As teachers, we all have high expectations of students. I think it is apparent the American school system can sometimes have too high of expectations for young children. They are constantly pushed and pushed throughout their education. The expectation to have all students on “grade level” is an unrealistic one. The days of learning through play are gone, along with the hopes of children growing socially. We are constantly rushing and shoving children to the next higher expectation. The Department of Education expects states to have children on grade level but does not take in accountability factors other than teachers. Therefore, that expectation falls on teachers to push and drive children. However, I think the role of parents in the school system us crucial in school. There are great alternatives to constantly pulling children out of the classroom. Most parents want to be involved in their children’s education. The teacher I work directly with meets with parents to discuss their children’s progress or lack of. She sends home math sheets for the students to do at home but not much more than that. A book log has recently been added to the at home curriculum. Since I have been in the class, I have made and sent home extra practice of nonsense words, math flashcards, and sight words. These are areas in which children are tested on and need the most work on, according to state curriculum. I can’t possibly do it throughout the day so a little at home practice is good. I have spoken with my principal about how to keep parents involved. She likes the idea of sending home a weekly or monthly agenda on what the students will be working on and covering. She also emails parents constantly back and forth and that is something I would like to bring into my classroom as well. It is really important to me to have expectations that parents will want to be involved.
Expectations do not mean something that everyone needs to meet. Expectations should be geared to each child individually. Too high expectations might discourage children and too low won't tell them what is "expected" of them!
I agree with Nancy's comment about gearing expectations towards each child individually. In my classroom the children understand that not everyone needs a band aid for the same reason. If a child has low expectations of themselves and it affects their work or behavior, I feel it is the teacher's duty to be as flexible, caring, and supportive as possible. Children are not responsible for their home life and they carry that with them into the classroom everyday.We, as teachers spend so many hours with students and we can make a difference in their lives. Sending the message to parents that you expect them to do their best as you are doing your best in the classroom for their child goes a long way. An email with positive affirmation of a student can make a difference in the midst of possible challenges in a student's life. Kind words spoken in a caring, respectful tone, go a long way with students as well as parents.
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ReplyDeleteAs teachers, we all have high expectations of students. I think it is apparent the American school system can sometimes have too high of expectations for young children. They are constantly pushed and pushed throughout their education. The expectation to have all students on “grade level” is an unrealistic one. The days of learning through play are gone, along with the hopes of children growing socially. We are constantly rushing and shoving children to the next higher expectation. The Department of Education expects states to have children on grade level but does not take in accountability factors other than teachers. Therefore, that expectation falls on teachers to push and drive children.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think the role of parents in the school system us crucial in school. There are great alternatives to constantly pulling children out of the classroom. Most parents want to be involved in their children’s education. The teacher I work directly with meets with parents to discuss their children’s progress or lack of. She sends home math sheets for the students to do at home but not much more than that. A book log has recently been added to the at home curriculum. Since I have been in the class, I have made and sent home extra practice of nonsense words, math flashcards, and sight words. These are areas in which children are tested on and need the most work on, according to state curriculum. I can’t possibly do it throughout the day so a little at home practice is good. I have spoken with my principal about how to keep parents involved. She likes the idea of sending home a weekly or monthly agenda on what the students will be working on and covering. She also emails parents constantly back and forth and that is something I would like to bring into my classroom as well. It is really important to me to have expectations that parents will want to be involved.
Expectations do not mean something that everyone needs to meet. Expectations should be geared to each child individually. Too high expectations might discourage children and too low won't tell them what is "expected" of them!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nancy's comment about gearing expectations towards each child individually. In my classroom the children understand that not everyone needs a band aid for the same reason.
DeleteIf a child has low expectations of themselves and it affects their work or behavior, I feel it is the teacher's duty to be as flexible, caring, and supportive as possible. Children are not responsible for their home life and they carry that with them into the classroom everyday.We, as teachers spend so many hours with students and we can make a difference in their lives. Sending the message to parents that you expect them to do their best as you are doing your best in the classroom for their child goes a long way. An email with positive affirmation of a student can make a difference in the midst of possible challenges in a student's life. Kind words spoken in a caring, respectful tone, go a long way with students as well as parents.