![]() ![]() INDEX TO PAST COLUMNSJuly 31, 1996 Talk to the principal, she doesn't want to make a class assignment that will give her and the teacher a disgruntled parent.
NEXT WEEK: Starting off right with a live-in nanny.![]() If you have a question or concern about a work-related topic, send it to us in an e-mail message, and we'll forward it to Susan and Tom.
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Kindergarten Conflict![]()
Different Strokes The conflicting views probably stem from the variations in kids' learning styles. For example, one child might do well in a very structured learning environment while another might need to have things more free-form. It's hard for teachers to meet all the needs of all kinds of kids. Make an appointment to talk to your school's principal or administrator. Say you want his or her opinion about how well your son's personality will fit with the full-day kindergarten teacher's methods. Be frank about what you have heard. Say this has caused you concern, but you don't want to reject this teacher out of hand. Explain clearly your assessment of your child's personality and educational needs.
Go to the Principal's Office Ideally, she'll tell you the teacher's strengths and describe her teaching style. If you can describe your child's learning style clearly enough, the principal may be able to offer an opinion about whether this teacher would make a good match. You'll have to take it from there and decide what's right for your child. The teacher assignment is just one element in the decision you have to make. You also have to think about whether your child would be better off in full-day or half-day kindergarten no matter who the teacher is. And you must consider the quality and cost of the childcare available to you if you opt for a half-day in school.
Be True to Your (Child's) School You'll profit from what you learn in dealing with this teacher-assignment question now, because it will come up again year after year. School officials welcome parent input more than they used to. When we were growing up, luck of the draw seemed to be the major factor in class assignment. Now principals try to make the best child-teacher fit. That's one of the many reasons it's good to volunteer at school. Even if you work during school hours, try to use lunchtime, or take an occasional vacation day so you can visit the classroom. Attend open houses and the evening parent-teacher association meetings. By being in the classroom or working on a schoolwide activity, you'll get a firsthand look at the teachers your child could have in the future. Being active and helpful to the school also makes it more likely that your input will be considered when class assignments are made in the future.
About Susan Crites Price and Tom Price.
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