to mention this to DD's teacher?

[auntpolly]

DD's in reception, she has just turned 5. On the walk to school this morning 2 slightly older girls (maybe in year 1 or 2) walked past DD and seemed to be sizing her up. Then they proceeded to walk in front us, whisper to each other, giggle and kept both turning round to look at DD. It was obvious they were talking about DD and giggling about something, thankfully DD was busy chatting away and was oblivious to it. Eventually I told the girls they were being very rude and to stop whispering, they just looked at me, shot another look at DD and ignored me!
Am I being too sensitive here? Is it worth mentioning this to DD's teacher? I don't know what year they are in, but it worries me that they were prepared to behave like that towards DD, especially in my presence.

Errr no I wouldn't meantion it to the teacher, what can she do about it?

You did the right thing and spoke to the kids involved (even if they did ignore you) If they start trouble then I'd have a word.

Part of what children learn in school is how to live in the real world, that includes the bad as well as the good. Let it go.

It was on the way to school so no dont mention it to the teacher, just keep an eye out if you see them again to see how they behave next time. Sounds like you handled it in the right way.

Um, what would you say to the teacher? "2 girls on the way to school were laughing at DD, but she didn't notice ...)

IME children of this age randomnly start giggling for no apparent reason (and then like to go through the whole sequence of events exactly again with even more laughter). They could have been laughing because they used to have the same coat as your DD, because they'd guessed that the next child round the corner would be a boy and it was highly amusing that it wasn't ...

If you think it was in any way malicious then of course tell her teacher, but I wouldn't assume that random laughter means that they are "having a go at her".

Were these childrens parents around? Just keep eye on the situation.

You're right, I'm not going to mention it. There was no question of the fact they were talking about DD though. She's a bit more robust than me I suspect. I was really badly bullied at senior school so I'm probably a bit too sensitive!

I'm an infants teacher. I'd tell the teacher. You're worried so you'll feel better if you tell him/her. Its' just a heads up not a demand for action. I'm sure teacher won't mind keeping an eye out. I wouldn't. Little people need protecting.

And what exactly would the teacher be keeping an eye out for Cheese? Two girls who the OP doesn't know and doesn't even know what year they're in...whispering and giggling about her daughter...without her daughter even knowing?

If the OP starts that sort of thing, I doubt the teacher would take her that seriously if she has a real problem in the future.

Um, what would you say to the teacher? "2 girls on the way to school were laughing at DD, but she didn't notice ...)

Part of what children learn in school is how to live in the real world, that includes the bad as well as the good. Let it go.

I agree with the posters who said the above. It would be different if your dd was upset.

And girls in yr1 do this ALL the time, as you will find out...........

Worraliberty I don't think I'd want the teacher to do anything, just to be aware of it in case they approached her in the playground or something. Does that make me hysterical?

It doesn't make you hysterical no..but it does make you unreasonable because she's not even going to know who or what she's looking out for. Plus she's bound to want her coffee/lunch break too.

Really, I'd let it go now and hopefully it won't ever become a problem. If it does, and your daughter is upset/concerned, then is the time to act.

5 year olds are pretty transparent when you spend 5 hours a day with them. If she does get picked on at least the teacher stands a chance of noticing and helping. and as for not taking her seriously in the future, most teachers understand parental concern without feeling the need to punish you for crying wolf.

The thing about school is you have to deal with situations WHEN they arise not tie yourself in knots about what MIGHT happen, or you'll never let her leave the house :)

Cheese seriously if you are a teacher then you should know that kids are also picked on and alienated if their Mums have a reputation for being far too over protective.

fair point valiumredhead. yes worraliberty that happens too but I don't think mentioning auntpollys concern is being overprotective. Not for a five year old. It's no big deal... parents get their knickers in a twist about far less.

I accept I was being too sensitive and need to chill a bit, I'm not going to say anything, if anything does actually happen then obviously I will.

Worra I'm not an over protective loon, honest!

PS thanks Cheeselouise it's good to know the teacher wouldn't be if I had said something.

I understand completely, school is a HUGE deal, but honestly if your dd didn't even know it was happening, don't give it a second thought. I'll bet my mortgage these girls laugh at every one and every thing because that's what girlies do it's very tiresome

oops, strikeout didn't work

auntpolly - don't worry, part of the reason I have a strong pfb radar is because I was the absolute worst overprotective mother with dd1. Having another two soon after sorted me out .