Is it appropriate to contact teacher in this situation?

Question

I have agonized for awhile about whether to have my daughter repeat kindergarten or not. I decided to send her to first grade, but now I am not so sure that she is ready to go.

Anyway, she has already been assigned a first grade teacher (school has not started yet). I was wondering if I should contact the teacher and discuss this with her (everyone tells me that she is a really good teacher) before school starts. She has already mailed us her contact info and everything, and I was wondering if it would be appropriate for me to do this, since school is not in session yet.

Answer 1

As a teacher myself, I would appreciate hearing from a parent if there are concerns that I should know about. Chances are this teacher may have already heard about your child from the kindergarten teacher that there was a question about promoting her to first grade.

If the teacher has sent her contact information, it means she's willing and ready to hear from anyone. Do it!

Answer 2

I'm a teacher and I don't mind being contacted out of school time for important issues like this one....

I can't speak for this teacher but most of us are okay and see this as a part of the job

Answer 3

i would, most good teachers like that care about students educations. She probably won't have a problem with.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!-----d:^)

Answer 4

I am a teacher and I would rather have a parent contact me with concerns about a child instead of keeping it to his/herself and then find out about the concerns at a parent/conference.  If you are afraid of contacting the teacher, you can always call the principal of the school to set up a meeting and talk about your concerns.  With a concern like yours it is always better to talk about it before school starts rather than afterwords.  At least talking to either the teacher or principal will allow them to make any changes necessary if they agree with your and will keep your daughter back in kindergarten.  I know as a teacher, I would rather see a student repeat kindergarten then any other grade because it does not seem to affect the student as bad.

Remember, any teacher who gives you contact information is willing to take calls regarding your student.  Also, you can call the school and ask if the teacher happens to be working in the classroom.  I know I have been working in mine off and on for the last few weeks to prepare for the new school year.  Parents would be amazed at how much time teachers spend getting the classroom ready.

Answer 5

I am teacher as well, I have taught K,1st, 2nd, and 3rd and I feel confident in saying that if a child must repeat a grade at the primary level, FIRST is the best to repeat!  So unless your child is unable to write his/her name and or identify numbers and letters you have made the right decision.  First grade is the foundation of a successful school career, so if your child is still behind at the end of this year then feel confident in having her retained in first grade.  You mentioned that YOU agonized over the decision, I certainly hope your child's kindergarten teacher played a large role in your final decision, after all she knows exactly what your child should be able to do in order to succeed in first grade.  Parents often overlook the fact that when teachers are making decisions regarding promotion or retention they are considering each child's performance in comparison to the "average" student in their class; however parents are usually basing their assessments on what they see from their child compared to others in the neighborhood or family. I am not a "believer" in retention, I have done extensive research on the subject; all of which shows retention to be ineffective (in most cases), however according to most research on this subject if a child must be retained than grades K-2 are the most beneficial.  So although I do not know your child’s specifics, my gut tells me you made the right decision.

Regarding her teacher; DEFINATLEY contact her before the workdays begin (she will have a lot on her plate once she is officially back at school).  By contacting her now she will have more time to consider your concerns and the two of you will have more time to develop a plan of action. Stay in close contact with her throughout the year; remember your child is one of many in her room but if you as the parent make a valid effort to keep your child as one of her top priorities than it is more likely to happen.  Good luck this year and remember that the key to success in first grade is pretty simple: READ, READ, READ!!

Answer 6

Yes i think it is appropiate as this is her job

also at least u will know or feel when she is ready to go either back to kingergarden or to 1st grade!

Hope this helped

xx

Answer 7

Absolutely!  It is very important for the teacher to know the concern of the parents.  Let her know now.  That way you and the teacher can correctly decide what would be best for your daughter;  If she should repeat kindergarten or continue on to the 1st grade.

Answer 8

yea i would contact her.

Answer 9

do it!! you don't want your child to be behind.  The quicker you let her know, the better

Answer 10

The rules for attending kindergarten vary from state to state. You should contact the teacher if you have any questions in regard to your child attending the first grade. Also call the local board of education to find out what there policy in regards to a child attending kindergarten.

Answer 11

I would absolutely contact the teacher.  Since your child is still so young, you want to nip any problems before they start.  Explain to the teacher your concerns, areas that your child struggled with in kindergarten, and ask her opinions on how you can be most helpful at home.  Maybe do some research and offer the teacher some suggestions on ways she can be most beneficial to your child (without sounding like a know it all - maybe you could just say "Last year, we found this approach to be helpful").  Additionally, maybe she would be able to give you a heads up on what your child will be doing this academic year so that you can start brushing up now, maybe even starting your child will some things now, before school begins.  If she is as nice as everyone says- she should be willing to work with you!  Good luck!

Answer 12

I encourage the idea. Getting to know whose instructed your children is very smart. And I'd say that your situation more than qualifies for an early conference.

As I read the details in this question of yours, it reminds me of my sister and her youngest boy who will be repeating kindergarten in the fall. I can actually relate to that as I too did the K twice. Although that was almost 25 years ago and mom has since regretted supporting the schools decision as I excelled throughout the rest of my public school hay-days with a respectable GPA, proving that my first kindergarten teacher 's diagnosis of what was told to me that "I had an audio perception problem."  O.k, so I day dreamed in-between the a b c  chant and scribbled stick figure theater with my crayons. Of course I'm not bitter about flunking kindergarten, and I certainly can't hold mom accountable. Kindergarten today though. It's a totally different ball game these days. Kindergarten isn't about social inner action anymore. It's all about homework. That changes the dynamics a bit, doesn't it? So, my nephew will face the familiar scenes of his K-room #2 classroom this fall where he'll breeze through the year, making new friends and buckling down on his HOMEWORK which if mom can embrace that concept with more diligence, she might discover a few hidden talents her 6 year old may have. But it's pretty hard for a mother to make such discoveries if her kid can't give back to a television set that's only capable of out-putting useless information. Why is his mom allowing him to watch 6-8 hours of decensityzing nonsense rather than constructive mother and child things like "Story-teller theater" on Fridays at the city library, trips to the museums, daily walks to the local park, HOMEWORK, e.t.c.

I have to believe that my nephew's under achieving issues is the results of poor parenting. And it's not just the mom. I love my sister all-right. Her mom duties definitely miss the mark of perfection by a big margin. I have noticed improvements though. The father on the other hand? His roll as husband and father may still be observed, sure. But his participation in the parenting department have added to nil, nada, nothing, zippo! They have an 8 year old as well whom has far greater issues than little brother I should note. The 8 year old has his jack-*** fathers A.D.H.D. traits and knows no boundaries as it demonstrates how enabling a child teaches them the true power of manipulation.

Forgive me for going off on a lengthy tangent here, but this question you've posted has a very familiar ring to it which isn't to say you're a bad parent. For one, I don't even know you, yet intuition tells me you're doing a wonderful job raising your child as it's evident that you are eager to take an initiative like meeting your daughters soon-to be 1st grade teacher. I wish my sister would take those measures. I also appreciate the networking you've done in finding out your daughters new teacher has good merit. It could be that this new teacher has that special gift that can aide any child, no matter what the challenge is. We've all had a teacher or two whose had them unique special powers or methods which we valued as favorites. I've had a handful myself. So, you're doing the right thing by wanting to establish a relationship with your daughter's teacher. I'd say it'll give this teacher a better understanding which will make it 10 times easier to create a teaching method custom fit just for your daughter. That's the sign of a GREAT teacher. One who has the ability to instruct their students accordingly. That's that special super power I mentioned that not too many teachers have. Great teacher's are also the ones who give aide to the parents too. Don't forget that. My sister has no interest what so ever in observations and suggestions made by school faculty because she's already been told by 2 different teachers in a 2 year period that her and her husband take parenting classes. My sister was appalled that anyone tell her she's a bad parent. That's more common than people like to imagine actually. My oldest sister taught the 7th grade for 12 years and experienced a high level of parents with that denial sindrom who all shout the same rap "OH NO, NOT MY KID. NOTHING WRONG WITH MY KID!"

Anyways, sorry I'm slandering my kid sister as I'm sure your circumstances are all together different. Give yourself a break from that agonized dark cloud that's lingering over you when you can have peace of mind and trust that your daughters future is a very bright one. After all, it's summer vacation for your daughter and your supposed to be the FUN mom that all the other neighborhood moms envy. So YES, the answer to your question is with out a doubt YES, it's more than appropriate for you to do this. Sooner the better in-fact. I'll expect some outstanding progress reports in the years to come so I can be assured that your daughter is well on her way to Law School or The Art Academy.

Good luck...

Answer 13

well i think it is a good idea maybe before the summer is over you can get your daughter into some kind of tutoring or summer school, i know its late but there is still a chance. if those things don't work just spend extra time helping her to learn the things she is being taught in school.

Answer 14

Yes, you should contact the teacher. Discuss your concerns and maybe have him or her meet with your daughter to see if she is ready. Then you can make the appropriate decision.

Answer 15

Absolutely you should contact her.  That's why she gave you her contact info.

All the best.

Answer 16

I want to share something with you. When my kids were little I wanted to hold one child back, repeat kindergarten. My gut said it was the thing to do. My husband however said nope, not the thing to do. The school said the same thing. I didnt hold the child back.

That child did graduate highschool and did very well but there were so many years that child struggled and most of the childs friends were a year younger. I was right. I shouldve held that child back. It wasnt earth shattering that I didnt as I said, the child graduated.

But, life wouldve been sooooooooo much easier for the child and myself and I wouldve been able to keep the child home with me a year longer. Imagine when your child is 18 and a h.s. graduate. Will they be going to college to live in a dorm or will they get a job and fend for themselves? You can keep them with you having fun for one extra year if you keep them back.

Nobody knows their children like a mother, and thats why nobody is agreeing with you to hold them back. Do what YOU feel is the best thing for your child. Listen to you and nobody else.

Mother does know best.

Answer 17

If you are concerned to contact the teacher contact the school board not the teacher that would be completely appropriate

Answer 18

I think you should and talk to the teacher about your concerns.  I doubt they would make her repeat kindergarten again with it being so close to school starting but they might place her in a different class where there is a teacher's aide or in a special ed type of class to get her caught up.

Answer 19

i think you should contact the teacher and ask what she/he thinks and talk about it

Answer 20

It never hurts to ask, especially when it concerns your child. :)

The teacher will work with you and your child or give you advice. it's better to ask sooner than later.

Answer 21

Absolutely contact her and talk to her and get her input.  

She'll most likely be glad to hear from you and appreciate you concern for your daughters well being.

It'll most likely make her day since so many parents today look on school as just a convenient baby sitter for their kids.