To think a teacher can be too strict?!

[Classroomblues]

There are two Reception classes at my Dc's school. Over the years we have had experience of both classes and they are VERY different. I'll call one Purple class and the other red. My dc is going to be in red class next year with a very shouty teacher. I have helped out in previous years and find the classroom is too controlled and robotic. The teacher is too strict with the children. They sit for her on the carpet in absolute silence for ages (you could seriously hear a pin drop) where as in purple class it's so much happier....my dd2 still talks about her time in there 4 years later where as dd3 does not remember red class with such affection. Other parents have said the same about red class - the head is aware but turns a blind eye to it all. I have helped out in both classes and seen it for myself. Even when the children are playing, the children in red class barely talk in anything above a whisper where as in purple class the atmosphere is so much nicer. The teacher is always smiling and happy and the children all genuinely love her. I wanted ds to be in her class but he's not.
I am worried about my ds being in red class. He won't cope well with the shouting and not being able to talk in more than a whisper without being told off.
I know there isn't anything I can do to change the class but I am worried with how he'll cope. He's not even 4 yet and I feel like a feeding him to the lions with this teacher.
AIBU to be worried? What would you do?

[Stanky]

Are you sure that you can't ask about him going in the other class if you are concerned? It might be worth asking. Or maybe just see how he gets on. He might be fine, but if he is worried about school, you could then ask for him to change.

[LilyMayViolet]

That doesn't sound appropriate for a reception class at all. I would be similarly worried. Do you know if other parents have made complaints over the years?

[FanOfHermione]

I personally much prefer a teacher that is stricter but even in my books, the description you are giving is too much.

If you can't change class then the best you can do is hide your feelings about the teacher VERY WELL to him.
Talk enthusiastically about him starting school etc and never mention how you are not keen about the teacher. Maybe even avoid going in to help. He'll be fine, even if it could be better :)

[Beautifullymixed]

I'm a TA in ks1 and really don't like the sound of this. Has nobody else complained, other teachers, TAs, volunteers etc?
Part of the joy in early years is the learning through play, and communication. It's wonderful to hear them, and it's part of the job to talk to them as they play. For example, which car is bigger? What will happen if we do this?
It's important to model language, grammar and pronunciation. Especially to non English speakers or SN children.

Is there singing, laughter, games at all?
If not, I would be voicing my concerns as a parent to the Head, and keeping a close eye if you can.

I'm actually baffled that she can maintain this level of silence. How does she do it?

[WorraLiberty]

I'm a bit baffled too.

Are you sure you've got it right OP?

You've helped out a few times, so only seen a snapshot.

[Icimoi]

Teachers are subject to so much monitoring and appraisal these days, if this woman's teaching was a problem it would have been detected by now. When ds was in infant school there was one teacher who had the reputation of being absolutely fearsome, but ds flourished when he was in her class. I think it was because she kept such good discipline that it helped quieter children such as he was to come out of their shells as they weren't constantly being shouted over by the noisier children.

[summerainbow]

Maybe this teacher get all problem kids so she has to keep a tight hold on everyone.
The other teacher get the easy right .

[Beautifullymixed]

^^ but this is early years. Yes, children have to be quiet at times of course, but during free play how can there be silence?
It's not supposed to be a formal classroom.
I'm a lover of a firm teacher, but there should always be room for laughter and fun in a classroom.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

Prior to opening your thread I was going to say and What may I ask is wrong with discipline,
But what you are describing Is not being strict it is suppression and control.
FGS. They're 5 and 6 year little babies. Curious and wonderous and eager to learn about the world around them. How do they do that if they are just made to sit silent on the carpet.
So no you're definitely not being unreasonable

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

I think you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. If you want the best out of people. Not just teachers with children, but parents with their children. Employer with Employee.
I remember my year 6 teacher. Goodness I was in awe of him. I absolutely adored him. It was the only time I was truly happy on school.
He never shouted at any of us once. He never had to, because he was such a good fun interesting informative and nurturing teacher. We wanted to be good for him.

[Greengardenpixie]

She may have had difficult children in the past. We had a little girl that i used to go in and teach to let the teacher go for her planning time. Noone could control her. She was only 4 with behaviour issues. I dreaded it. We had no support. The class teacher was at her wits end. Not only did she behave in an outraggeous manner but she swore constantly and would run away. Its hard when you have to deal with children who have varying backgrounds. This is teaching nowadays with all the inclusion. Maybe she has had a similar experience.

[BathshebaDarkstone]

YANBU, I'd ask for my DC to be moved.

[AnnaFiveTowns]

My ds had a similar teacher in yr 1, in fact she sounds identical. There had been lots of complaints about her over the years but the head was too weak to take action. I complained but action was only eventually taken when a parent helper, who happened to be a child psychiatrist, got on board and complained and got the LEA involved and eventually the teacher "retired" early. I still feel extremely angry with the T.A that worked in her class, witnessed the emotional abuse of these children, and turned a blind eye.for the sake of all the children in her class, please speak up and make your fears known to the head. With regard to your own ds, I would move him to a different school if that teacher remains. I regret leaving my child to suffer for a year in

[AnnaFiveTowns]

...that horrendous environment.
You really should speak out OP;those poor kids ????

[AnnaFiveTowns]

Oh, and crap (emotionally abusive) teachers can and do slip through the Ofsted monitoring net. This teacher was evidence of that.

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

People that should nt be in a profession as they are/ borderline bullies are often successful at bullying other staff including staff senior to them.

Expecting a TA to put themselves in a difficult position, unless it is clearly unacceptable practice, is naive. They have little power. Sadly ive seen worse practise than this justified as differenr teaching styles.

[Spartans]

Personally I prefer strict teachers.

However this does sound too much and I wouldn't be happy. Not sure what to do about it though.

I absolutely hate teachers who shout at entire classes because a few have misbehaved. I remember it happening when I was at school and even though you know you weren't misbehaving it's still horrible and usually cause the 'naughty' kids to be isolated. Because everyone is upset they got shouted at because of them.

Doesn't help anyone

[mugglingalong]

If he's not even 4 then I would consider deferring his place until Easter 2016. I know that socially it is a pain, but you are entitled to do it, and then he would only have a term of her before going into yr1. You can tell the HT why you are deferring and that in the interim you would accept a place in purple class.