Disney movies regularly shown for music class and library for K and PreK

[Anonymous]

Hi, parents.

At our DCPS, the music teacher and the librarian regularly show Disney movies and other popular cartoons during music and library time. That is, in library, rather than read a book to the kids or have the kids find books, kids only watch cartoons. And in music, rather than play a rhythm instrument, listen to different styles of music, sing, etc., kids only watch cartoons.

Now -- my kids are in PreK and K, and I am pretty sure that music class and library are taken more seriously for grades 1-5. Question -- if you were in my shoes, would you raise concern with the admin or the teachers themselves? Ask that your kid interacts with books during library time and that the music teacher puts in at least a 15-20 minute effort before reverting to the tv? Or would you let it go?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I’m a prek3 teacher and most specials suck for prek. At least in the two schools that where I have worked.

However this year I’m at a school with a GREAT music teacher and good librarian. The kids have never once watched a movie or show in those classes. Ever.

But From my experience I bet the admin doesn’t care. When I went to admin in previous schools their response was “so and so teacher doesn’t know how to work with that age”.

[Anonymous]

I'd move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, parents.

At our DCPS, the music teacher and the librarian regularly show Disney movies and other popular cartoons during music and library time. That is, in library, rather than read a book to the kids or have the kids find books, kids only watch cartoons. And in music, rather than play a rhythm instrument, listen to different styles of music, sing, etc., kids only watch cartoons.

Now -- my kids are in PreK and K, and I am pretty sure that music class and library are taken more seriously for grades 1-5. Question -- if you were in my shoes, would you raise concern with the admin or the teachers themselves? Ask that your kid interacts with books during library time and that the music teacher puts in at least a 15-20 minute effort before reverting to the tv? Or would you let it go?

Thanks!

I most definitely would not let this go and would ask the principal how this is appropriate instruction. Please share how often this is occurring.
—a DCPS mom and elementary principal

[Anonymous]

I’m really laid back about screen time but no way should kids be watching a show or movie every music and library class.

I’m fact, our school doesn’t allow that except for a quick show during indoor recess if they have been inside so many days in a row.

[Anonymous]

My DC was really terrified of Disney movies at that age (as a few unfortunate parents discovered when they showed then on play dates). I don't mind my kid not wanting to go back to Tommy's scary house, but it would be huge problem if school became that scary place.

[Anonymous]

Play the lottery and GTFO!

[Anonymous]

Just wait until they get to high school where they do the same thing for all those [cough] mandatory instructional days.

[Anonymous]

I would flag it for the principal or AP. At our school that sort of thing tends to happen when the specials teacher is out and some random aide is subbing. So I try to be low-maintenance about it, but I do make a point of letting her know. Of course DD always tells me what a wonderful time she had...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would flag it for the principal or AP. At our school that sort of thing tends to happen when the specials teacher is out and some random aide is subbing. So I try to be low-maintenance about it, but I do make a point of letting her know. Of course DD always tells me what a wonderful time she had...

You let the principal know every time there is a sub in specials and they watch a show? That’s not being low matinenance.

[Anonymous]

I could see it happening occasionally in music class but library is just bizarre. Why is it so hard to just read some books out loud?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would flag it for the principal or AP. At our school that sort of thing tends to happen when the specials teacher is out and some random aide is subbing. So I try to be low-maintenance about it, but I do make a point of letting her know. Of course DD always tells me what a wonderful time she had...

You let the principal know every time there is a sub in specials and they watch a show? That’s not being low matinenance.

I am the PTA president so we email multiple times a week anyway. She has asked me to help because TV is a pretty entrenched habit at the school that she is trying to stamp out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would flag it for the principal or AP. At our school that sort of thing tends to happen when the specials teacher is out and some random aide is subbing. So I try to be low-maintenance about it, but I do make a point of letting her know. Of course DD always tells me what a wonderful time she had...

You let the principal know every time there is a sub in specials and they watch a show? That’s not being low matinenance.

I am the PTA president so we email multiple times a week anyway. She has asked me to help because TV is a pretty entrenched habit at the school that she is trying to stamp out.

I mean, having a parent tell on teachers doesn’t seem like a good strategy to stamp out tv time. But okay.

[Anonymous]

Definitely let the Principal know and if you do not receive a satisfactory and prompt response I would take that matter up the chain to the cluster superintendent. DCPS are amongst the best paid in the nation they are expected to have a well designed curriculum and TEACH!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would flag it for the principal or AP. At our school that sort of thing tends to happen when the specials teacher is out and some random aide is subbing. So I try to be low-maintenance about it, but I do make a point of letting her know. Of course DD always tells me what a wonderful time she had...

You let the principal know every time there is a sub in specials and they watch a show? That’s not being low matinenance.

I am the PTA president so we email multiple times a week anyway. She has asked me to help because TV is a pretty entrenched habit at the school that she is trying to stamp out.

I mean, having a parent tell on teachers doesn’t seem like a good strategy to stamp out tv time. But okay.

Who else is going to tell her? She can't just wander the halls all day.