I think if you don't want her in your house you should turn it around by saying something like "We'd love a chance to visit and have you get better aquainted, but it's not convenient for you to come here. How about if we come into your classroom before school gets started..." If her motivation is to get to know the child this should be fine. If you go in, I'd let your child bring some "show and tell" items to help break the ice and let the teacher get to know her a bit.

 

[tinaw]

I checked into this home visit "thing" a little more. I talked to a friend whose mother teaches at the sister school to ours. Home visits ARE part of the teachers job and I will have to endure this EVERY year she goes to school there!(something I was not informed of!) I asked the reason behind the homevisits and she told me it is basically so that the teacher and the school can check out the homelife of the child.

SO... I am now back on my soapbox to say I don't like it!!! but I have decided to bit my lip and say nothing. I love the school (besides this invasion of privacy) and we are members of the parish there and are not going to change churches due to this fact.
I tried to all the teacher to set up my appointment but haven't been able to reach her. I will repost after my interagation!

 

[Poohnatic]

My son had a 'home visit' prior to starting the prekindergarten in our elementary school. The teacher and aide came to each child's home.

Other than worrying that they'd think we were slobs, I thought it was a good idea for them to see my son where he is most comfortable. At school, he might be distracted by all the sights in the classroom to have a conversation with the teacher or do what he was instructed.

They also like to see how the child interacts with any siblings and parents, so having you come to the school would not help.

My son was diagnosed with a form of autism in kindergarten, and I really think by seeing the child where he/she is most comfortable (even if she is acquainted with the teacher) will help the teacher to notice strengths and things that she should keep an eye out for.

Suzanne

 

[house_of_princesses]

I think I'd welcome the chance to get to know the teacher better, on my home turf! If I'm entrusting my child to this person for the better part of the day, 5 days a week, I want to know who this person is. And for them to take the time to see the child in his/her own environment is a daunting and noble task (IMO).

I have heard of policies such as these and it sounds sound to me. Less tension for child, teacher has better knowledge of student AND parent now has an in road to this influential person when the need arises.

Look at it as a chance to get the little one off on the right foot, not as an invasion.

 

[marlasmom]

My grandson goes to a private school here in Florida. The teacher made a home visit. That was his first year and I don't know if they will do it again this year. It was pleasant and there were no problems. I can see how it's helpful for a teacher to see a child on his or her own turf. My grandson happily showed off his various projects, his dog and cat. I don't see why it is a problem for you. Just put out a plate of cookies and enjoy.

 

[Karista]

By chance, are you sending your child to a Lutheran school? I don't want to make assumptions here, but everything that I read (including your hometown) makes me think that you are. If so, home visits have been a tradition since way back when my dad was a student (55+ years ago) and probably way before him.

Home visits are really no big deal. It's almost like a parent-teacher conference in the comfort of your own home, without having to wait your turn in the hallway. In a rural area like ours, some students are spread out over a 40-mile area, so I give the teacher a lot of credit for taking the time to visit each family.

 

[believe]

I would love for my daughter's kindergarten teacher to do this. I think it would help with the transition as well as give the teacher 'extra' time as she works her lesson plans to tailor any plans that may be needed based on children's educational needs.

I met my daugther's preschool teacher before the school year, she has also come to my house to drop items off for me to work on. I call her at home or on her cell phone. I want to really know the teacher so I can feel comfortable making suggestions on what I feel would help my daughter succeed. A home visit would make these even easier to do.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Wow a teacher visit? I never heard of that before. Since you have to endure I say try to make the best of it. Maybe use some bribery? 70yrs old? Maybe homemade oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies. Sounds like it may be well worth the scrutiny.
Good Luck!

 

[Blondy876]

It is not required by my job but it is encouraged. When I do a home visit I don't look at the home. I go to see the child. I bring toys and games to play with and stories to read. They last only around 30 minutes.

I also ask the parent if they would allow a home visit. I never take it upon myself to insist. If they rather I not visit I'm fine with that. Some people are more private and that's OK.

I see nothing wrong with asking what will take place. I was a little shocked to hear that they told you it was to check out the childs home life. Unless this teacher is trained in social work, she has no right to judge the childs home life.

Good luck with your decision. Follow you intuition, if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it.

Jenn