Would you be upset?

Okay, I am sitting here at one in the morning, looking up info on Chippewa Indians. Let me add some stuff here. I just came in from a twelve hour day at my part time job. I normally work 3.5-4 hours 3-4 nights a week. I worked 12 hours today, ten yesterday, eight the day before, you get the picture. I am working all these hours because the powers that be closed the store I work at and this is my last chance to make some money for Christmas. After Friday, my job is gone. Let me also ad that I am seven months pregnant and have four little ones. Well each year we get the same kindergarten teacher and each year she does a section on where the kids elders came from. You tell what countries your family came from then have the option of sharing something from that country. Last year we offered to take in something my great grandmother had made. The teacher called and asked that we send a treat instead. It irked me so we passed. This year we didn't offer to bring anything and we also gave very vague info about our elders since we really don't know much anyway. I got back three pages of dittos, requesting that we research Native Americans (one of our elders that we never even knew), tell all about them, where they came from, how they dressed, what they ate, etc and how their life is different now. This all has to be put into a ten minute presentation, with notes about books, samples of arts and culture, etc. I was also instructed to go to the library and get some books, and also to buy ziploc baggies and fill them with popcorn. We had a week to do this and have our child memorize it so she can give the presentation. SO, you might be thinking, what is the big deal??? The child that is supposed to give this oral presentation, complete with charts, maps graphs, etc, is SIX! She is not an expert reader, researcher and I doubt she could use the internet or library to find this stuff! I have worked ten days straight, without a break and now I am sitting here looking up stuff to add to the other stuff, so my shy little six year old can get up and explain it all to a bunch of other five and six year olds. Does anyone else think this is just a bit much?

Yes, this is definitely too much to lay on a kindergarten child. Research at the library in kindergarten? Is she trying to teach the kids or the parents? Plus it seems that the teacher can't make up her mind from year to year what she wants. I think I might arrange a time to have a private chat with her if I was you. Explain to her that this same project has come up with your other children and since every year she wants something different you are confused as to what she actually wants. I get the feeling that she is trying to teach beyond her six year old audience.

I agree with JoanJ......but I would also explain your situation and with Christmas coming and your condition, this is all just a bit much for you and if it was possible to do something shorter or sit out all together. Don't be shy about this, this teacher seems a bit too pushy to me. She knows that a 6 year old can't do these things and it's up to the parent and that is wrong!!!!

You don't need this Peapod, nor does your little one. Good advice from Joan. You need to speak with the teacher, when you have the time that is!!! That's a laugh isn't it!! I don't think you have much of that. You have to rest also!! Have you now done all the research or can we help in any way. Please let us know!!

I believe parents need to be involved in their childrens education BUT! This is way out of line! If this teacher wanted this level of work then she should have sent letters home asking if the parents would volunteer. And to wxpect kids that young to give prepared speeches is just plain silly! This assignment would be more appropriate for older students who could do their own research and learn from it!

SIX?? I couldn't have done that assignment, and especially the presentstion, when I was in 6th grade! I think the teacher needs to go back to school and refresh her mind with regard to age-appropriateness. It's things like her assignments that make kids feel defeated and hopeless and develop a negative attitude about school. I definitely would have a meeting soon. Most of all, I hope you don't get too tired to push when the time comes! Your schedule sounds grueling.

Badseed, you're right. She's expecting too much. Remember one thing..public school teachers are paid by you..the tax payer. You have every right to tell the teacher "no". It's as simple as that. And the teacher CAN NOT hold it against your child. If the teacher does then you have the right to have a "hearing" with the teacher, principle, you, your child, and a member of the local school board. Now that seems a bit drastic but if this has been going on for years then the teacher needs a "reality check". I would venture to say the teacher doesn't have children of her own. Now teachers don't get upset about that statement. I'm not saying you must have children before you can teach..not at all. I'm saying teachers with children of their own know what to expect on a different level,,that's all. Badseed, don't let her get to you. You're a great mom. I think it would be in your best interest for you and your girl that you speak directly to the teacher..face to face. Perhaps just show up at the classroom to pick up your girl after school and then have a casual chat with the teacher. The school year is just beginning..it could be a long year.

Thank you so much for responding. I was afraid of maybe coming off as lazy or something. LOL I love my kids dearly and have done and would do anything for them. If I didn't love kids so darn much, I sure wouldn't be pregnant with my fifth! At first I grumbled a bit, but then I guess reality sunk in. The Indians have been around for more thousands of years than I can count. A lot of where they came from and who they are is in a language with words so big, I am lucky to sound them out. LOL I really don't know how this teacher thinks a bunch of kindergardners can 1) put this together and 2) actually sit through the presentations. The thinking in the years before, for the kids to say "My family came from such and such and I brought in this dish/treat, which was one of their favorite/staple foods". Food I understood and I'm sure it was much more appealing to a bunch of 5-6 year olds than a quilt or wood shoe. LOL My problem the first time around, was that the discussion was culture and we offered to bring an item essential to the time that person lived. She wanted food instead. LOL This time we offered nothing because my schedule is on overload and this time she has me doing a report. My kids come home and giggle when the teacher gives ME homework. I tell them I already did all the grades and passed, then did two trade schools. I tell them whether or not I can do the work is irrelevent and that their grades should be based on their efforts and NOT mommy's!
Again, thank you so much for answering. Sometimes it is hard to decide whether the teachers expect too much, or whether you expect too little. I really thought this was WAY too much for a bunch of little kids. I guess I will scale down to a minimum the stuff I have put together and let my daughter take it in, but I also intend to let her know I think the project was totally ridiculous! After my store is gone for sure, I am going to get back to enjoying being home full time! :)

((((Peapod))))

That is just too much for a child that age to do. Sounds more like parents homework instead of the childs homework. Teacher is expecting way too much from a child that age.

Now my grandson's teacher gives him all the answers just so he can pass. Go figure. How in the world is he to learn anything by getting the answers all the time. He is in the 3rd grade and doing kindergarden work because the teachers keep giving him the answers all the time so he figures he doesn't have to use his brain. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Kaylee is six and in first grade and she is not expected to do an oral presentation yet.
That teacher is way off base and you need to have a talk with her and the principle. I would be inclined to talk to other parents about this as well.

I am all for helping my childern learn, but not to that extreme.
Show and tell my hard enough for Kaylee much less a presentation.

Sounds like the teacher studied for a higher grade and was placed lower and is taking it out on the parents.

I could go on and on with my soap box on teachers.

I had very few really good teacher while I was in school and now the ones I see Kaylee having are not worth a c***!
But what do you do this is the best it gets which i a crying shame as this is the must important part of their lives.
Mike

I agree with all of the above. Way to much for a child that age to do. I also think a meeting should be set up with this teacher and if she disagrees with you I think I'd bring a copy of all these comments with be for backing.

Holy Toledo!
This assignment sounds like it's geared more
for grades 3-5th.
Your child's projects should be age appropriate,
based on their age and capabilities, not
a project that the parents will have to do for them.
Talk to your teacher and administration if necessary.
'Just totally crazy...
Melissa

Just adding my "amen" to all the comments above. I'd have a conversation with this teacher pronto. Start out casual/low-key, but BE FIRM. This is wayyyy too much for any child that age to handle - in fact, I'd argue it's too much for any pre-teen kid.

I could see if she had requested that children bring in a photo or drawing of their ancestors, or one item from their family history for a special "show and tell" but a 10 minute presentation with graphs, charts, maps???

Gimme a break! My knees knocked when I had to give a 3 minute presentation for my college Speech Comm class!

Ditto to all above, and what about the poor kids that do not have parents who care enough to help them? Are they just suppose to fail? Last year I went to a program at my 3rd grade grandson's school. They each just gave a brief statement of where their grandparents were from and pointed it out on a map. This still took almost the whole hour. It was just interesting to see how many countries were represented and I think enough for that age.

Okay I left my studious glasses on and slapped on my halo. I researched and read and now only have to condense into five year old language! I have pictures of traditional dress, maps and info on now and thousands of years ago! The report will earn ME an A! LMBO I have read and learned a lot about 'my people' (the people of my grandfather, that I met only twice and in a bar of all places). Just when I was ready to click out of the computer and jot notes for the 'final presentation paper', I stumbled across something else. You see, I am supposed to send in popcorn, because we all know Indians grow corn! ????? LOL Hey, my people were hunters and trappers and fishers. :) I found a nice long four page tale of the "Father of Indian Corn". This is the only reference I have found even mentioning corn and my elders in the same article. I smacked that halo clean off my head and printed the full four pages! So my six year old has a nice little presentation to give, and her teacher has four pages to read so those poor kids will understand why we sent in corn!! LOL LOL LOL From what I have read, it would have been far more appropriate to send in walleye and wild rice! I am sending work for the teacher! Now, who wants to vote on whether or not she will read it to them???? (feels kind of nice to wear the horns today, the halo was getting heavy, wink).
Again I wish to thank all of you who confirmed I am not just tired, pregnant and lazy! I was a little worried and a lot tired. :) A special thank you for offering to help. I took the internet by the horns and won. Giggle.
I just hope my poor six year old can muster the courage to get up and tell all the stuff tomorrow.
Now I have to finish this report, make some candy for my boss and get ready for work. Tonight is my very last night and thank goodness because it will be eleven days straight. I guess I had better line up some seed trades or something, or I will have to clean! The saga continues.........ROTFL

I'll give you an "A+" for the report and I didn't even read it. Oh, trust me, the teacher will read it. Hey, here's a thought..send her a test and grade her!! lol

I would of been upset too. That teacher was way out of line. I resent having "homework" to such a degree. My kids are in a magnet school. They have harder work than most public school kids. They do make oral presentations at that age. That doesn't bother me as much as the fact that "some homework for kids", is really homework for the parent.
The level of the work you six year old was asked to do is way out of line. Don't feel alone though. I've had to help my kids look up stuff in the library, or on the net. That isn't so bad. But when you get the feeling that it is above your child's level...and it turns into your work...that is what gets me. I would discuss this with the principal, or with the head administrator if I had no success with the principal.

I would be requesting a parent/teacher conference. When you have time. That is absolutely insane. I'll never forget when one of our DD was in 8th grade. That would be about 12 years of age. English Teacher requested an essay that had to be researched at a University Library. Of course her and I went to UD (University of Dayton) but geez, the poor kid is 12 years old. I could see maybe if a senior in high school in preparation for when they start college but 12 years old. Michelle, if there is anything we can do to help as far as research, finding links for you, whatever, email..I'll be glad to help. You should not be on your feet that many hours and then come home and sit. Take care...vic

Well done Michele - you did a fantastic job!! I am always amazed by your good humour and stamina. I hope you are going to rest up a little after work tonight :-) You have mail!!

Hey Michele I agree with everything said above I know you have worked hard on this and are tired from all you have been doing. I think you need to have a chat with this teacher, maybe talk to some of the other parents and have a united front. A number of complaints carries more weight then just one. I am sure all the other parents feel the same as you. (((((( Michele))))))

I also agree. 6 is quite young for a projec for a middle schooler or high schooler. I would send a note for the teacher to call at a time when you know you will be home, if thats possible, if this does not work just show up at the school and demand to talk to her. If they give you a hassle then talk with the rincipal. When my oldest , now a jr in high school , was in second grade she had a teacher from h......! seriously she was something else. I wrote note after note that she was pushing to hard on the second graders but no response came. after 5 notes i gave up and saw the principal who called her into the office right them. when she freaked out a started yelling at the pricipal well needless tosay she was not there anymore to yell at anyone. she would scream atthe kids all day.

staznd firm and let her know how you feel. chances are other parents fell the same way.

ok know that is going to far an making a 6 yr, old do all this,,,,,,,u just tell nana the teacher's name and i will call her up an telll her what for,,,,,,,,,why this is unreal
oooooo an u with taking care of your sick father an preg
an working an all them unkins,,,, please amke colored pop corn to reall y pit a monkey wrench in her,,,,,,,
[[[[[[[nana]]]]]]]]

and i just thought of a plan,,,,ok this lady goes by th book
did she say popped pop corn ,if not just empty a little unpopped corn in each baggie maybe she will get the message,,,,,,,,lolol

I agree kindergarden is too early for this load of work ... but ...

*AS first gets out her defense shield for the flying rotten apples and tomatoes to follow her post*

Sometimes teachers (in higher level grades - please don't ask me to guess what grade leve it is - definitely 5th and up) need to make students work harder than they do. If a good work ethic (and the idea that "yeah, school is work. I'm not just here to take up space and mess around all day) encourages children to learn rather than memorize and spit back information.

I want to (carefully, and with shield in place) applaud public school teachers who challenge students to do more than everyone else thinks they're capable of. Somebody's got to set the standard higher than it is. Too many other countries are raising smarter students.

I see them everyday. There are international undergraduate students at the Uni. I attend, and except for a language barrier (that they work very hard at) they're sweeping the floor with the American kids.

That's my opinion. I'll keep my shield up for a while, so I'm ready for anything that flies my way.

-your friendly neighborhood chemist who probably didn't get enough challenges in school before her freshman undergrad year...

-Jennifer

Peapod - take some walleye and let it sit for a day or two in the sun in a freezer bag. Then take it in and put it in teacher's coat pocket. ;o)

Six years old and they're expected to (have their parents) do that kind of assignment? That's insane. Gosh, when I was six, we might have colored in pictures of people and wrote down some names we copied off a worksheet!

I agree AngelSong that the slightly older students need to be pushed and challenged a little more. I agree with your theory except I need to add a few things. I have an eighth grader that needs to be pushed more and he should have been for years already. But before we can do that to them, we need to teach them the basics like reading and writing. That has to come before research and all that. In a kindergarten child, I would be afraid to push them into thinking that they should be able to do and understand how to do all this. I would be afraid of putting a bad taste in their mouths that would follow them for years and make them feel inadequate, dumb and insecure, plus hate school because of it.

I also agree with another poster that parents should be involved in their parents schooling, and had this assignment been for a 2nd or 3rd grader who had the ability to read and write, then okay. I would gladly help them find the research materials, read it with them, and offer guidance on writing it. But, I don't think it should be up to the parents to DO it, because a 6 year old, unless they are gifted, does not have the ability to do a project like this. This also kind of sets a mental scenario in the kids mind that "Mommy will do it if I can't". Soon, when they get a little older, it turns into a game of getting Mommy to do it. I've been there, done that, and my son will still try it whenever he gets a chance. It's okay to expect them to have to work a little harder, but it can only be as hard as the age group has the ability to do, otherwise they will get frustrated and discouraged.

Okay, now I'm ducking off to look for my armor! LOL

Well said JoanJ

Quoting myself in the other post .......

"I agree kindergarden is too early for this load of
work ... "

Kindergarten? WOW, unbelievable. Our two youngest are in 8th & 10th grades. I keep asking, "Are you sure you don't have a report that you need to research on the internet?" Sounds like that teacher needs a reality check. Do you know if she has any children of her own? I wonder what her reaction would be if her own child brought home an assignment like that. Or worse yet, can you imagine what life would be like for her own child. Poor kid.

Well I just want to let you all know, the teacher sent home a note that said my daughter gave a great presentation and wow! Gee, mommy does good research and makes and even better post board. LMBO Since I was dumb enough to ask, I had to send in popcorn, both popped and not popped, so the kids could look at one and eat the other. giggle. Also for those of you that took me up on the bet....the teacher did NOT read the paper about the king of the indian corn! I did have a short chat with the teacher and got nowhere, so I must assume she relates better to five year olds than adults. In her defense, I have to say she is a good teacher, the kids like her and she does keep them stimulated. Now if we could just teach her to deal with adults and gear assignments toward her age group, all would be well! Thank you all for listening and responding and giving me a chance to vent. It has come and gone and I feel better about things. Thank goodness this will be our last year with her.