to write a load of nonsense in my sons reading diary to see if teacher actually reads my comments?

[exmrs]

Son has reading diary where i have to write a comment about how they found homework, whether they know the flashcard words etc.., numerous times i have asked a question or left a comment requiring an answer and it just goes unanswered which really bugs me as the whole point of it is a communication diary between parents and teachers.

My questions aren't stupid ones like why isnt Johnny in the top set? they are actual genuine concerns like i have noticed he has been writing a lot of letters and numbers backwards but there is never any reply, so i am tempted to write some form of nonsense to see if they actually are reading the comments.

Has anyone any ideas what i could write?

[exmrs]

forgot to add if parents dont write a comment they actually put in RED pen please fill in reading diary

[claraschu]

I stopped writing in ours VERY quickly, and no one cared. Reading diaries are annoying. If they get read at all in school, it will be by whoever happens to be reading with your child (usually a helping parent); that person then has to write some inane comment, and nothing is ever followed through. If your child is a good reader, they will get very few one-on-one reading sessions anyway.

[Graciescotland]

I'd write in red pen, please reply to my previous questions.

[crackcrackcrak]

Please write some nonsense and come back and tell us!

[spottyock]

How frustrating for you. Lots of children reverse numbers and letters but just a signature to say she's seen it would do.

[AChickenCalledKorma]

Can't you just talk to his teacher and ask him/her if they saw your question? Or if not, how would they like you to raise concerns.

Questions in ours do get answered. Maybe not the same day, but within a couple of days.

[MousyMouse]

how frustrating.
we have to write something or the same book will come back the next time...

[exmrs]

I know im not expecting a diagnosis of dyslexia in the diary just a little comment like we will practise writing or will keep an eye on this.

any suggestions what i can write?

[AbbyRue]

I think have a word with teacher. Some sort of acknowledgement like a signature would certainly be nice!

My DD in y1 reads with her teacher every single day and reading diary comes with comments on how she read, what page they got up, where we need to get to and new words learnt etc. in turn, we have to confirm where we've read to and make note of any other issues.

[NickNacks]

I just put 'read to page 10'

[Ruthie101]

I think it is important to maintain a professional role model for your child and not to write anything silly. Your concerns are valid and should be addressed. If your child's teacher is not responding through the reading record then I advise you to phone the school and make an appointment to see them.

[carabos]

I can save you the bother. I have done this in the past and have also filled in the book for weeks ahead. Nobody noticed.

[MrsMuddyPuddles]

yes, just write "please reply to my question of DATE" every time, until they actually do it.

or just write "comment" from now on :o

[Brycie]

Just write what page they read to (exaggerate if you want to change the book) because they just want to know you read at home. Don't expect any comments back, they prob haven't got time, and if a good teacher will be picking up on things in class and from your comments without acknowledging. This would be quite a small thing to get arsy about and you may have to keep arsiness in reserve for other more important issues. What really matters is what they do with your children, and not what they do with you.

[Euphemiaaaarrrrgggghhhh]

It sounds like the teacher isn't getting time to look at the diaries. I would speak to her and raise your concerns, and ask about the purpose of the diary/reading record.

Passive-aggressive actions are just stupid.

[Sampette]

Leave her a message telling her you'd like to see her "out of hours" with your phone number, I'm sure you'll soon find out if she reads it or not

[lovebunny]

because teachers have all the time in the world to read your silly messages. write something sensible or nothing at all.

why don't you lot (mners) stop sending your puling, whinging, immature offspring to primary schools and educate them yourselves? then you won't suffer from teacher-envy and spend your days trying to ruin someone else's life.

your teacher isn't good enough? get off your backside and do it yourself.

[gwenniebee]

I found looking at reading/homework diaries really time consuming and difficult to get done - trying to teach whilst also writing sensible, legible comments to parents. However, I did make sure they were checked regularly and asked daily if any children had notes from their parents for me. Is your ds old enough to ask the teacher to look at his reading record for a note from mum?

Writing something stupid will just make the teacher feel even more harrassed when he/she reads it.

[Brycie]

Lovebunny you are going to be great fun for some parents who wll enjoy winding you up no end I'm sorry to say that with an attitude like yours it makes me smile that Michael Gove is probably driving you completely nuts.

[heggiehog]

Bear in mind that if a teacher has 30 children in their class then reading and writing in these diaries would take 30 minutes a day (or longer probably, one minute per diary isn't much especially if you are doing other tasks at the time, being distracted by children etc).

That's 2.5 hours a week. Do you really want 2.5 hours teaching time a week to be lost to reading and writing little comments?

Maybe the teacher just doesn't have that kind of time. If you have a concern you need to speak to the teacher verbally.

[Euphemiaaaarrrrgggghhhh]

My pupils know to come in in the morning, hang up their coats and bags, and sit at their desks with their homework diaries open. Then I can see any comments from parents and respond to them then and there. I don't encourage parents to use the diaries as a means of having dialogue with me, as I just don't have the time. They know I'm available in the playground at the end of the day, however.

Your school is making a mistake by using the diary/reading record as a daily means of communication - it's over the top.

[Purple2012]

Bit harsh lovebunny. If the teacher doesnt have time to read comments then they shouldn't be sending it back. The OP has written sensible comments and been ignored.

[RobinSparkles]

I agree that teachers have lots to do. They have marking, planning, staff meetings, parents evenings etc, plus another 29 children to worry about!

I have to write in my child's reading book because if it's left unsigned her book won't get changed. I imagine that it gets looked at (it must do for her book to be changed) but I don't think that it's often the class teacher who looks and changes her book, probably likely to be the TA or parent helper.

I think that the reading book is just for you to sign to acknowledge that your child had read/done their homework. I don't think it is the place to be writing concerns about work. I think if you have genuine concerns then you need to have a word with the teacher at home time or make an appointment.

[KittyFane1]

Write what you like but do you think your DC's teacher will reply to that? No, she'll just think that you are a bit of a strange person or were possibly drunk when you wrote it. Immature parents are mildly annoying & I doubt you'll grab her attention in the right way by doing this OP.
Its frustrating not to get a reply. Ask her to phone you or even better, ask her about it at parents evening.