With several school days behind us, students and teachers alike are settling in to the new year and working together to make sure it is a great year! Thanks to one local mom that submitted this question for our anonymous panel of teachers!
My child has told me there is another student in his class that has pushed him a couple of times. I encouraged my son to tell his teacher. He said that he did and the teacher told him “not to tattle.” I don’t believe my son should tattle either, but isn’t pushing something he should tell the teacher about? How should I handle this? Should I go talk to the teacher or encourage my son to do something different?
Teacher 1:
I don’t think he was tattling if the pushing has happen more than a couple of times. Yes, I think you should talk to the teacher and voice your concerns. Surely, the teacher will understand that you aren’t wanting your student to tattle, but you don’t want it to turn into more than it already has. Also, if you child is uncomfortable and worried about being pushed than that is interfering with you student learning in her classroom. As a teacher we always want our students to feel safe, comfortable and be able to learn in our classroom. I would want you to contact me so I could address the problem and get the pushing stopped as soon as possible.
Teacher 2:
It is sometimes hard to find a balance between advocating for your child and helicoptering them, especially as they get older and are able to do more things for themselves. If your son did talk to the teacher as you instructed him and that did not resolved I would say it is time for you to reach out to the teacher. I think that we often put a negative outlook on parents contacting teachers and teachers contacting parents, but we shouldn’t. We are all in this together and the more we communicate, the better environment we can build for students. Call or e-mail his teacher. Let them know that this is an issue that your child is talking about when they come home and that you have asked them to report it, ask the teacher if your child has brought that to their attention, and then go from there.
Teacher 3:
Communication is key with parents and teachers. I encourage all parents to reach out to me anytime they have a concern. Keeping in mind there are two sides to every story, I welcome the opportunity to work out these issues with parents and often like to involve the student in the conversation as well.
If you’re like us, you are probably constantly on the hunt looking for ways to improve your child’s education and help them reach their full potential. Our anonymous panel of teachers have some great advice. If you have a question for the teachers, email us and we’ll send it to them. Then look for your answer here. Email to: info(at)SouthwestMissouriMoms.com
