Agendas

These were the bane of our lives last year. Who knew one little calendar could cause such ridiculous uproar? For those non-parents or parents without kids currently in school, this is how the teacher tells you what's going on in your kiddo's class. Last year, it was like the Holy Grail that led us to believe our child was just not cutting it (behavior-wise). Behaviors, such as playing in line, talking during instruction, playing on the carpet, became regular topics of conversation last year. I tried to remind myself (constantly) that he was only 5 and in a new environment...because he was. I was at a loss about what to do once he got home because, after all, this behavior had occurred several hours prior. I was in tears some days feeling like a failure, especially because I could tell how bad our little boy was feeling. Sadly, I did not realize until the month before school let out that it was a bunch of BS. Yes, my kid acts out sometimes. Yes, he talks a little too much (don't know where he got that). And Yes, he likes to play. But he was in Kindergarten. Teach him, oh Teacher, how he is supposed to be acting. You can't just punish him for the bad and not reward him for the good. How will he know when he is doing what is expected? How will any of them know? I went to his class a little early towards the end of school because it was his birthday and I took some cupcakes for a little celebration. These "centers" that he was getting in trouble for talking during...there were four kids at each table, facing each other and doing their activities. How in the world were they supposed to "not talk"? Don't get me wrong...I did like his teacher. Otherwise I would've tried to get him out of that classroom. He loves school and I didn't want that to change. This year, he has had good days every day. His teacher gives them many warnings, sometimes for the same behavior, before we even find out. And even if he did have a bad moment at school, we just talk about it and move on. I messed up last year, but I was learning too. I asked my mom how she handled my brother and I when we were that age. Her response - "I didn't have those issues with you. Of course, I didn't know what you were doing unless it was really bad." Point taken. If it's not that bad, don't tell the parent. If it keeps happening, please let me know and we can work together to handle it. But don't expect me to work miracles hours after this behavior has occurred. Who's idea was it anyway to let parents know every little thing that's happening while they are in the teacher's care? You mean...GASP...my child talks and plays?? He NEVER does that at home. Yeah right...