This is just WRONG! Big vent

[71010]

My kids always had summer reading assignments. They would have a litst of about 10 books to choose from, had to read 3 and write a report on one. Had it ready to hand in on the first day of school. I always thought it was a good idea. They got used to it after some initial moaning and groaning, but they just read before they went to sleep. They got used to it year after year and it just became routine. Now they read before bed because they want to!!

 

[Crankyshank]

So people who have posted that their children are not school aged yet have an opinion of value but someone who works in education and has personal experience assigning work and also being assigned summer work doesn't have an opinion of value?

Yeah ok

based on your theory, anyone who doesn't have a child with the LD's the OP's child has shouldn't post because their opinion doesn't have value.

 

[DaisyD]

I just really don't get the point of posting that you don't care about her opinions??? You could think whatever you want but to post it is really rude. If someone was talking to you and telling you what they thought on a certain subject, would you tell them to their face that their opinion doesn't matter to you? Really this thread isn't all about you and everyone should be able to post their opinions despite what you think about them.

I never said no one should post their opinions. I never said that anyone felt the way I do. I said IMO I don't put any value into other opinions unless they have experience of the subject at hand. I simply asked one poster if they had kids and another poster jumped in with her 2 cents. I answered.

 

[DaisyD]

So people who have posted that their children are not school aged yet have an opinion of value but someone who works in education and has personal experience assigning work and also being assigned summer work doesn't have an opinion of value?

Yeah ok

based on your theory, anyone who doesn't have a child with the LD's the OP's child has shouldn't post because their opinion doesn't have value.

My opinion is that I only feel opinions given by those that have children are valid. A parent is a parent, no matter what the child's age is.

 

[Crankyshank]

So even if you have no experience with a child's education your opinion has value because you gave birth? A new mom's opinion on raising teens has value even though she has no experience with teenagers other than being one because she just gave birth?

I had no idea giving birth gave automatic credence to any opinion one puts forth! You really do learn something new every day

 

[C.Ann]

My kids always had summer reading assignments. They would have a litst of about 10 books to choose from, had to read 3 and write a report on one.

---------------------------------------

This I would have less of an issue with because at least there is "some" choice involved.. However, I still think summer should be reserved for more "hands-on" experiences that there often isn't time for during the traditional school year..

 

[Arielle22]

You have experience as a parent, period. Val does not. I really couldn't care less if you value her opinion over mine. We all have certain standards on taking advice and she doesn't have it for me.

See we can agree. We each don't value the other's opinion.

 

[DaisyD]

See we can agree. We each don't value the other's opinion.

Well see! Miracles can happen! LOL!

 

[ryka]

I am looking forward to a break from homework too but it is ONE BOOK! I think that people that keep bringing up the disability angle are trying to use that as an excuse for not doing the reading, again, the modifications are in place, it isn't an excuse.

I don't think anyone is using the LD as an excuse. I am saying it is already hard to get my son to do his work because of the ADHD and ODD. He does have an IEP that gives him more time to do things and he can go to a quiet room if he needs it. The problem that I have is that they are assigning a book. It would be different if they let him pick the book because then it is a book he wants to read and he will do it because he chose it and will enjoy it. I don't have a problem with a reading list where they can choose a book from a list of them. Then at least they have a choice but I think it just makes it harder to get a child with a LD to read and understand a book they have no interest in.

 

[jodifla]

I am looking forward to a break from homework too but it is ONE BOOK! I think that people that keep bringing up the disability angle are trying to use that as an excuse for not doing the reading, again, the modifications are in place, it isn't an excuse.

Uh, it's more than one book. Isn't there DAILY work required in a workbook?

 

[chrissyk]

Flame away, but I guess that I don't get what the problem is. The PTA is trying to improve upon the education of the students with this program. It's only 1 book and 1 workbook. Frankly, I'd be ticked that there wasn't more work assigned over the summer! I remember having hefty summer reading lists in school. I was usually mad because I was the only person who actually did the reading. There was no accountability. The idea of the workbook is a good one IMHO, and the idea of homework in the summer is good too.

 

[TSM1993]

I just got an e-mail of the meeting minutes from the last PTA meeting. The PTA has decided to have a summer literacy program. Fine. Whatever.

BUT it is MANDATORY. Each child will get a book according to grade level, and with the book there will be a WORKBOOK to be completed over the 10 weeks of summer. In addition there will be a major activity which also must be completed, and all of this is due the first day of school.

This is a PUBLIC school. The very SAME public school that theatened to fine me and take me to court for truancy violations for taking DS to Disney for 4 days in October. Excuse me? If I can't take my child on vacation during the year then we will go in the summer. There will NOT be mandatory homework over the summer. I am the parent and I will say how my child spends his time away from school. I am POSITIVE that the other elementaries in the district don't have this program because the other PTAs wouldn't have nearly as much money to spend on it.

I am so angry I can't see straight, and of course I read the stupid e-mail after everyone was gone for the day so I couldn't call the school. If they want to give every child a book, great. RIF already gives the kids a book twice a year, but that's still fine. If they want to have a companion workbook that's fine too. But how dare they dictate to me how my child will spend his time this summer? My ADD child who spends 3-5 hours on homework every night and is developing a raging hatred of school? DH and I keep promising DS that this school year is almost over, and come hell or high water he will NOT be doing some workbook all summer.

Do other public schools have MANDATORY summer work like this where the child won't have any choice? I do make DS read every day during the summer. He participates in the summer program at the library where he can CHOOSE the books he wants to read. For the rest of his time in school there will be assigned reading. I refuse to support mandatory summer work before he even gets to 5th grade.

There. Vent over.

No ours dont.

 

[Karnak]

I taught for 30 years in a public high school, and we NEVER had a PTA. Once there was a movement to start one at the school, but when the faculty was asked to vote on it, PTA received fewer than 10 votes, with everyone else against it.

Boy was I happy about that. I sure didn't need PTA what with all the state forms and such that we already had to waste time on.

Enjoy.

 

[golfgal]

Uh, it's more than one book. Isn't there DAILY work required in a workbook?

The OP said that they are given A book to read and worksheets to go along with the book. There was no mention of daily work. Once you are done with the book and the worksheets you are done for the summer.

 

[jodifla]

Flame away, but I guess that I don't get what the problem is. The PTA is trying to improve upon the education of the students with this program. It's only 1 book and 1 workbook. Frankly, I'd be ticked that there wasn't more work assigned over the summer! I remember having hefty summer reading lists in school. I was usually mad because I was the only person who actually did the reading. There was no accountability. The idea of the workbook is a good one IMHO, and the idea of homework in the summer is good too.

Reading lists are great. Lots of variety and choice. I loved belonging to them during summer at the library.

This however, is a whole different thing.

 

[jodifla]

The OP said that they are given A book to read and worksheets to go along with the book. There was no mention of daily work. Once you are done with the book and the worksheets you are done for the summer.

Again, fine for a regular student, possibly, but possibly not all ok for special needs kids. Why can't you get that a parent and student who feel like they are suffering during the school year want a break from that during the summer?

 

[Crankyshank]

Reading lists are great. Lots of variety and choice. I loved belonging to them during summer at the library.

This however, is a whole different thing.

Just because you have a reading list doesn't mean you have a choice. Often times it's a list of books you must read- not pick X amount of books from this list. or in my educational experience it was "here's a list of 8 books - read 6 of these". Inevitably at least 2 of the books I had to read were horribly boring and not a pleasant experience.

 

[mickeyboat]

My kids are only in K, and haven't had homework, yet - so take my thoughts however you want.

I would not have any problem with this assignment.

1. Of course the PTA can't mandate school curriculum, they are only funding it. I think it's great to give everyone a level playing field, as some families may not be able to afford to purchase these materials on their own.

2. It is important to not lose 2 months of the next school year to review. There is so much focus on testing nowadays, that instructional time suffers. One book and one workbook is at least something to help keep fresh what they have learned.

3. The OP doesn't really know how burdensome this assignment will be. If her son reads several books over the summer, I can't see how this beng one of those books is going to kill his love of reading. Unless the workbook is a three hour a day, every day kind of thing, I can't see how this would be that big of a deal. The child can still have lots of hands-on experiences during the summer, in concert with this assignment. He can still have a lot of fun playing, too.

4. The OP has been working hard to deal with her son's disability. I can't see how taking the entire summer off will help him progress in dealing with it. I think that additional instruction over the summer will help him improve and be ready to face next year. Have him look at it as an assignment to practice for 5th grade, and not as something that prevents 4th grade from being over.

5. I am raising my children to learn how to live in the real world. They will live with my for 18 years, they might possibly live without me for 80 more. I tell them we all have to do things we don't like, sometimes. We just try to find something positive about it, and make the best of it.

Now as for taking advice from someone who doesn't have children. I don't mind listening to advice or thoughts from someone who doesn't have children. Sometimes that kind of objective opinion that isn't clouded with parental emotion can be helpful. It's when someone who doesn't have children is critical of someone's parenting that I get irritated. And I have told people that in the past. Don't criticize unless you have been in someone else's shoes.

Denae

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

OK, I have a BIT more info than I had yesterday.

Yes, it is ONE book. I don't have a problem so much with the one book, I have a problem that if DS hates the book he won't retain what he reads. But it has been confirmed that yes, it is one book for every kid in the grade regardless, no choice. Fine, I'll make DS read the book. Perhaps with some incentives, bribes, whatever you want to call them. Somebody said a few pages back that DS has already read the book? Not sure where that came from. We don't know what the book is.

The workbook has 10 chapters, the child is expected to complete one chapter each week. They are not supposed to be labor intensive but that is subjective.

I have not launched a protest. I have sent 2 e-mails and made 2 phone calls, mostly to try to get more information. I have not said a word to DS. He has enough on his plate.

This initiative was apparently started by the PTA because of the number of low income students who may not have access to any sort of enrichment materials over the summer. In an effort to keep the kids from losing ground they have decided to give everybody these summer assignments. Our elementary is the only one doing this. I don't have anything against teachers whatsoever. I imagine teachers recognize more than anyone else how kids are all different, and a "one size fits all" approach isn't likely to have a great impact.

I do not want to use DS's ADD diagnosis as a cop out. I do not encourage him to be lazy. IF these assignments can be completed quickly and with a minimum of frustration then certainly I will have DS do them. If not, I will explore other options. If I am a "problem parent" because I step in when I feel something isn't right then I guess maybe I am a problem parent. I have called the school twice this year because DS was being bullied. Other than that they don't typically hear from me. DH talks with DS's teacher every day when he goes to pick up DS. We communicate well with the teachers and treat them with respect. DS has never been allowed to opt out of an assignment, and we have not asked for his work to be reduced even though we could per his modifications. That would be a last resort.

I understand as DS gets older he will have summer work. He won't have choices. Everyone will be treated like they came from the exact same cookie cutter and there will be no allowances for differences of any sort. Because that's life and life is not fair, and we all just have to follow along and do as we are told so we will become productive, tax-paying, law abiding citizens. Yes, I get that. I just really need this summer to be void of that sort of thing.

I will say there are some other things going on that are putting me under a lot of stress, and maybe my reaction to the mandatory summer work has been more explosive than it would have been if it had come at another time. But maybe not.

 

[mickeyboat]

I taught for 30 years in a public high school, and we NEVER had a PTA. Once there was a movement to start one at the school, but when the faculty was asked to vote on it, PTA received fewer than 10 votes, with everyone else against it.

Boy was I happy about that. I sure didn't need PTA what with all the state forms and such that we already had to waste time on.

Enjoy.

Thanks. I am a member of our PTA, and we have not done anything to increase the burden on the teachers at our school.

We provide breakfast to any student who requests it. We have purchased playground equipment. We have funded every field trip taken by our students this year. We have held community dinners, a carnival, a winter clothing drive and seminars on reading, healthy snacking and internet safety. We have donated money to local charities. We have funded musical instruments for the music teacher and snowshoes for the gym teacher.

I can't see where the PTA has created additional burdens on our teachers.

Denae