What happens if I tell my kid not to do ST Math at school?

[Anonymous]

DC is complaining that it's easy and boring and it's just having them play with dots on the screen, and similar other exercises. Getting everything right, and said most of the class is also complaining that it's easy and mindless. (This is in a 4th grade AAP class). My kid said when others asked that it's too easy and if they can do something harder, the teacher told them it would make other students feel bad if they move ahead.

Can I opt out? If there is no opt out, what happens if I tell my DC not to do it and just quietly read a book, or bring in his own math questions on paper? Can the school force my kid to do it even though I said not to do it, would my kid get in trouble? Just wondering if I have any option here. I understand this is the 2nd week and perhaps this is supposed to be review, but something just feels wrong here. I don't think I want my kid being forced to do math on the screen that is not stimulating at 4th grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is complaining that it's easy and boring and it's just having them play with dots on the screen, and similar other exercises. Getting everything right, and said most of the class is also complaining that it's easy and mindless. (This is in a 4th grade AAP class). My kid said when others asked that it's too easy and if they can do something harder, the teacher told them it would make other students feel bad if they move ahead.

Can I opt out? If there is no opt out, what happens if I tell my DC not to do it and just quietly read a book, or bring in his own math questions on paper? Can the school force my kid to do it even though I said not to do it, would my kid get in trouble? Just wondering if I have any option here. I understand this is the 2nd week and perhaps this is supposed to be review, but something just feels wrong here. I don't think I want my kid being forced to do math on the screen that is not stimulating at 4th grade level.

I would try talking to the teacher before you go that route. Teachers can assign students different topics and levels. I think it’s worth opening a dialogue.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, nothing. Most teachers are way too busy to check STMath. But your teacher can assign different modules and her “it will make others feel bad” line is ridiculous…it’s not like kids are looking over at what each other is doing on ST. The whole point is it’s supposed to be adaptive.

Last year most teachers really just used it as a ritation that yeh didn’t have to plan so they could focus on planning targeted small group interventions. I wouldn’t stress about it at all.

[Anonymous]

OMG. Just stop. You already had another thread on this. Let it go. Your kid is fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG. Just stop. You already had another thread on this. Let it go. Your kid is fine.

+1

[Anonymous]

This computer crap doesn't help kids learn math. It's total garbage pushed by lazy school systems and teachers. I agree it's awful.

[Anonymous]

Having to do pointless busy work you think is below you is good preparation for life. If I was the teacher and you opted him out because he’s too smart for it, I’d have him count grains of rice in a bowl

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my experience, nothing. Most teachers are way too busy to check STMath. But your teacher can assign different modules and her “it will make others feel bad” line is ridiculous…it’s not like kids are looking over at what each other is doing on ST. The whole point is it’s supposed to be adaptive.

Last year most teachers really just used it as a ritation that yeh didn’t have to plan so they could focus on planning targeted small group interventions. I wouldn’t stress about it at all.

Neither of my kids teachers had small group meetings and both were assigned many hours of ST Math. And one of the teachers sent emails to us that Larlo wasn’t completing his assigned ST math minutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This computer crap doesn't help kids learn math. It's total garbage pushed by lazy school systems and teachers. I agree it's awful.

I know, I saw this during DL last year and had my kid just do other math next to me at home during ST time. Teacher in 3rd didn't say anything never forced them. But now that it's being done daily in class, it feels like it's a different environment and I'll end up getting my kid in trouble if I just tell them not to do it, so debating whether I should just keep my mouth shut and see what happens. But something feels wrong if they're not allowed to do anything else though.... I feel that I as a parent should at least have a right to opt out of specific types of computer time, such as ST math in this example.

[Anonymous]

I think you sound crazy. No you don't have the "right" to dictate instruction for your child at school. Stay in your lane. That would be like the teacher informing you that she will be setting your child's bedtime and screen restrictions at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Having to do pointless busy work you think is below you is good preparation for life. If I was the teacher and you opted him out because he’s too smart for it, I’d have him count grains of rice in a bowl

My concern is they're not doing anything related to 4th grade math here. I'm hoping this is just 2nd week review and they'll move on, but not really sure. They don't even have any homework so far, not even 15-20 mins, which again feels a bit ridiculous in 4th AAP class.

[Anonymous]

You are insufferable. Honestly. Just stop with the special-ness.

[Anonymous]

Can you refuse digital permission?

[Anonymous]

OP, it sounds like public school might not be a good fit for your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This computer crap doesn't help kids learn math. It's total garbage pushed by lazy school systems and teachers. I agree it's awful.

I know, I saw this during DL last year and had my kid just do other math next to me at home during ST time. Teacher in 3rd didn't say anything never forced them. But now that it's being done daily in class, it feels like it's a different environment and I'll end up getting my kid in trouble if I just tell them not to do it, so debating whether I should just keep my mouth shut and see what happens. But something feels wrong if they're not allowed to do anything else though.... I feel that I as a parent should at least have a right to opt out of specific types of computer time, such as ST math in this example.

I understand that, but it would be equally crazy not to intervene at all here... especially if this continues and they're learning nothing, and get no homework.