To think he shouldn't have to miss next weeks' swimming because he was naughty?

[KirstyJC]

Today DS1 (9) had his weekly swimming lesson with school. He and quite a few other kids misbehaved in the changing room afterwards, and as a result he (and they) has been told he won't be allowed to go swimming next week.

Now, I have no problem with him being punished for being naughty - he has to respect what the teachers say and if he didn't then it is absolutely right that he gets into trouble for that. He isn't normally in trouble and I want this to be nipped in the bud and don't want him to think he can get away with it.

But, I don't think banning him from swimming is right, surely? I mean, would they do that for maths - a kid is naughty in a maths lesson so they get to miss the next maths lesson? I don't think so! As far as I know, swimming is on the curriculum and shouldn't be looked upon as a treat that can be witheld, but as a compulsory lesson that he shouldn't miss. He could stay in for break, write lines etc as a more suitable punishment.

I admit I am a bit biased as we rarely go swimming as a family so he is a very poor swimmer, and I am really keen for him to go for lessons with school, so perhaps I am crosser than I should be about this. I have also paid for the whole terms' lessons in advance, so if he doesn't go I want my money back. OK so it's not much but they cancelled a lesson last term and we didn't get it back for that either, and it all adds up!

So, MNers, I have my tin hat on - AIBU?

"You don't think there are teachers advocating sanctions for the sake of it? You must have worked in a lot of pretty cushy schools then."

I've no idea what you're talking about. But I do hope I never have to take over a class from you.

How scathing. I will quit my job immediately.

Some of you must have a real lack of good stuff going on in your life if slinging shit insults on the internet is your idea of a good time.

It always amuses me how those who are so quick to accuse others of insulting them are usually those who have cast the first stone.

A discussion hardly equates to 'slinging shit insults'. You are just annoyed because the majority think your school's behaviour policy sounds a bit crap. By the way, I have never yet met a teacher who dishes sanctions out for the sake of it. And I've been teaching for absolutely ages. I am, however, quite interested in when you do all your tree hugging discussions on exactly why little Wayne has behaved badly. Is it during teaching time?

I agree with you OP and I wd be annoyed too. Swimming is not a treat, it is a life skill.

Knowing how to behave in a dangerous environment is also a pretty important life skill!

Yes jewelledsky and then we all give each other a massive group hug and roll around in the mud.

clam, how many people on here have basically accused me of being a shit teacher? That's a pretty horrible thing to say to someone who spends most of their life trying to do good stuff for their pupils.

"Swimming is not a treat, it is a life skill"
Yes. All the more reason, therefore, to take the lesson seriously and not abuse the privilege.

It is not a privilege, it is a life skill. It is essential for wellbeing. Wellbeing is not a privilege

oh my days! i know loads of adults who cant swim..they are fine. It is a useful life skill...it is not essential to well-being

"how many people on here have basically accused me of being a shit teacher?"

Erm.... like who?

At 9 I would be letting him know just how pissed off with him I was with his behaviour and how it is causing you to waste much needed money.

I would back the school on this ocassion, but if it kept happening then I would have something to say to them.

DS1 does plenty of activities (including swimming), he knows they are a privilege which can and will be withdrawn if he abuses them.

clam

""I hope my dc have teachers like you fromesme"

I suspect that you would feel otherwise if your child was suffering at the hands of other pupils."

"it reads more like you are the inexperienced one TBH esme"

"Thank god Esme isn't one of my children's teachers."

I'm sure there are more if you really care enough to look for them.

Well, I have to be honest and say I don't really care enough to look.
But surely the first one you quote is actually a compliment?
And at least one of the others would have been in direct response to something you'd said.

Anyway, this is off the point. It seems as if the majority view on here (and from parents, actually, not just teachers) is that the OP should just suck this one up, and not be quibbling about the ethics and splitting hairs.

fromesme

as I said up thread, the first quote isn't even directed at you.

A life or death situation such as throwing someone into a pool is not the same as messing about in the changing room
Changing rooms can be dangerous places as well. There is a lot of water on the floor, so easy to slip and bang heads etc. Kids like to play with locker doors, and have seen several children hurt their fingers on locker doors .

Saying you are inexperienced is not a reflection on your teaching, and it's ridiculously over sensitive to say so. You do come across as inexperienced - that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I do hate it when MNers say the 'I'm glad you aren't my dc's teacher' though - I think it's unnecessary and uncalled for, so I feel you have a point there.

But that's just one poster, Fromesme. In blanketing all who disagree with you as criticising your teaching, you sound immature and whiny. And that isn't good. People are allowed to disagree with you and your teaching methods. It's a discussion.