I thought this might be fun or interesting. I am an elementary school teacher certified in K-6th grade. I want to offer to answer any questions you may have ever wanted to ask a teacher. No rules, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is allowed don't be afraid. Ask away....
Educators helping me with this thread are:
*Sarahjoy
*Staysinvegas
*Maxswolfsuit
Please PM me if your question goes unanswered as sometimes they're accidentally overlooked. Thanks!
1. If a child has an August birthday just one week before the age cut off to begin Kindergarten, would you prefer he start Kindergarten at 5 years old or 6 years old?
Although our now 4 year old is able to read the first 3 Hooked On Phonix Kindergarten Level books, he is not up to speed in both small and large motor skills w/ other children in Preschool (bcuz they're all 5 now), so DH & I are seriously considering holding him back one year. If we do hold him back, he'll graduate HS when he's 18.
2. How can I help my 9 year old (currently in 4th grade, youngest in class, summer birthday also, wish we would have held him back) with reading comprehension?
I have a lot of reading comprehension workbooks where he'll read a chapter of a story then answer questions on the next page, and so on. He seems to be catching on with that, but sometimes he'll read only the first two or three letters of a word, but blurt out a totally different word. For example, the word in the book will be "apothecary," but he'll say instead, "apostle." Or the word in the book will be "canary" but he'll say instead, "carnival." He's been tested for dyslexia, but the counselor said he has trouble with word coding. He has a hard time breaking down the syllables, I suppose.
3. Do teachers not appreciate it when a parent asks for a spelling workbook, or a list of spelling words, for the upcoming school year, so that the child can study them throughout the summer? Would it be cheating to practice the spelling words the summer before?
My oldest, again, has a lot of trouble with spelling. He will ace the practice test we do at home, but get an F on the test the next day! Last summer I asked for the ISBN for the next grade's spelling book, so I could order it on-line from McGraw-Hill, but instead they gave me the list of spelling words, which worked just fine and was a lot cheaper. =) We studied those words all summer, and he started off the school year w/ flying colors, but as Christmas neared, he started going downhill, and then it was as if we hadn't studied at all. =(
Quoting flatlanderjenn:1. If a child has an August birthday just one week before the age cut off to begin Kindergarten, would you prefer he start Kindergarten at 5 years old or 6 years old?
Although our now 4 year old is able to read the first 3 Hooked On Phonix Kindergarten Level books, he is not up to speed in both small and large motor skills w/ other children in Preschool (bcuz they're all 5 now), so DH & I are seriously considering holding him back one year. If we do hold him back, he'll graduate HS when he's 18.
2. How can I help my 9 year old (currently in 4th grade, youngest in class, summer birthday also, wish we would have held him back) with reading comprehension?
I have a lot of reading comprehension workbooks where he'll read a chapter of a story then answer questions on the next page, and so on. He seems to be catching on with that, but sometimes he'll read only the first two or three letters of a word, but blurt out a totally different word. For example, the word in the book will be "apothecary," but he'll say instead, "apostle." Or the word in the book will be "canary" but he'll say instead, "carnival." He's been tested for dyslexia, but the counselor said he has trouble with word coding. He has a hard time breaking down the syllables, I suppose.
3. Do teachers not appreciate it when a parent asks for a spelling workbook, or a list of spelling words, for the upcoming school year, so that the child can study them throughout the summer? Would it be cheating to practice the spelling words the summer before?
My oldest, again, has a lot of trouble with spelling. He will ace the practice test we do at home, but get an F on the test the next day! Last summer I asked for the ISBN for the next grade's spelling book, so I could order it on-line from McGraw-Hill, but instead they gave me the list of spelling words, which worked just fine and was a lot cheaper. =) We studied those words all summer, and he started off the school year w/ flying colors, but as Christmas neared, he started going downhill, and then it was as if we hadn't studied at all. =(
1. I don't teach Kindergarten but I would put a child in Kindergarten as soon as you feel they are ready.
2. Look into different phonics programs for him. Also, a lot of silent reading to himself would work wonders. One simple thing that I have seen bring results with kids like your son is having them read a story silently to themselves to the point that they know it well, and then having them listen to the book on tape and closely follow along. They'll realize if they read a particular word wrong and hopefully retain the correct pronunciation.
3. Often teachers can not provide a list of spelling words for the upcoming year. Spelling is not in our state curriculum but it is a required subject. I do have the option of using a spelling text book but I don't regularly. I just put together most of my class spelling words. It would be hard for me to provide a parent spelling words for the next grade if I do not even know who the student's teacher will be. No, studying ahead of time is not at all cheating.
Spelling isn't a core subject. It matters, but it's not something to freak over if he doesn't make really high grades in. The best thing i can say is to have him write the words a couple times each the night before the test. Yes, it's old-fashioned but it does work.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting kameka:My daughter (1st grade) is having problems with controlling her talking in class. I have a post about it on this forum but I would really appreciate a teachers view. Long story short, she is an honor roll student and very sweet, just talks too much. What do you think could be done in the classroom and at home that could help her, or is it just an age thing? Here's a link to my post in case you're curious.
I had to giggle at your post because it seems that the sweet, bright, and intelligent kids are almost always talkers. I have had many in my class and I am the mother of one. I like to believe they are just full of knowledge, wisdom, and life and they want to share it! :-) If she is well behaved other than her talking issue, I honestly wouldn't worry too much, especially at the 1st grade level. There's not much you can do especially if she is behaving in all other areas. If the talking alone is in fact extremely excessive and a big issue, first try some positive motivation. Clearly explain that if she goes a day without getting in trouble for talking she'll get to pick one toy from the Dollar Tree (or whatever you think of). If that doesn't work it might take a little more tough love. Again I wouldn't worry, as you said, she will most likely be able to control herself better as she gets a little older. First graders are a chatty bunch to start with. Let me know if I answered your concern well enough. :-)
You did, thank you :) We do have a positive reinforcement set in place for how many green days she gets and negative reinforcements for the color changes. Every day she gets a green she is allowed dessert, 3 greens in a week and she gets a small treat (whether toy or ice cream at mcdonalds or something), 4 is a special time with Daddy, and 5 is a "super special surprise" like we go to a movie. Each color change she is assigned a certain amount of lines to write based on why she got in trouble and some things get taken away like computer time. We have it all posted in the kitchen in easy-to-understand language and are very consistant. It's just good to know that someone with some authority on the matter doesn't think it's the be all and end all of badness like her teacher seems to. I appreciate it!
Interesting take.
I disagree with many of your points, but you really did NOT answer my question.
Why is it that schools do not make it common knowledge when kindergarten is not mandatory? I know the answer, I wanted to see if you did.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting YuppyMom:Why is it, that schools do not make it common knowledge that kindergarten is not mandatory when this is the case?
Every U.S. state has laws that require any child between 6 and 17 years of age to attend a public or private school. Even though a child might be very smart, it is not a good idea for them to start school with the first grade. As a result the child would probably have difficulty adjusting to a school environment. Basic things like getting along, following rules, and socializing are introduced in kindergarten as well as other skills vital to success in first grade and the years beyond.
Please note that Kindergarten IS mandatory in many states including Alaska, Arizona*, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland,Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina*, Tennessee, and Virginia.
*State offers waiver under special circumstances. (Usually medical etc.)
A first grade teacher who I work with received a student who had moved to our state only in the 2nd week of first grade in her home state which did not require Kindergarten attendance. Her mother for whatever reason did not send her to kindergarten while also not taking any time to teach her basic kindergarten skills. This child in first grade in our state ended up having to be placed in kindergarten because she could not write or read what so ever. I recommend sending kids to kindergarten.
Quoting YuppyMom:Interesting take.
I disagree with many of your points, but you really did NOT answer my question.
Why is it that schools do not make it common knowledge when kindergarten is not mandatory? I know the answer, I wanted to see if you did.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting YuppyMom:Why is it, that schools do not make it common knowledge that kindergarten is not mandatory when this is the case?
Every U.S. state has laws that require any child between 6 and 17 years of age to attend a public or private school. Even though a child might be very smart, it is not a good idea for them to start school with the first grade. As a result the child would probably have difficulty adjusting to a school environment. Basic things like getting along, following rules, and socializing are introduced in kindergarten as well as other skills vital to success in first grade and the years beyond.
Please note that Kindergarten IS mandatory in many states including Alaska, Arizona*, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland,Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina*, Tennessee, and Virginia.
*State offers waiver under special circumstances. (Usually medical etc.)
A first grade teacher who I work with received a student who had moved to our state only in the 2nd week of first grade in her home state which did not require Kindergarten attendance. Her mother for whatever reason did not send her to kindergarten while also not taking any time to teach her basic kindergarten skills. This child in first grade in our state ended up having to be placed in kindergarten because she could not write or read what so ever. I recommend sending kids to kindergarten.
I did not clearly answer your question, What I stated in all is the reason why it is not made common knowledge that Kindergarten is not mandatory in the majority of states. State educational systems have seen that Kindergarten helps kids later on and do not want a handful of kids lowering the state test scores later. Such and such.
I have to say it is quite rude to ask someone a question in their area of profession you claim to already know the answer to just to see if they know the answer. Very rude. Why even ask me? If you know a specific answer that you can back-up, take us to school....
So, why is it not made common knowledge that Kindergarten is not mandatory in the majority of states?
The reason that it is not made common knowledge has nothing to do with school readiness nor achievement levels.
The reason is funding based on attendance. When funding is provided per capita per day it is to the school's financial benefit to propogate the myth that kindergarten is when school becomes compulsory. When parents do not realize they have a choice, (and in some cases are led to believe doing otherwise is breaking the law) they immediately and without question enroll their child in school. Once the child is enrolled, the funding rolls for that child on each day they attend.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting YuppyMom:
Interesting take.
I disagree with many of your points, but you really did NOT answer my question.
Why is it that schools do not make it common knowledge when kindergarten is not mandatory? I know the answer, I wanted to see if you did.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting YuppyMom:
Why is it, that schools do not make it common knowledge that kindergarten is not mandatory when this is the case?
Every U.S. state has laws that require any child between 6 and 17 years of age to attend a public or private school. Even though a child might be very smart, it is not a good idea for them to start school with the first grade. As a result the child would probably have difficulty adjusting to a school environment. Basic things like getting along, following rules, and socializing are introduced in kindergarten as well as other skills vital to success in first grade and the years beyond.
Please note that Kindergarten IS mandatory in many states including Alaska, Arizona*, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland,Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina*, Tennessee, and Virginia.
*State offers waiver under special circumstances. (Usually medical etc.)
A first grade teacher who I work with received a student who had moved to our state only in the 2nd week of first grade in her home state which did not require Kindergarten attendance. Her mother for whatever reason did not send her to kindergarten while also not taking any time to teach her basic kindergarten skills. This child in first grade in our state ended up having to be placed in kindergarten because she could not write or read what so ever. I recommend sending kids to kindergarten.
I did not clearly answer your question, What I stated in all is the reason why it is not made common knowledge that Kindergarten is not mandatory in the majority of states. State educational systems have seen that Kindergarten helps kids later on and do not want a handful of kids lowering the state test scores later. Such and such.
I have to say it is quite rude to ask someone a question in their area of profession you claim to already know the answer to just to see if they know the answer. Very rude. Why even ask me? If you know a specific answer that you can back-up, take us to school....
So, why is it not made common knowledge that Kindergarten is not mandatory in the majority of states?
Quoting YuppyMom:The reason that it is not made common knowledge has nothing to do with school readiness nor achievement levels.
The reason is funding based on attendance. When funding is provided per capita per day it is to the school's financial benefit to propogate the myth that kindergarten is when school becomes compulsory. When parents do not realize they have a choice, (and in some cases are led to believe doing otherwise is breaking the law) they immediately and without question enroll their child in school. Once the child is enrolled, the funding rolls for that child on each day they attend.
That is also one of the reasons but you must also consider that the school system is only paid the amount that it costs for that child to attend school. A single student isn't worth a million bucks. I still am trying to figure out why you felt the need to test me. Kindergarten is mandatory in the state of Tennessee, where I teach. That is why I might not have brain stormed much on this topic.
Quoting mom0092:
Quoting M4LG5:
Do you recommend keeping the students at one level or do you challenge those that can work ahead?
The reason why I asked this is because my daughter's 1st grade teacher doesn't allow students to work ahead nor did she challenge those that could use the challenge. The only thing she did was give more worksheets. I hate worksheets.
Good question
Due to No Child Left Behind, we are required to have the entire class at or above the same mastery of standards at the same time. This makes it difficult to challenge other students who are above their level. We can't work with a student who is above level to challenge them if another student over there is reading on a Kindergarten level. It's difficult to provide a totally different lesson plan for a single child. I do try to challenge the students who need it. I suggest you look into any challenge programs your daughter's school may offer.
Many school districts without gifted/talented programs (especially ones that cut them due to budget challenges) will write an IEP for students who test as gifted.
Robin in Chicago
Quoting flatlanderjenn:
1. If a child has an August birthday just one week before the age cut off to begin Kindergarten, would you prefer he start Kindergarten at 5 years old or 6 years old?
Although our now 4 year old is able to read the first 3 Hooked On Phonix Kindergarten Level books, he is not up to speed in both small and large motor skills w/ other children in Preschool (bcuz they're all 5 now), so DH & I are seriously considering holding him back one year. If we do hold him back, he'll graduate HS when he's 18.
2. How can I help my 9 year old (currently in 4th grade, youngest in class, summer birthday also, wish we would have held him back) with reading comprehension?
I have a lot of reading comprehension workbooks where he'll read a chapter of a story then answer questions on the next page, and so on. He seems to be catching on with that, but sometimes he'll read only the first two or three letters of a word, but blurt out a totally different word. For example, the word in the book will be "apothecary," but he'll say instead, "apostle." Or the word in the book will be "canary" but he'll say instead, "carnival." He's been tested for dyslexia, but the counselor said he has trouble with word coding. He has a hard time breaking down the syllables, I suppose.
My daughter also has a late August birthday (September 1 cutoff). We considered keeping her in preschool for an extra year because she seemed immature (and she was not accepted in any appropriate schools; though she was reading chapter books and more than ready academically. Magically, in April, she went through this amazing developmental change and we decided that she was ready.
Third and fourth grades were when she really struggled with reading comprehension and (even more) writing. She worked with a writing tutor (a teacher at one of the gifted schools) and started posting book reviews on Amazon.
Robin in Chicago
He called my 5yr old fat.
- mom0092
on May. 24, 2010 at 12:02 AM