Cousins in Seperate Classes

I do not mean to come across offensive......yesterday was day 1 of school. HOW can you know that you and your daughter are not fond of her teacher on day 1? I assume you just met so how can you possibly know her teacher? She could be the best teacher in your ISD.

Yes, you requested a particular teacher. Most administrators do not like this practice from parents because everyone has a favorite teacher and everyone cannot get who they think they might want. Typically if you request a teacher, you must give valid reasons as to why. The fact that you think highly of someone is not a reason that is looked at seriously. Administrators have all types of personalities of children to match with teachers who are best suited for each class.

Personality conflct? Her appearance? What did the teacher do to be judged so quickly? What basis for a teacher change will you explain to the principal. Why don't you volunteer and spend some time to get to know the teachers. They need all the help they can get from volunteers so they can focus on their priority which is our children.

If you explain this to the principal, either way it goes, your child and her cousin will be marked in school. Teachers talk among themselves about children, parents, parental involvement. Names of parents and children who have consistant conflicts circulate within the teacher groups like wildfire.

I don't see an issue with cousins or siblings in the same classroom at all if that is what is best for your family, however, it also could help your daughter and her cousin develop new friends, talents, their own individuality. Most siblings where I sub are separated. If they are in the same grade level, they will be able to see each other at recess, lunch and a lot of times PE.

I applaud you for looking out for your little ones with so much care. This is the beginning of a long process for your children. I'd say pick your battles wisely.

Again, I mean no insult at all to you or any other moms here. I hate seeing teachers judged because they are new to a school, appearance issue, someone just wanted a different teacher, etc.

Best wishes to you...

You can request it, however you would probably get farther on having a issue with a teacher than keeping the two kids together. You have no rights to get the teacher you requested. I specifically asked for my son to have a particular teacher (he is legally blind and he is already familiar with this teacher). I got NO help in this matter in fact, the teacher he got was not even informed of his disability.

I understand your desire to have the kids together, but sometimes when you get two kids who are extremely close they tend to stick together and not make other friends or disrupt the teacher. I would give your situation a little time, try to be accommodating and learn about your teacher and most importantly STAY INVOLVED. You will get much farther with participation than with complaining.

I agree with TF. I never pick my kids teachers, but I Volunteer at the school enough for the teachers to know me. They always ask me if I have a prefrence for next year. I ask them who they think would be best. They get to know my kids in a different setting and understand what will motivate them. I know with first grade you may not have had this chance yet.
I also found out this year, they must divide classes, so they are an equal mix of all races and sex. I understand it, but don't agree.
I am having to step back this year and observe. My daughter got a BRAND new teacher. First apperence was not great, but after 2 days, my daughter loves her. I will watch closely to see if she is learning anything. I keep in touch with parents at other schools to see if they are working on the same level. Good luck! It is just starting! Enjoy everybit of it!

I wonder if having them in the same class really is a good idea. I know they WANT to be in the same class but...
being so close in age I wonder if, in striving for the favorite teacher's attention or even another friend's attention that their might be some unnecessary competition that could turn in to a fight.
You have to admit...girls can be mean and family can sometimes be worse.
I have experienced the same with my daughter wanting to be exactly like her cousins and exactly like her very best friend. Not to mention that my daughter and her friend would end up in trouble because of all the talking they would do.

I'm not saying don't request a change(which you should be able to do). I'm just saying you should look at it from a different angle before making that decision. Is it what is best?