Preschool....or any age!

In the September 2009 issue of Parenting magazine (for early years) there was a humorous article written by an anonymous preschool teacher offering up twenty five pieces of advice for success in preschool. While reading the article, I realized that many of these tidbits are also true for fourth grade as well. What I especially enjoyed about the article was the humor used by the author to tackle a few areas that can sometimes be uncomfortable for both sides. I'll share with you some of the ones that I felt were applicalbe to fourth graders.....

• Don't ask me about any other children.

If I tell you that your child is doing well on something, don't ask me if Julian is doing that, too. And don't ask me if Julian is doing that too. And don't ask me if your child is the smartest in the class. I won't tell you. Teachers prefer to compare a child's progress to himself, not others.

• Lice can happen to anyone.

You needn't be embarrassed. Just let me know so I can prevent an outbreak

• Read my notes home.

I know they're chirpy and have way too many exclamation points. But sometimes I have important news about classroom events to share with you.

• Try to trust me.

If I tell you that your child could benefit from further evaluation in an area of development, realize that I would not say such a thing frivolously. (It is never easy to tell a parent that his or her child might have a problem, however minor it may be.) I see your child through the eyes of a teacher, as part of a group, and I'm not just thinking of him now, but also in the future. I want to make sure that if your child needs a little extra help he gets it sooner rather than later. And it's not a big deal if he does; lots of kids get services like speech or occupational therapy. If you think I'm wrong, go see a specialist and then come back and let me know how off base I was. I'll probably be almost relieved as you.

If you would like to read the article in its entirety, you can find it at:

http://http://www.parenting.com/article/Child/Daycare--Education/Preschool-Confidential-What-Teachers-Want-You-to-Know

Best Wishes,

Mr. Fletcher