My kids K teacher...

[Anonymous]

Is just really mean. For the last couple weeks he has come home crying and upset every single day. She just isn’t the “warm and fuzzy” Kindergarten teacher type. And honestly, it’s Kindergarten, I feel like being warm and understanding should be a job requirement. Be a hard ass in any other grade but not K. It’s just not appropriate.

I get reports home of “his bad behavior” this behavior has included “talking” and “not finishing his work on time” pretty much varieties of those two things. So to be clear he is not “acting up” just doing things that I guess bother her enough to send notes home. Also I should mention like 70% of his class is 6 and should have started K last year but didn’t so he is one of the youngest.

She is straight up rude and harsh to the kids (every kid, not just mine). She is fake nice at dismissal but it is so obvious.

I just really don’t like her. Although she is new to this particular school she has bee in teaching K for a very long time.

So this is just the way it is right? I figure I just need to suck it up and hope for a better teacher in 1st but it just sucks that K is not what it is supposed to be for him.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

[Anonymous]

You give no examples of how she is harsh and rude to your kid or even other kids... if your child is not finishing his work, is it because he is talking? That is not acceptable. Is it because he is goofing off? That is not acceptable. Both of which is behavior. I think a lot of parents go into mommy bear mode too quickly. Stop and reflect first

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You give no examples of how she is harsh and rude to your kid or even other kids... if your child is not finishing his work, is it because he is talking? That is not acceptable. Is it because he is goofing off? That is not acceptable. Both of which is behavior. I think a lot of parents go into mommy bear mode too quickly. Stop and reflect first

It’s general. Like the way she talks to the kids in the morning. It is not friendly or warm. It’s is like barking orders constantly when there is no need. The not finishing work and talking have never been reported at the same time. So I believe they are two separate issues. And I have not heard of him “goofing off”. I know he is not perfect but he is 5.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You give no examples of how she is harsh and rude to your kid or even other kids... if your child is not finishing his work, is it because he is talking? That is not acceptable. Is it because he is goofing off? That is not acceptable. Both of which is behavior. I think a lot of parents go into mommy bear mode too quickly. Stop and reflect first

It’s general. Like the way she talks to the kids in the morning. It is not friendly or warm. It’s is like barking orders constantly when there is no need. The not finishing work and talking have never been reported at the same time. So I believe they are two separate issues. And I have not heard of him “goofing off”. I know he is not perfect but he is 5.

So far what you are describing is simply a teacher with a direct manner. K is real school and not preschool. Kids are expected to learn to follow directions, finish their work, not talk at certain times. That's the job. Your kid, especially since he's young, is still learning these things. But it's the job of the teacher to explain what the rules and expectations are and to then enforce them. He's not in preschool anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

The above is good advice. Stop focusing on the teacher's personality and do something constructive to understand how your son can be more successful in her class. If you do the meeting, and get suggestions you think are unworkable or inappropriate for your child, then you can escalate. (And yes, I don't understand what evidence you have that 70% of the class was redshirted, as MCPS doesn't provide parents with info on birthdates--you're just repeating some rumor.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

The above is good advice. Stop focusing on the teacher's personality and do something constructive to understand how your son can be more successful in her class. If you do the meeting, and get suggestions you think are unworkable or inappropriate for your child, then you can escalate. (And yes, I don't understand what evidence you have that 70% of the class was redshirted, as MCPS doesn't provide parents with info on birthdates--you're just repeating some rumor.)

It’s not a rumor. We all are very involved in the classroom and we all know each other. A good portion of the class turns 7 next year. And several turned 6 at the beginning of the school year (we were at the parties) and would have made the cutoff to start K last year. But I will for sure request a meeting and see what we can do.

[Anonymous]

If you want warm and fuzzy, you need to pay big bucks in tuition for that. Public kindergarten is like boot camp in many ways. It's a crazy mix of kids- native English speakers, non-native English speakers, some kids can read, some kids know some letters, some kids can't even recognize their own name in print. All of those kids are required to meet reading benchmarks by the middle and end of the year. Ain't nobody got time for warm and fuzzy. That's preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

The above is good advice. Stop focusing on the teacher's personality and do something constructive to understand how your son can be more successful in her class. If you do the meeting, and get suggestions you think are unworkable or inappropriate for your child, then you can escalate. (And yes, I don't understand what evidence you have that 70% of the class was redshirted, as MCPS doesn't provide parents with info on birthdates--you're just repeating some rumor.)

It’s not a rumor. We all are very involved in the classroom and we all know each other. A good portion of the class turns 7 next year. And several turned 6 at the beginning of the school year (we were at the parties) and would have made the cutoff to start K last year. But I will for sure request a meeting and see what we can do.

The school year started on September 5 this year. The Maryland cut off date for Kindergarten is to be 5 years old by September 1. If the kids are turning 6 at the beginning of the school year, they are not redshirted, they are following Maryland state guidelines. And if you're so involved in the classroom, why haven't you talked to the teacher about your complaints?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

The above is good advice. Stop focusing on the teacher's personality and do something constructive to understand how your son can be more successful in her class. If you do the meeting, and get suggestions you think are unworkable or inappropriate for your child, then you can escalate. (And yes, I don't understand what evidence you have that 70% of the class was redshirted, as MCPS doesn't provide parents with info on birthdates--you're just repeating some rumor.)

It’s not a rumor. We all are very involved in the classroom and we all know each other. A good portion of the class turns 7 next year. And several turned 6 at the beginning of the school year (we were at the parties) and would have made the cutoff to start K last year. But I will for sure request a meeting and see what we can do.

The school year started on September 5 this year. The Maryland cut off date for Kindergarten is to be 5 years old by September 1. If the kids are turning 6 at the beginning of the school year, they are not redshirted, they are following Maryland state guidelines. And if you're so involved in the classroom, why haven't you talked to the teacher about your complaints?

I don't get this either. If they weren't 6 on September 1, they're not redshirted.

[Anonymous]

A good portion of my kids MoCo class was redshirted, too. I believe you because kids talk and know each other's birthdays. I sent my late-August child and she is supposed to compete with kids a year older than her. She is used to it now but it is unfortunate.

[Anonymous]

I sent my late-August child on time, that is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe 70% of the class was redshirted, so let's get that out of the way so it doesn't occupy any of your psychic energy.

If your son is crying and unhappy, and you're getting a lot of notes home, then there's a problem. You need to request a meeting with the teacher with the goal of addressing the behavior in a positive way that does not result in constant tears from him. There ought to be a school social worker that you can also reach out to who may be able to help. If things don't change for the better you can request a class switch or switch schools.

My son's K teacher is also much harsher than I'd like, but he's surviving. I did have to nip some stuff in the bud about her criticising how quickly he finished his worksheets. She got the message.

+1.

The above is good advice. Stop focusing on the teacher's personality and do something constructive to understand how your son can be more successful in her class. If you do the meeting, and get suggestions you think are unworkable or inappropriate for your child, then you can escalate. (And yes, I don't understand what evidence you have that 70% of the class was redshirted, as MCPS doesn't provide parents with info on birthdates--you're just repeating some rumor.)

It’s not a rumor. We all are very involved in the classroom and we all know each other. A good portion of the class turns 7 next year. And several turned 6 at the beginning of the school year (we were at the parties) and would have made the cutoff to start K last year. But I will for sure request a meeting and see what we can do.

The school year started on September 5 this year. The Maryland cut off date for Kindergarten is to be 5 years old by September 1. If the kids are turning 6 at the beginning of the school year, they are not redshirted, they are following Maryland state guidelines. And if you're so involved in the classroom, why haven't you talked to the teacher about your complaints?

I don't get this either. If they weren't 6 on September 1, they're not redshirted.

+1 It could be that 70% of OP's son's class is older than him, but that's not the same as saying that they should have started K in a different year.

[Anonymous]

A K teacher does not have to be warm and fuzzy. What is important is that the teacher is fair and consistent. I agree with pp who think a meeting would be a good idea. Best of luck to you.