Teacher asking pupils to be her slaves.

[AWimbaWay]

So, Dd1 announced at the table this morning she needs to practice being a slave . I presumed it was a game they'd been playing in the playground and so explained it's not very nice to make someone a slave and told her where the term originated.

She then explained that it wasn't a game, but her teacher had asked who wanted to be her slave and had told them to practice being slaves at home with their toys .

I questioned whether she meant helper but dd1 said that no, to begin with the teacher had said little helpers but then changed it to slaves.

Now, I've explained to Dd1 that I don't like the term being used so flippantly and that I'd rather she didn't use it. I've also said it's fine if she wants to help the teacher do jobs.

I would leave it at that but Dh who was also there this morning thinks I should talk to the teacher about it being inappropriate. Personally I feel that would be an over reaction and make me look a bit odd.

Would you bring it up or not?

Calls herself/himself a teacher!!!!!

It is inappropriate because of the history of slavery and also because there are sexual predator overtones there. I would mention it to the HT and keep an eye and ear out for what the teacher is up to.

It seems sorted, Dd said the teacher now asks who would like to be her assistant for the day.

Could it have been that they were reading the Bible story of Moses, the Israelites' slavery under the Egyptians and the flight from Eygypt?

Teacher: 'The Eygyptians made the Israelites work as slaves all day long, building in the hot sun.'
Child: 'What is 'slaves'?
Teacher: 'Well, if I asked you to work all day long for me without paying you, that would be slavery or being a slave.'
Child: 'You do ask us to do jobs and don't pay us.'
Teacher: 'True, so who wants to be my assistant or slave tomorrow?'
Children: 'Me', hands up etc.

I can easily see that an unwise off-the-cuff remark might have led to this misunderstanding.

I think that's exactly what happened BranchingOut, although not the bible story, just a story about ancient Egyptians.

Totally agree that the word slave in this context is innapropriate and I expect the teacher is mortified. [I was told off by an observer for calling a student 'lass' and I am finding it hard to adjust my language (born and bred yorkshire.... and the context was very positive but anyway..]

Made me wonder what you think about "I am slaving over a hot stove" She is slaving over that essay". ?

I am quite unerved that my four year old was discribing trench war fare and that the poppies of "that special field" looked like the blood of dead soldiers.... Apparent DD's teacher told them alla bout poppy day...