Parent Teacher Meeting

tracey1098

Hi,
My 8 yr old is in 2nd class, his PT meeting is up next week... the thing is he sits beside a 4th class student - apparently all of 2nd class have a 4th class student sitting beside him? This is the first time I've heard of this - is this the norm? My boy doesnt like this 4th class pupil and comes home most days saying he is elbowing him/takes his pens etc, all silly stuff but still he gets quite upset by it. They only change seats once in a blue moon. I have told him to toughen up (hes an only child and maybe not as good as standing up for himself as others his age). Also my boy's handwriting is dire and there are some things in class he is finding tough i.e time and the teacher doesnt seem to be doing anything to bring him on... i do alot with him at home, he is bright just lazy!

How do I approach this with the teacher without sounding like a crazy mother? :eek:

Thanks

An Bradán Feasa

tracey1098 wrote: »

he is bright just lazy!

There's your answer. I don't want to sound too harsh here, but it's not really the teacher's fault if he's lazy. His teacher will have a full classroom of other pupils which he/she will need to divide attention and time between. This teacher can't cure your son's laziness. You'll just have to deal with that yourself.

As regards approaching the teacher, keep factual and friendly. Avoid a confrontational tone, as this will most likely prove counter-productive.

Best of luck with it!

byhookorbycrook

Why are there 4th class children in the room? Is it a multi-class situation? Have you brought this to the teacher's attention before? If not, please do so ASAP. "Bright but lazy" means that he must see you and the teacher are working hand in hand and that you both know he can do better. You don't sound like a crazy mother, you sound as if you want your son to work to his potential and not to be upset by another child.

ShamoBuc

2nd 3rd and 4th - I presume it's a multi class or are they paired with 4th for Reading and project work or something?

Ask would it be possible for a different 4th class student to sat next to him - shouldn't be too much of a problem. Tell him you expect more work done in the same amount of time....raise your expectations, put him under a bit more pressure to produce better work within the same time frame - this might give him the necessary 'shove' - if he can be a bit lazy.

The teacher shouldn't have a problem with your concerns.

tracey1098

Sorry should have said, yes it's a multi class room 2nd 3rd and 4th and apparently this is the done thing by the teacher that a 4th class pupil sit beside a 2nd class pupil. Thanks for taking time to reply

byhookorbycrook

I personally would prefer to keep 2nd together ,3rd together etc, but I'm an auld wan!

sawdoubters

2nd class should sit together.etc
I would try to move him out of the school
you boy cant concentrate,thats his problem due to the other boy beside him,you might have to talk to principil

byhookorbycrook

Think that's a bit drastic. Peer learning is a strategy recognised and suggested by the DES.

ShamoBuc

sawdoubters wrote: »

2nd class should sit together.etc
I would try to move him out of the school
you boy cant concentrate,thats his problem due to the other boy beside him,you might have to talk to principil

lol......talk about an over reaction...:pac:

Normally, 2nd, 3rd and 4th would be grouped at their own class level. It is perfectly acceptable to do what the teacher is doing - but I wouldn't personally.

A quick chat will probably lead to an improvement.

RIRI

Why don't you just explain to the teacher that your boy isn't getting along particularly well with his desk mate and ask what can both you and the teacher do to remedy / improve the situation? If you go in asking for their opinion, help and experience you will find a solution together. I find this approach works every time (am not a teacher btw)