Comments on: Parent-Teacher Conference (long!)

By: American Family » hitting the accelerator

American Family » hitting the accelerator — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:35:37 +0000

[...] as I write about something here, things will change. Not that long ago, I wrote about M’s parent-teacher conference and my relief that she was doing ok. Don’t get me wrong, she is still doing just fine, but [...]

By: Spacemom

Spacemom — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:56:48 +0000

There was a report about grade skipping and alternatives to this.I will try to email you the link to it. It’s a long read, but for kids like M, this may be helpful

By: Elaine

Elaine — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:56:21 +0000

We’ve had the same kind of angst about skipping grades thing with our oldest who is now in 1st grade and doing work way beyond her peers. I’ve resisted because I got pushed ahead in school when I wasn’t socially ready for it and ended up hating school (which does not at all explain why I stayed in school through a PhD, but that is another therapy session). We do a great deal of reading and writing and maths at home with her to supplement. Having a small school and good teachers makes all the difference I think. Sounds like you have a good situation for her at this point. Celebrate!

By: Ser

Ser — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:37:19 +0000

That is just great that M is doing so well and that you are pleased with how the school is handling it. I have to say, we have also been thrilled with the school for the last two years.

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:13:01 +0000

Sounds like M has had a smooth transition into school life! I must admit that I’m torn when it comes to what I expect when it comes to my childrens’ education. Part of me is crunchy granola and doesn’t want them pushed too far academically and part of me wants them challenged. For our son, we ended up picking a crunchy granola school which offers advanced classes and it’s worked out great for him. I know he could be further challenged, but I’m happy with the amount of work he has at this school. I see some of his friends (Grade 5) who have 1-2 hours of homework every night and I think that’s just too much. Now we’re looking for a school for our daughter. There’s this one new school that looked interesting and it offers Mandarin starting in Grade 1 which appealed to us. But when I was reading their curriculum, it just went on about how they expect their kids to be running about 2 years ahead of kids in other schools, that kids in kindergarten should be able to do 3-4 number math problems, be fluent in French and English and ready to add Mandarin in Grade 1 and honestly, it gave me the creeps. I like the idea of a child being challenged, but not pushed to the limit; kids should just be kids too and have downtime. I also don’t think that all kids should be expected to work at such a level – they’re being set up for failure. I think each parent needs to figure out the environment that’s best for their kid. I skipped a year in school and was always the youngest which really wasn’t a big deal overall, but I didn’t hit many milestones when my friends did… they all drove and I couldn’t, etc. I also would have been going off to university when I was barely 17 which I think is too young. But I really do think this is an issue that is totally case by case, child by child, and nobody knows your child better than you! WTG M!!