Last night was the Kindergarten Preview at the elementary school that my daughter will be going to. My daughter was positively glowing because she was so excited. She wrote her name on the name tag by herself, excitedly chose a book from the free book stash, and eagerly ran off with the kindergarten teachers and staff while the principal talked with the parents. Then, the best part, she got to ride a school bus. It only went around the block, but she was so excited so couldn't stand still. I'm so glad that she is so excited, and eager to learn. I am, however, in denial that this sweet little baby girl is going to kindergarten.
Here's the thing:
There are two kindergarten teachers. One teaches all day, and one teaches two half-day classes. Anyone can be in all day but you have to pay $225 a month. From the time that we moved here in August I have not heard a single positive thing about the half day teacher. She is a veteran teacher (is that a nice way of saying old?), and from what I hear she is better with girls than she is with boys. But, seriously, I have not heard ONE positive thing. And I have heard LOTS of negative things.
I have gone back and forth on all day versus half day. I don't really think that we can afford to put her in all day, but can we afford for her to have a lousy kindergarten experience?
I had decided to go half day, and was feeling pretty good about it. Then I went to the preview, and talked with a mom from my church who had this particular teacher with her son. She told me about how awful the experience was and now, once again, I am wavering on my decision.
I can't figure out why we have not heard one positive thing about this teacher. If she is that awful, why is she still employed by the school? I don't know what to do!
What would you do?
6 comments:
It sounds like this is one for prayer. Heavenly Father has the answer. She might do just fine in the half day. You've made a decision so take that decision to the Lord and ask if it's right. You'll know pretty soon.
My other thought about this though is that I don't like the position they put parents in at your school. I've never heard of this before. I'm so sorry you are even put in a position to make a decision like this.
Ugh. That is so hard. Both my kids had "veteren" teachers who were maybe a little more stern than others, but it worked out. If I were you, and you decide to go with the half day teacher, I would volunteer as much as you can. Make yourself very known to that teacher. It helps. It really helped me with Gracie and her experience.
UGH. That is so hard. I'm with Darilyn. You just gotta pray about it. Then go with whatever you're feeling is right when you pray and then don't second guess yourself after that. I do that a lot so I'm preaching more to myself here. The good thing is is that it is kindergarten so there won't be a whole lot of academics going on anyway.
As a former Kinder teacher I was all set to give you paragraphs of opinion, then I read Darilyn's comment, and did that little "I should have had a
V-8" head pop. Of course that is the first step. Often I leap before I remember that one myself.
Good luck!
I love the preview they gave the kids, including the bus ride around the block. Precious. I think at that age an academic self esteem is as important as actually learning the three R's. If they are enthusiastic about school and feel good about spending their day there, the student is light years ahead already. What a cool way to get the kids excited.
We had a teacher for one of my boys that everyone said was horrible. Turns out, she was a good fit for my son. It was a great year, and I was glad to have had her. She really pushed him academically. I think other parents didn't like that she wasn't lovey-dovey happy. I think you do have to do what feels best, but know that what others say about a teacher isn't always how it will be. Good luck!
How cute that your daughter was so excited. That sounds like a very fun kindergarten preview.
As to the other issue...That is difficult. I have no school age kids yet so I don't really know if I have any experience or anything to add. I can imagine this is a difficult thing to decide.
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