Cannot understand what school are doing, need advice

[MilkyWaysandTea]

My little boy just started school in Scotland and tbh I don't understand what they are doing.

It is supposedly play based, which I understand is good.

However. He has to complete 'challenges' and collect all of the lollipop sticks every day. There are sometimes only two spaces at the challenges so while they are waiting they are allowed to play.

DS did not complete his challenges so was sent to the Head Teacher.

There was also an issue with his behaviour. He was being loud and running indoors. I accept this is an issue, however, I don't believe that the system is helping him. He's 4. If you give him Lego he is going to make booming noises.

This afternoon I was asked to see the teacher. They do not have desks and chairs so when the whole class is completing a worksheet they have to use clipboards. DS kept lying on the floor this afternoon instead of sitting cross legged with his clipboard.

I just can't believe how petty and stupid it all is. I am so disappointed and I don't think it is my DS, it's them! If you want him to complete a bloody worksheet give him a seat and a desk!

I ahve (yet another) meeting with the deputy head teacher tomorrow. I just don't know what to say.

Hi milky, it hurts me to read your post. The teachers at your DS's school are basically trying to be different from the norm but using their own rule book. A child on the other hand has no rule book. He just wants to just express his own personality. IMHO we should be brought up to be who we are as long as we don't hurt anyone else. If he is comfortable lying on the floor and working then I would let him do that. Later as he grows up he may find it easier to sit at a desk. Many will say if we all don't follow the same rules then how will we all fit together into the puzzle that is our society. Luckily there is space on this planet for individuality (yet) . However this does not help you in dealing with the school heads. You will just have to fight your DS's corner. Good luck.

Have you posted about this before?

I’m sure I’ve read this OP before

It does sound familiar. I'm in Scotland too but I'm sure our classes all have desks and chairs

Other than the no desks I am sure I've read this before too

yes here.

Very sorry things haven't improved.

I’d move him to a school that has more structured learning, if possible.
It will set him up better later on.

We have a similar Foundation Phase in Wales based on learning through play. It may be great at that age but we are now reaping the ‘benefits’ in secondary school of the first cohort that began this type of learning. Attention spans are minimal, many find it hard to remain seated or relatively still and there seems to be the idea that if they are not immediately ‘entertained’ then they don’t really have to focus.

All very well, but this gang are going to sit external exams that count in 4 years’ time. It’s frightening.

How did the meeting go, op?