Hi Ladies! I have kept the paper my son brings home each week with missing only a few since the start of school, of his spelling words. I have noticed they have not changed that much. Honestly, with only a few new added ones once in a while his words are mostly or always as follows: his, it, to for, they, it, as, if, was, with...every week this teacher changes them with taking out one or two and replacing those words with a few other two or three lettered word.
O.k. above I gave you the situation now the question: How do i confront his teacher next week during our conference? Should I bring in the papers I have saved and ask her if all of the 1st grade classes use a list that all the teachers go from each week or do they make up their own words each week themselves? wait for answer and then show her that the words don't really change and the child don't really seem to be getting challenged.
Before you ask which I would as well: yes my son can spell these words, writing and saying them out loud so it can't be that he's not getting it. In fact he's tired of writing the same words and I can't bring my self to have him write the same exact list she is using this week that she used in Nov, Oct and Sept at least one week out of each month. She is an experienced teacher she usually teaches 5 grade but this yr they needed her to teach 1st because of the way the enrollment worked out they needed a few more teachers for 1st then 5th. I have a good relationship with this teacher I am her room parent and I have helped her with things other room parents haven't in the past, I feel more upset over this then angry and I feel disbelief with my jaw dropping to the floor when I pull out my son's spelling word list. My experience with my older child in 1st grade last year was I saw his words each week getting a bit more difficult not a constant repeat of the same words month after month. This is where I start to think here's where so many parents have complaints it's this kind of situation in the learning that's upsetting and folks just toss their hands in the air and want to give up.
I've also experienced a Charter school and am becoming concerned that my kids are being or not being so challenged because of the other kids in their classes. In the Charter school I experienced this was not their practice kids that could be more challenged got it others that needed to stay at a certain pace stayed. Very concerned I made mistake taking them out but had to due to at the time gas prices.
In advance thank you for your advice on handling this situation.
I told the teacher I had been getting the eye rolling from my son since his homework seemed to be a lot of repeats of the same spelling words.I wanted to know how to keep him interested in spelling them but also how to challenge him.
I learned that the school uses the sitton or sutton spelling method it's not so much studying the spelling words but how to use many common words the proper way..ex: two, too, to..different spellings diff uses learning to sue them the proper way in spelling helps use the in writing, reading etc.. I was very happy she was able to tell my way and she understood the concern. She also said she's going back to have 5 bonus words that are way different then the words they have to sue on the school's spelling system...I said great my son really enjoyed that and did well when she offered the bonus words. She had also said she started doing spelling in Aug and wasn't to do so until Jan she is trying to get all the other teachers to do the same next year since her kids are ahead it will make in easier on the crct test since they have to read some of it them selves and in 1st grade you have to do will on the crct test passing to 2nd grade depends on it.
Thank you all for your input and support, I'm so thank I have some other parents to get opinions from. This website has been so wonderful with information from others to try, not to try and knowing that others are or have been in the same boat. Having someone give an opinion or share their experience makes such a difference when you are facing something and it's also helps you not feel alone. I thank all of you!
I am a retired teacher, who now substitutes in pre-k to the 3rd grade. Their spelling or vocabulary words should change every week. I know for a fact that here in Macon Georgia they change every week. I would calmly ask the teacher why does he have some of the same words 1 week out of the month.
P. S
I think that you always have the right to question the teacher. If she doesnt give you a adequate response, then talk to administration.
I will tell you that my son is also in first. He is at Peachtree Academy (private school). I will tell you that he had those spelling words in PreK. He defintely hasn't even reviewed them since the beginning of K. His words now are typically like tomorrow, soldier, Friday, mother, etc. They are all over four letters and sometimes even odd words that you don't normally hear a 6 year old even use.
I do know that my son at the beginning of the school year had a teacher. I was constantly in her face about the degree of work she was giving him. I was constantly complaining that she was giving him books to read that he read at the beginning of K. I was constantly complaining about the level of work being too easy. Two months after school started she was fired. She could not keep up with the cirrculum set by the school and the pace at which they taught it. The teacher was a new teacher to the school and was a previous K teacher. In my son's case, it was the teacher not the school. You may want to confront the teacher and the administration. Or if you have a website to log onto to see homework, etc. then check out other first grade's homework and spelling lists. You may find like I did that it is the teacher. Good Luck!
As a teacher in my previous "life," I can say that there is a standard list of sight words that children in the early grades must learn. These are words that typically cannot be sounded out and are some of the most commonly written and spoken words in our language. This is probably one reason why you are seeing the same words repeatedly. She is ensuring that the children know these very important words. That being said, if your child is not being challenged at all, just talk to the teacher. I would not come in with lists of words to show her that you've kept that stuff, because it comes across as blaming and confrontational. Just let her know that you've noticed that the words are often the same and your child is not being challenged. Recognize that although you understand the importance of knowing the sight words, your child already knows all of these words and really needs more challenging work. See how this goes. You can also ask the teacher if there is a spelling book or list of 1st grade spelling words that she is using, so you can view this information yourself to find out if she is following the curriculum. Maybe talk to a parent in another 1st grade classroom to see what other classes are learning. If the issue is not addressed within a couple of weeks by the teacher, request a conference with the teacher and the principal together. Honestly, public school teachers put in a lot of extra hours and most really try to teach to all children. Although this is very difficult sometimes, it is her responsibility to individualize her instruction, if necessary. This means that if she has children in her room not being challenged, she should have supplemental work for them. Or have a separate list of words that are more appropriate for these children. It takes more time and is more difficult to plan and evaluate, but it works well if managed well.
Hi B F,
First of all, I wouldn't consider it a confrontation. I would simply hear what she has to say, and then when she asks if you have any questions, I would pull out all of the papers with the same words highlighted and ask her flat out: "Why are our children doing the same words over and over?"
It is my experience that in public schools they do have to teach to the middle of the road children. That means if your child needs extra help you do it at home and if your child needs more of a challenge, you do it at home.
I would stress to her that if it is possible I would like my child to be more challenged at school, and I would even go so far as to ask for the Standards of Learning for the grade she is teaching. If I didn't get a satisfactory answer then I would go to the next level and present it to them.
Good luck.
I would not "confront" the teacher but simply inquire as to why the monthly repitition of the same words. In most schools, with the "No Child Left Behand" act they have certain requirements that must be followed. I have a daughter who has taught K-3rd grade and everything must be documented for each student as to when presented and when accomplished. You might ask for some additional words for your child or ask if she can recommend some outside reading material you can get these words from. Whether the words are a challenge or not, his learning to complete the task regardless of how boring is simply good practice for later in life. Many or most jobs have parts to them that are very boring and repititious. Writing the words does help practice his penmanship and most first graders can certainly improve on it. You may see if he needs to be tested for a "gifted" program which will add to his challenges. V.
I would be so frustrated with this as well! There is no reason for kids to just be spelling those words in 1st grade! At 5 years old they should start reading and spelling many words and they should certainly be given more words to have the option of spelling for those who may learn quicker than others. I had 1 child reading at 3-1/2 years who read Junie B. Jones & wrote book reports in 1st grade and the other just turned 5 (in 4y prek) and is reading & writing many words. This is not to brag, but to say that there has to be a much broader option for them to learn from to see what they're capable of accomplishing. If she only ever asks them to do 5 things no one will ever know if they can do 10 things (plain example). I would do what you said...basically ask her for the master list of spelling words and make her aware she's only hit a few. The words you listed are not even the typical sight words teachers use. Yes, I've been a teacher of many ages and now own a music & arts studio (M. Treehouse) where I add sign language and sight words within the music section of class, then we head to the art table. Anyway, between teaching and having kids in the system I know what I'm talking about. It sounds like this teacher is stuck in a rut or just lazy, unless the school itself has a poor program. Spelling should be a gradual increase of shorter to longer words, typically using words that fit the "rules" of spelling, then they'll learn words with exceptions. Maybe they're doing more in class together that you don't see, but he should definitely have more coming home to work on, too. Okay, well I hope you get some answers. Stay polite, but stay firm. As for the 1st grade spelling list for the school and if for some reason it's like those words and he knows them all then ask for the 2nd grade list to work on at home. I can't imagine that would be the 1st grade list for the school, though. If there's a bigger list and she's not using it and you think she's just not doing her job, then schedule a meeting with the principal and let him/her know what up. It's okay, it happens, and you'll be helping all the kids in that class and others to come. Good luck and take care. Hope you're in the area to check out my classes, too! www.MissLaLasTreehouse.com God bless! LaLa
I would consider coming from the side of being confused and asking her to explain how the spelling works. She may have a very logical explanation.
From your note, whether you mean it or not, you are coming across as angry. This will immediately put the teacher on the defensive and I can picture you leaving the conference even more frustrated than you are now.
I would encourage you to take some deep breaths and even practice what you will say so that the two of you can come in and work together with the teacher to resolve any issue.
Most teachers will appreciate this approach and you will have a much better outcome.
Good luck and please keep us posted on what you learn.
As a longtime teacher and now an assistant principal, you should talk to your child's teacher about your concern (of course in a respectful and professional manner). I am sure the teacher has a valid explanation for the weekly spelling words. If not, explain that you'd like your child challenged and together come up with a solution. Good luck~ I'm sure you'll be happy with the outcome. Keep up posted!
This is called the Sitton Spelling curriculum. Its based on the premise that frequently misspelled words need to be reviewed over and over and over again. She should be adding one-three additional, non-sight words to the list every week to help with phonetics/phonics, sounding out and learning other spelling rules. I'm not a particular fan of this, but the county requires it.
Don't go into the conference wth the desire/sense of confronting the teacher. Go in to inquire on what is going on and if there is something more that can be done. You catch more flies with honey. . .
I am sure this is very frustrating! I have a 2nd grader, and their words are alot more challenging such as great, greater, because, etc...then they have memory words like Christian, selection, you know what I mean. I agree with other mothers and you that they are teaching the less fortunate or the more challenged children in most public schools. Georgia is still probably the worst state when it comes to education!!! I hate it. My son is enrolled in private school and they still do not teach what alot of other states teach. But, hey what do you do??? I would go in to the mtg. with a positive approach and ask why. You love you child and want the best for him/her!!!
First, don't be judgmental. Maybe he is having problems at school that you are not aware of. Ask her. Ask for her suggestions. Some teachers tend to "pick" out certain students and help them more. Ask her help in finding out the cause - that's a big step from 5th grade to 1st grade teaching. Now days, schools are pushing students to learn more. My son teaches in China and in the 5th grade they are learning more than I did in high school. Ask the teacher's help and suggestions.
You always add to the list at home.
