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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think it's not necessarily rude to correct the teacher?

258 replies

cherrycrumblecustard · 16/01/2017 17:38

DS is nearly ten, he's always been well behaved for the most part and very polite. But lately he has had a bit of an edge to him. He's told me today he's been told off and had to lose his break for correcting the teachers spelling. I know it depends on how he did it. From what he's said he wasn't that rude but is it the correcting that's rude, full stop?

OP posts:
Motherfuckers · 16/01/2017 18:29

I think you have answered your own question there OP. it is not necessarily rude to correct teacher, but it sounds like your son was rude. Perhaps you could teach him some humility?

MadameJosephine · 16/01/2017 18:31

I don't think it is automatically rude, my DS used to do it regularly all through school and now he's at uni I'm sure he still does. I did have to teach him to do it politely though and that sometimes it's wiser to keep quiet.

insan1tyscartching · 16/01/2017 18:39

In Primary dd was known as the spelling and grammar police by her teachers who took her correcting them in good humour thankfully. I think it's probably quite easy to come across as rude though. I know I had to tell dd if the teacher disagrees (as one once did) she must not argue the point, even if she knows she is right (she was) In Secondary she gets vivos (reward scheme) for doing the same thing though.

januarybooze · 16/01/2017 18:46

It's so embarrassing that little children are correcting their teachers Shock

TitaniasCloset · 16/01/2017 18:53

I think the punishment seems harsh. Yanbu.

DearMrDilkington · 16/01/2017 18:54

January I agree.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 16/01/2017 18:56

It's so embarrassing that little children are correcting their teachers

How vary dare a teacher make a mistake....

sj257 · 16/01/2017 18:57

I can remember telling a teacher they'd spelt something wrong on the board when I was at school, they laughed and corrected it, can't see the big deal unless he said it in a rude way!

LindyHemming · 16/01/2017 18:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

insan1tyscartching · 16/01/2017 19:03

january dd has ASD, she can spell any word she has ever seen or heard. Rules of grammar are rigid and appeal to her too. It's something she finds really easy and her teachers were always pretty relaxed about being corrected. I wouldn't say that any of her teachers were poor at this aspect, it's easy to make mistakes when busy and dd would spot an errant semi colon from a hundred paces tbh.

Clawdy · 16/01/2017 19:06

But was the teacher's spelling wrong? If it wasn't, then I could see that is even more annoying for the teacher! Some kids are little know-alls.

Wolfiefan · 16/01/2017 19:11

I have had students point out that I've got something wrong. (Not often spelling as an English teacher!) If they have shouted out as a way to stop the lesion going forward then I would issue a consequence (may just be a warning) but otherwise I would say thank you and apologise for the mistake. If they can't point out we have got something wrong and we (as adults) model how to react to that in a grown up fashion then there's a problem.
Some kids are annoying know it alls though and some are just determined to stop the teacher teaching and the students learning! Grin

SaorAlbaGuBrath · 16/01/2017 19:12

If they have shouted out as a way to stop the lesion going forward then I would issue a consequence

Auto correct totally killed you there Grin

SleepingCitySidewalk · 16/01/2017 19:13

Are you the MNer with a couple of recent threads about how your abusive DH treats you badly? Apologies if not, but if you are, perhaps your Ds is beginning to pick up the same mannerisms e.g. tone? It might be worth considering this maybe.

Trifleorbust · 16/01/2017 19:13

If he said "Excuse me" then that either suggests he shouted out, as you wouldn't say that if called upon, or that he said it with 'tone'.

SleepingCitySidewalk · 16/01/2017 19:15

I normally wouldn't mention other threads unless it was relevant btw, but I do think it is here.

JacquesHammer · 16/01/2017 19:16

I don't think a child should be correcting the teacher, no

Why on earth not? Provided it's done politely then I see no issue with pointing out errors

cherrycrumblecustard · 16/01/2017 19:16

It isn't relevant Hmm

OP posts:
minxthemanx · 16/01/2017 19:19

If he has developed a bit of an edge, and can have a condescending tone as you say, it may well be that he's being a bit cocky at school. They often are at 10 (especially Year 6). Teacher may be (rightly) pointing out that he needs to reign it in a bit and watch his attitude.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 16/01/2017 19:20

She was embarrassed because, she'd been corrected by a child. That's why your DS got into trouble.
I'd be having a long assertive respectful constructive conversation, tbh

cherrycrumblecustard · 16/01/2017 19:21

Is it worth asking about, or no?

OP posts:
junebirthdaygirl · 16/01/2017 19:22

Sometimes when you are writing on a board you can make a mistake. I have absolutely no problem with children correcting me. I just laugh and say oops your right. I don't think it's a big deal letting the teacher know and when children know you won't mind they are never cheeky in their tone.
Missing break was pretty harsh.

minxthemanx · 16/01/2017 19:24

But I can't imagine why any teacher would keep him in at break for a one-off polite questioning of spelling. There may be more to it, ie lots of calling out/being bit lippy and this was once too often.

cherrycrumblecustard · 16/01/2017 19:28

I wouldn't have thought so?

OP posts:
Trifleorbust · 16/01/2017 19:32

Well, you can only ask. The teacher should tell you what he/she objected to.