Silly,hurtful comments to dd1 in year 2.

[Elk]

Dd2 (6) is in year 2 and has been wearing glasses since she was 2. She has told me tonight that a couple of children in her class are upsetting her. They sit on tables of 4 in class. Two of the children are telling her that because of her initials and her wearing glasses she will not be allowed to join clubs. One of them has also told her that he has a time machine and he will send her back to the fire of London (she thinks to burn her up). She has also been told that she doesn't have proper eyes. She has mentioned the third child on the table joins in but she thinks it is only because she doesn't want to upset the other two.

I now understand why she has been getting more reluctant to wear her glasses.

I have told her that although it is hurtful the other children are just being silly and that they wouldn't tell her teacher what she can and can't do just because she wears glasses.

However, I would also like to bring this up with the class teacher. What should I expect the teacher to do/say to help with this?
Also tomorrow is the last day of school before half term and we have a parents consultation after school. Should I see the teacher before school to mention this or should I wait until the consultation?

[RupertTheBear]

I would pop in to see the teacher in the morning. I would expect the teacher to have a chat with all the children involved and to make it clear that they are upsetting your dd and that it needs to stop. I would also make the children involved apologise to your dd.

[RupertTheBear]

Sorry, just realised that doesn't make much much sense - I mean the teacher should make the children involved apologise.

[hocuspontas]

Ask your dd to tell the teacher about anything that is said that makes her feel uncomfortable. Go in early tomorrow if possible and explain your concerns and tell the teacher that dd is to tell her if anything happens. Hopefully she can keep an eye on things and relay back to you any incidents tomorrow after school. After half-term (don't expect any action tomorrow, although that would be nice!) the teacher hopefully will talk to the class generally about hurtiing other people's feelings etc.

Good luck!

[Elk]

Thanks, I felt that I should mention it in the morning as otherwise it would not happen for another 2 weeks. I was also unsure about naming the children involved, not sure why.

[buy1get1free]

I would mention what has been said, the fact your dd is very upset by them and just say it's the children on her table. If the teachers asks for names, give them to her. I don't think the kids need to be made to apologise as such, afterall they are 6 and 7 years old and being 'silly'. Hoever, I think a reminder maybe at carpet time to be kind to our class mates and not to say unkind things about anyone. Also, they could do a chat about how cool it is to wear glasses ... are there any other kids in the class who where them?. My nieces class 'opened' up an opticians in the shop corner (it changes depending on curriculum or circumstances) when a little lad in her class started wearing them.

[verySCREEEAAAMlawn]

Ds2 (5) was really disappointed to be told he didn't need glasses after his eye test! Quite a few boys at school wear them and I gather they are considered to be cool.

I would definitely mention that the comments have made her reluctant to wear the glasses, as while it may be seen as harmless teasing, not wearing her glasses would be harmful.

[Elk]

Hi, just an update (in case anyone is interested).
I mentioned it to her teacher this morning and she took it very seriously. She is going to have a general talk to the class today (with no names being mentioned).

A friend has also mentioned the Charlie and Lola episode where Lola is desperate for glasses so I will see if that is available on i-player.

Can anybody think of any books where the heroine wears glasses as I think they may be helpful (if not now in a few years when I imagine this may happen again).

[bellissima]

Oh Elk I feel for you - one of mine wears glasses and has been teased. Fortunately so does another girl in the year. And - I promised her that later on the myopics (I assume your DD , like mine, is long-sighted) would start to wear them (as I did, aged 11) and - she's in Yr 6 and it's starting to happen.

I have a secret wish that the children who teased her end up in that category (whilst knowing that's horrid and childish!).

[hocuspontas]

Good to hear. Hope things improve

[GhostlyPixieOnaPumpkin]

Meggie Moon by Elizabeth Baguley has a heroine who wears glasses. Here is the link. It's generally a good story too!