Lyn Newton's comments

I Have to Meet with My Child's Teacher about Possible Retention

26 Jan 2007 04:01 PM

Pattie, I've always wondered about multiage grouping. I've wondered too- if it would be hard to teach. We used to have some mutliage classes in my district but they are far and few between now. Thanks for the comment.

Babydawn, AR is in my district, too. I had actually thought about a blog on it. I see its pros and cons. I might get started on that blog so we can discuss it. I'm so glad that the teacher is offering your son something different. I have a masters in math and it has always been a passion of mine. I'd love for you to PM me and give me more details about your son's math abilities and the things that he enjoys. I think we could come up with something (with the teacher's blessings of course!)

Valorie, I love people that see a teacher's side!!!! I read your blog. Thanks for the comments!

I Have to Meet with My Child's Teacher about Possible Retention

26 Jan 2007 02:17 PM

Babydawn, Thanks for the clarification! I wish that there was someway for him to have homework but it be in a different form- like more "sciencey" (if that could be a word!) Could it be put into a form that his enjoys more- like instead of a report do a project or instead of math problems- use hand-on modeling.

I Have to Meet with My Child's Teacher about Possible Retention

26 Jan 2007 01:04 PM

Babydawn, I am really surprised at your situation. I agree with your husband. It really sounds like your son is not gaining any confidence at school. I hate that a child would have to be stressed. I wish that the teacher would find something for him to feel successful at doing. And if not caught up by third grade- they never will. I do not believe that. It is all in what you want to put into it. I fhe is not coached and worked with and everyone "gives-up" then maybe he won't catch-up. When I taught 8th grade, I saw students excel and succeed. Keep faith in him and he'll go far!!!

Julie, I think the difference here is that your son had other areas of strength. The children that I am referring to as being not "ready" are weak in all areas- academic, social, etc. If your son was good in math and critical thinking skills (if he plays chess!) then he probably just had one area of weakness. I agree children grow at their own rates and that is very obvious in my class. I have children that are weaker readers and better in math or weaker in math and write beautifully, some are weaker in physical activities and fine motor skills. I have one child that is very intelligent but has difficulty writing his name due to weakness in fine motor skills. He physically is not ready for writing. I would never hold him back because of this. It is the whole package that you have to consider.

I Have to Meet with My Child's Teacher about Possible Retention

26 Jan 2007 08:03 AM

I agree with that. In kindergarten, we deal with a lot of retention with students that are in the later half of the age group (not that that always means a child will not succeed). These children are usually weak in all areas and just immature. They are not ready to sit and listen and learn in a school setting. I'm glad that the choice worked out best for your daughter. In all honesty, we only give our best educated opinion and no one really knows how things will work out. That's the mystery of life!

Should You Request a Teacher for Your Child?

23 Jan 2007 04:27 AM

Thanks for the comment! It is so true that personalities clash and everyone's ideas of good and bad are different. You just never know! Sometimes it's just best for fate to decide!!

Do You Still Walk Your Child to the Classroom?

23 Jan 2007 04:24 AM

Good idea! Thanks for the comment!

Tips for Taking Field Trips with Your Child

22 Jan 2007 11:56 AM

I am so glad that your mom is a wonderful person!! Just think of how the other children would have reacted if you were the only child who had the sandwiches and cake!! Tell your mom thanks for me!!!