To be angry at my son's school

[diaryofadyslexic]

My son is at primary school (year 5).

He is severely dyslexic and, at this stage, is embarrassed about it because he feels stupid in comparison with his peers.

His class teacher is one of the more mature teachers there and is very "old school".

I know the teacher gives weekly spelling tests, but I've just discovered that afterwards she makes all the children stand up and tell the rest of the class how many they got right.

He said he always gets the least. This is so humiliating and really isn't helping his (already low) self esteem.

Am I right in thinking this is an antiquated way of doing things?

I'm feeling pretty upset and angry on his behalf and will be speaking to her!

You're absolutely right. This shouldn't be happening. Your poor son.

Wow I would ABSOLUTELY complain. That's bloody horrible.

I’m sorry but I fundamentally disagree with the “being angry” part.

Why does everyone these days have to “charge in” and give teachers and school hell? For not being mind readers and attenuating the whole experience to them and their expectations?

You could of course speak to the school teacher by requesting their time formally in the way your school works. Then give constructive feedback, ask for the demonstrative ways that your son is supported in this aspect.

But nah forget that actually - give them hell. That’ll show ‘em.

That's ridiculous! Needs to be stopped.
I hope your son is also receiving some good quality phonics support

I agree with this.

but I don’t know if “getting angry” is always the way?

im not a teacher btw. Just puzzled why it’s such a battle between schools and parents all the time.

Agreeded this is unacceptable, please complainand make sure this stops. My son is also dslexic. His school do weekly spelling tests. The students dont share their scores but get rewarded if they have equalled or improved their score from the previous week.

You should ask if this is what really happens.

To those commenting I shouldn't be angry ...

I have every right to feel angry when I see my son sobbing.

However, it doesn't mean I'm going to shout at the teacher. I'm more than capable of speaking in a polite and courteous manner, whilst getting my point across!

The teacher needs to know
Having a teacher who understood dyslexia made a massive difference to my DD. As a consequence of gaining confidence she made massive leaps academically.

Telling her she is rubbish at spelling wouldn't help. She knows, she doesn't need an announcement about it.

It was antiquated twenty-five years ago and I cannot see how this can be justified at all.

I've already done my subtle research and it is what happens!

🤬

Being punished for having learning difficulties.

Should be all about individual targets

This really isn't on. YANBU.

This may help you re frame how dyslexia should be valued by the world perhaps this may help the teacher.

www.madebydyslexia.org

Thank you.

I will check that out!

It's totally unnecessary as well as humiliating for your son.
It's a huge relief for me that both my children's school days are behind them. Neither of them enjoyed school in the slightest.

that's awful my granddaughter is dyslexic. that's not on at all.

I'd be surprised if she makes every child do that individually.

I'd ask her about it, and tell her he's struggling with "feeling stupid". I note your research is so subtle it didn't involve speaking to her yet.

Teacher also needs to find specific ways to celebrate his strengths. My ds has dyslexia and l was surprised over 20 years ago to have to draw his teachers attention to this unfairness. My ds learnt spellings/ really tried and got no reward. My dd never opened them ..got them all right and got a reward. When l brought it up his teacher agreed to reward him more for his knowledge of current affairs as he loved that section of the day when the focus was on oral work. He was thrilled.

So l would be asking his teacher what his strengths are andhow is he being made special at that time.

I'd be disappointed, yes but feels like another situation where a good adult conversation could probably resolve it rather than being angry.

Bloody hell that's dreadful.

Yes raise it with school

That is awful 😞

@2bazookas

I did subtly research it because I want to check it is correct before I raise the issue at school.

I had an off the record chat with an adult I know who helps out in the class. They have confirmed what my son said.

Unsure why I have to justify my actions. My question was about my son being made to feel inadequate. I want this to stop for him and any future dyslexic children who are in that teacher's class.

My sister is dyslexic (now in her 40s) and it’s this sort of shit from teachers that led to her depression and suicide attempts. I would be furious too. But take a deep breath, have a good think over the weekend and go to the school with a list of questions, I’m sure you won’t be angry when you see the teachers, you’ll just want to come to a positive outcome. what sort of additional help is your son receiving from the school?

Please see my earlier message.

I am angry but will have a polite talk to the school!