Since his birthday was in December,
I knew I had a year to get him ready for kindergarten.
When that day came, my principal was kind enough to let me come in a little later for work.
As an early childhood educator,
I knew in my heart as I walked into his kindergarten classroom,
that it wasn't the best placement for him.
But as a teacher,
I wanted to give his teacher a chance.
When he started to have behavior issues,
and brought home handwritten, detailed notes weekly,
I created a daily report chart for her to use.
I wanted to do everything I could to help him be successful
and to support her.
It was not easy.
He had special needs for a child that came from a hard place,
And I was hoping she understood that he may need more time than his peers.
I kept detailed notes and records.
I had requested a different placement.
But no change.
Then he brought this paper home. (See photo)
And that was all I needed.
Yes, we had a student success team meeting.
Yes, I let the teacher share her observations.
Yes, I was supportive and professional.
Yes, I acknowledged that my child had challenges.
Yes, I shared that we were in therapy and working on self control.
Yes, I questioned the team what kindergarten standards the school were using.
Yes, I showed them the math work he was given to redo at home.
Yes, I asked if that was appropriate kindergarten work.
No, I didn't mention that I was offended by the command and tone of the note she wrote to
"Do over at home!" "Return!"
No, I didn't have him redo it.
No, I didn't have him return it.
He was moved to another kindergarten class the next week.
I didn't get another note.
As my friends return to their classrooms this week to prepare for their new students,
I am preparing to facilitate CGI Math professional development for kindergarten teachers.
I am excited because I know teaching early math is not double digit computations written on paper.
(Not saying that computation is not appropriate, it may be for SOME kids, but not ALL)
I know that early math, like all good instruction, is getting to know your students, learning what they can do already, and planning ways to keep them moving forward.
Learning should be joyful and meaningful for both student and teacher.
It can be if we know who we are teaching, what we are teaching, and how to utilize engaging and appropriate instructional strategies.
Dear Kindergarten Teacher,
Thank you for teaching kindergarten. You may be a child's first experience with school and the first time they are away from home. They may cry. They may yell at you. They may runaway. But they are where they should be, in your classroom. Keep them safe. Get to know them as they get to know you. Be patient with them and yourself. It may not happen overnight, but they will bloom in your care.
Have Fun and please don't mark 5 year olds' work in red with demands to redo assignments at home when they don't understand it in class.
Thank you for listening to my TEDTalk.
Have a great year teachers! You Rock!
Daniel's Mom
PS: He had a fabulous first-grade teacher the next year.
