Question about 1st grade

[SpiritFilledMomof2]

In talking to dd's teacher today, I asked her what exactly they are working on as far as curriculum. She told me currently only math and reading. They haven't gotten to science, PE or anything else because the class is having too many behavioural issues. So I'm wondering if this is normal? I mean, should the good kids suffer and not get to do the other activities because the ones who are misbehaving? Has anyone else gone through or is going through this? What is normal for first grade curriculum? I'm really bothered by this, it just doesn't seem right. I feel like my dd is missing out on some key educational needs here. Now I know why so many homeschool.

[pa_wife]

It might be a good idea to ask another 1st grade teacher where she is in her lesson plans. If the other classes are already ahead of your dd's class, I would either, 1- talk to the principal, or 2- ask to have dd moved to another class. If you dont feel comfortable asking another teacher, you might ask a parent from another class. I dont think it is supposed to be normal, but from my experience as a sub, I have seen lesson plans so far behind because one teacher per grade seems to get either all of the inclusion children and has to go slower, or the behavior problems who keep her from moving on. It isn't fair to your dd, or any other well behaved, ready to learn child. It's your right to know what is going on though, so ask ask ask

[~Tara~]

I know nothing about how things operate or what is 'normal' in ps..but chiming in with my 2 cents anyway....

Sounds to me like they have 1 teacher with too many kids. I'd look into getting my child into another class where either the 1 teacher has better control of her class (or simply a tamer crew) or where the teacher had helpers.

Certainly talk to SOMEone about it. Your dd is there to learn and is ready and willing to do so..that needs to be encouraged, not stifled.

[SpiritFilledMomof2]

Thanks. We just moved to this town and dd has only been in this school for 2 weeks now. I haven't met or connected with any other parents so I don't have any other parents to talk to. At least not yet. I want to join the PTA. I also plan on helping in her class one morning a week so maybe I can get a better idea of what's really going on.

[danou]

In Canada we have a legal obiligation to cover all the curriculum. How it is done is up to us... so most focus in early grades is language and math based. She may be covering science and social studies (geo, history, etc) using language based approach and other integration methods or units.
Consistently denying gym, music and other curricular components is against the law in my province and the others in Canada.
I don't know for how long the students have been in class... I could understand her comments if it were a case of we've been in school for a week now, the classroom routine is established and they are beginning to slowly introduce the extras with the transistions required for such things.

If I were you, I would seek clarification from the teacher before speaking to others. I would also recommend that you ask her explain the reasoning behind this decision. If at the point there is still a problem, speak to principal- not the other grade one teachers or gr 1 parents.

Hope this helps,
d

[PLMMom]

I know my son has been in school for a couple of weeks now...and they are still getting into their schedule...is this the first year of teaching for her maybe...that is what my son's teacher is dealing with...she is learning what works and what doesn't...they just sent out letters about an upcoming meeting about the classroom schedules...the books and everything they will be learing thru the year....you might see if they are offering anything like that...or just call the teacher and voice your concerns...but if the class is too big you might look into another class with a more veteran teacher perhaps...

[stephwhiz]

I subed in a first grade class last week. They went to computer lab, did reading, math, calender, vocabulary and spelling. They alternate each day between computer lab, PE, art, and music. Their day seems well-rounded and they were a very smart group of kids.

Volunteering in their room really helps. It not only lets them know you care but also helps the teacher to be able to do other things. The first grade is probably the hardest grade level I have subed in because in our school district they don't have individual parapros for each 1st grade room and the classes have approx. 18 children in them.

Best of luck!

Stephanie

[SpiritFilledMomof2]

Originally Posted by stephwhiz

I subed in a first grade class last week. They went to computer lab, did reading, math, calender, vocabulary and spelling. They alternate each day between computer lab, PE, art, and music. Their day seems well-rounded and they were a very smart group of kids.

That sounds like a great school! You are very lucky to have your kids there. Hopefully dd's class will get to that point eventually.