I just attended an open house at my son’s school. I observed my child and another child in Resource room. As my child tried to write, spell etc. This other child corrected, jumped in with the answer before he could answer and giggled at my child’s effort. The teacher observed this as helping my child, but did say something like”let him answer”on occasion. The other child’s father was also observing, and the other child kept whispering to him as my son worked. When my son finished reading, the father of the other son asked me if my son reads at home, I didn’t answer so he responded that,that is what he needs. The father is a bigger jerk than the son. Obviously, their will be no respect taught at home, so what do I do to change the atmosphere at school? Am I being overly sensitive? My son already has self-esteem issues due to his learning disability, this is not going to help matters. I understand that children can be cruel, but I feel in a resource room, my child should be safe to learn at his own pace and it is the job of the teacher to make it so. I have left a message for the teacher, that I want to speak to her, but can I request a switch to the other resource room teacher? Has anyone else been in this situation? What happen to teaching respect???? Sorry for going off, but I am mad, that my child should be treated in such a manner. Thanks for any input.
Re: Other child in Ld resource room, is demeaning to my chil
In addition to Sara’s answers I would see if I could come in
on an non-open house day and observe that other boy.
My son’s middle school resource room was full of disruptive kids
and a young teacher who didn’t keep control. It really bothered my
son. He couldn’t get his work done as he was always having to
defend himself against the intrusions.
I pulled him out and we are investigating having him do a computer
program (he is dyslexic and is working on various phonics strategies right now)
in another room with a teacher who is more of a disciplinarian.
Anne
Re: Other child in Ld resource room, is demeaning to my chil
Thank you, I spoke with his teacher and asked if this was a typical day. Of course she said no, but when I asked if this behaviour was typical, she didn’t know what I was talking about. She asked if he rolled his eyes (he did) but the combination of other actions were what upset me. She asked if my son was upset, I told her that he generally, does not relay these things- but his body language spoke volumes to me. But that irregardless, I don’t think those actions are benefiting his education. She is a new teacher, and said she would be stricter with this child, and speak to the regular ed teacher to find other solutions. I am happy that she will address the issue, but I plan on taking her up on her offer to observe again at any time. If I don’t see solutions, then your suggestion to switch class so they are not together will be the answer. Thanks, this board is a wonderful resource.
Re: Other child in Ld resource room, is demeaning to my chil
Thanks, for your solution, I may need to do the same thing if things are not better, I don’t have alot of confidence in this teacher, but I believe in giving anyone a chance. At the very least I’ve made her aware of the problem and hopefully she will do what needs to be done. Unfortunately, this child is in my son’s regular-ed class and gives my child some trouble on the playground, but thus far my son is doing his best to keep his distance. Thanks for sharing your experience, I find it very helpful.
Only be aware that what you see in a day that parents are in the room may be different than what you would see on another day. On another day when the other child’s father isn’t in the room, the teacher may have jumped all over the calling-out kid. Parents understandably would like to believe that teachers can be all sweetness and light and that children heed a soft voice but that isn’t always true. I speak pleasantly to children but there are times I need to make a point - especially with a child who repeatedly calls out corrections and giggles at another child - and I then make the point firmly.
The presence of parents in the room can make the children behave differently than they might on another day too. That child could have been acting out to gain his father’s attention or approval.
Has your son complained of the other child many times before? If he has, then certainly speak to the teacher and tell her you observed the same behavior of which your son complains. Ask her if there’s anything to be done about this including, if all else fails, a change to a class without the other child.
Good luck.