Not happy with DD1's YR1 Teacher

[frecklemum]

I went to an open parents afternoon after school earlier this week and I am not happy with DD1's YR1 teacher at all.

All class work books were laid out on the children's desk in little piles. Each child has three books, numeracy, literacy and topics. One of my daughter's books was missing from her desk and the teacher didn't have a clue as to where it could be.

Eventually she found it in piles of work at the back of the classroom just before the end of the session. I put this down to the classroom being a bit manic on the day with lots of visitors etc. But I also have other doubts about her. She didn't have a clue what level reading book DD1 was on, or how long she had got left on that particular level when I told her which book she was reading.

But the thing that has really got me questioning her is when I was talking to her 1-2-1, asking about how DD1 was getting along generally, she started to explain that she was struggling with her numeracy work and it was taking her longer than the other children to complete. She then tried to get DD2 (currently in reception) to explain how she was struggling with numeracy work and what they had been working on that day. DD2 didn't know what she was on about, DD1 was at the back of the class with her friends. The teacher didn't seemed fazed by this or realise she had got them mixed up and went on to explain her difficulties and what we could try and practice at home.

DD1 has been with this teacher since September. DD1 and DD2 look similar but not identical as there are nearly 2 years between them. Should I have approached the teacher at the time?

[onimolap]

Getting the books in a muddle is just one of those things.

Failing to recognise a pupil after nearly a whole term is bizarre. I would have mentioned it at the time - at least an apology/explanation might have been forthcoming.

It does suggest to me that your DD is average in her class.

Despite all that, did her comments make sense in terms of how you see your DD's progress?

[frecklemum]

Does average in her class mean okay? I suppose that could mean that she isn't really really struggling as she would stand out more?
We are going to practice a few things at home. It is just really basic maths she is struggling with, example: 1 and 1 she says is 11. She has been working on 10 + 1 so i think she is getting mixed up. We are practising at home more.
I think I was just so shocked that she got them mixed up that I didn't say anything. When I got home and told DP he was really angry with the teacher.

[Antihelicopterparents]

What did the police say !!!!!

[Cortina]

I would arrange a meeting with her and address some of your concerns. Did you point out the teacher's mistake at the time?

I would add that I might do something like this if feeling very stressed. Is she new? Was she under pressure?

[DreamTeamGirl]

A misplaced book happens, no big deal IMO

Maybe you would be better going without children to distract you both next time?

[FranSanDisco]

I think the set up of this 'parent' meeting rather odd. Teacher and parents discussing child's abilities in a manic and organised environment with children milling around. No wonder her head was fucked. DCs school have this open day policy where parents visit the class, look at books and wander around the school looking at stuff up on walls etc with our child but we don't speak to the teacher specifically about thier progress. That opportunity is arranged separately and is quiet and private.

[FranSanDisco]

duh 'unorganised'

[camaleon]

Wow...
Perhaps she has a sight problem? She was very very tired or sick? I would be very worried.

[mrz]

I does sound as if the objective of the afternoon was for parents to look at their child's work rather than discuss things with the teacher which has probably "thrown" the teacher a little and possibly why she confused the two girls (who look similar after all)
Personally I don't think it was the time to approach the teacher.