Problems at School .

It sounds to me that both of your boys are bored in their classes and acting out. If they're still getting good grades and has time to act like that... Maybe talk to the school councellor about bumping them up on a trial basis, or see if they have a gifted program for smart kids. It's a great blessing to have children so smart, but acting up or becoming lazy can definately be a price you pay. Good luck!!!!

J.

go talk to the teachers and find out about both sides.. I know sometimes that children only tell what you want to hear. But If I were you I'd go and talk to them and see whats going on. IF you can seperate those children to avoid contact tell them to do it.

Its normal for children become lazy but that is why we are here. Teachers are to busy dealing with all the kids in the class they can only do so much.

If you feel that your child is not being challenged, I suggest you go talk to the principal or the vice principal of getting him moved to a different class.

Good Luck

Hi J.,

I had some of the same problems with my daughter's 5th grade class that you have with your fourth grader. The teacher could not control the class. This is a hard one. You need to talk to your son and get specific details on what is going on in class. For instance, my daughter used to tell me that she had to go out into the hall to do her work because the class was too loud. Then talk to the teacher about your concerns and what your son is saying. Stay calm and let the teacher know that you want to help, not just blame. See what the teacher has to say. Sometimes there is more going on than what your son is telling you or that he is really aware of. This is letting the teacher know that you are involved with your son and that you care what goes on in the class room. See if the teacher is willing to work with you son to provide an environment that he can learn in. You will have to give it a little time (2-4 weeks). If after that time, there is no change in the class environment, then I would go talk to the principal. Again, take the attitude that you are concerned and want to help. If nothing else, this will send a message to the school that you care about your son's education and that you are paying attention to what goes on in the school.

As far as what you witnessed with your second grader, I would have done exactly what you did and butted in. You need to report what you saw to the principal. Whether your son started the issue or not, the teacher should not grab him and yell at him as you described. This will also give you an opportunity to find out more about what is going on in the 2nd grade class room. Again, talk to his teacher and hear her side also.

Good luck!

As a mom and a school district employee, I know that it's very important that the parent and teacher respect each other and work together as a team for the overall success and education of the child. If you feel that teacher isn't doing their best, start with a parent, teacher, student conference first to address all issues between the 3 of you. If that's not good enough, meet with the principal or VP and express your concerns about your children's behavior and the lack of cooperation or even concern from the teachers. True they are busy with other students, but it's their job to follow through with certain things that seem to be of great concern with the parents. Each child is their responsibility from the start of school till the end each day. Get up to those schools and express your feelings with them. Don't loose your cool, but get everything out that's bothering you. Best wishes and let me know how everything works out for you!!!!

I would start with meetings with the teachers and counselor together maybe. Then if nothing I would go to the principal. Maybe there is something else going on they are not telling you about. I know when I was at home with my son and then my husband got put im the hospital, my dd starting acting out. Turned out she was stressed and sad and didn't know how to express it.

J.,

If memory serves me correctly, you had a similar post earlier. Something along the same lines, your boys misbehaving, problems at school, etc... It seems to me you have not gotten this issue under control. You may not be accepting of my advice but here it goes...

You should try to change class for your eldest son. That may help a bit. However, you need to make sure you are doing your part as a parent. By you stepping in when the teacher grabbed him and took him out of line for hitting another kid, you underminded the teacher's authority. The best place to confront this issue was probably in a conference with the teacher, principal and yourself. Your sons (both) know that you take their side. Therefore, they will continue to act up until YOU start to be firm and reinforce the discpline and rules at home that they have to follow at school. In my opinion, I don't think the teacher is being "one-sided", since it seems both your children are having behavior problems. Also, you need to get the teacher's side of the story. Stop being part of the problem and start being part of the solution. Hope this doesn't sound too harsh, as that is not my intention.

Find out both sides, but sometimes the teacher is just a bad fit for your child. That's hard to deal with....

I had a 3rd grader and a 1st grader in public school and was having many problems. I could give you a list that would scare you. I finally had to pull my kids out and home school them. It was the best desision I have ever made. There are some teachers out there that are WONDERFUL, but, if your not in one of those classrooms then your child pays the price that effects them for the rest of their lives.