Keeping kids in from play at lunchtime.

[0gfhty]

I wonder what people think of this. My sons school has something called "times table club" during lunch time play for one day a week. Alll children in year 4 have to go to who don't know all their times tables yet. This hasn't been communicated to the parents but it seems to be true after speaking to some other parents and children. Apparently most of the children in year 4 are in this club. I dont think the children should lose their main playtime for this and if it is most children attending then it indicates to me that their lunch time is being used to teach the curriculum. I wonder what people's views are on this? How would you complain since its more about a general practice and not just my individual child? I have found the teachers to become a little hostile and defensive in the past about anything other than praise even when being polite and approachable.

If my child needed extra tuition then I wouldn't complain, I'd just be happy they don't want to keep him after school.

However, if for some reason you don't want your child to catch up then just tell the school you don't want him attending.

It should be optional IMO but if the child doesn’t know their times tables into Y4 I think it’s imperative they catch up. For clarity I am a teacher end have two children in Y4 who aren’t fluent in all the multiplication tables despite me chanting with them, the teachers input and time on times table rockstars (seriously frustrated by it) I would just let it go tbh, it’s so important for all areas of life.

There’s no time in the day to teach times tables by the way, most teachers do it whilst lining up for lunch or whilst getting coats on at the end of the day etc.

I would be a bit concerned. My DD had unrecognised SEN and never did manage to learn her times tables to instant recall (despite a lot of input from home).

I see why they are doing it, but children also need a proper break in the day.

What I kind of dislike is the way some schools seem to potter on and then overload in testing years, rather than a bit more focus throughout.

On the other hand, I can see how it is helpful for those children whose parents don't practice with them.

Seems fine if they need to learn them.

"How would you complain?"
Well, as a first line of action, I wouldn't "complain"

If I had a concern, the very first thing I'd do is contact the school and find out exactly what the situation is and what is the thinking behind it, before deciding to complain or not.

I’m surprised the school hasn’t told parents their kids are behind on the curriculum re times tables
but
clearly they are focussed on additional support and helping them catch up

A lot of schools wouldn’t do this

If you want your kid back out in the playground ( assuming your kid is affected) perhaps focus on asking the school for help re helping your dc to catch up.

If it was only for the children who don’t know their times tables yet, I’d be working with my child at home to help them learn so they can go and play!

This.

WHY do you want to complain? Teachers can't' win.

Before school club? parents complain, too early
After school club? parents complain, not convenient, do you know how busy they are!

I have found the teachers to become a little hostile and defensive in the past
I wonder why

their lunch time is being used to teach the curriculum
it's also the teacher's lunch.. do you really think the teacher add to the teaching hours and sacrifice THEIR lunch for the fun of it? Seriously?

You have far too much common sense for some parents 😂

Bloody TTRS. Let school know your dc will be having their lunch break and playtime without this intervention. If you have the inclination there will be most likely be something in one of the school policies- PHSE or SEN support that will give a relevant reason.
I still use loads of the maths I learnt at school (and other seemingly irrelevant stuff) but for the life of me cannot make times tables stick to my brain)

I would be glad of the extra small group tuition. Sounds like a good idea to me.

It’s because of the year 4 national times tables test and I totally agree with you. It’s unacceptable anyway but even more so because the children who most need support probably also most need movement breaks!
My child is in year 4 and the school have other ways of supporting children who need it.

It’s one day a week.

They have a test at the end of the year. Learning times tables involves a lot of repetition. How much do you do at home. We used to do them on the school run, mixing up the tables

Hopefully it encourages parents to support learning at home so their child benefits from all of their playtime.

There is a national timed times table test in Y4 so it’s understandable school don’t want children to feel they fail it as that’s not good for their self esteem (and unless things have changed, the expected mark is 100%).

What's so unacceptable? timetables are a life skill, surely you should be grateful the teachers are giving extra tuition if you can't teach them yourself at home?

I would be thanking the teacher for giving up their lunchtimes to give extra tuition to the children.
OP you need to encourage your child to practise their times tables at home everyday. Time tables are essential for maths - so many aspects of maths are dependent on a secure knowledge of times tables.

If you aren't happy with it you have a few options

• Work extra hard at home on them so your child gets out to break
• have a calm discussion around this with the school, thanking them for their extra effort but stating concerns regarding any measurable negative impact on your child - I presume there is something specific and you aren't just against this as a concept?
• offer to come in and support with small groups, in the same way parents come in to do reading

But complaining is not a great option. Staff are very likely doing this in their lunch break out of goodwill, to help a class which is for whatever reason behind where they should be.

Many schools are quite receptive to productive feedback, so if you have an alternative idea on how to get the class up to scratch please share it with them.

Exactly.

No I dont want to complain! That's why I'm on here scoping the situation. I haven't complained about anything but in thr past when I have raised issues (only twice) it hasn't gone down well and the teachers seemed defensive and honestly one seemed very frosty after that and I was surprised a professional would be like that. So I'm very conscious to stay away and not communicate concerns after that. I had no idea year 4 children needed to know these in year 4 until I saw some replies above and Im quite diligent about checking the school emails. I will definitely do some practicing with him and I'm sure he'll pick them up easily as hes otherwise been very good and enthusiastic with maths.

One day a week? No big deal.

I do think it’s concerning that so many in Y4 are needing this support because most schools work towards children knowing their times tables from young.

Whilst it suggests either the teaching isn’t very good or the parent support with maths at home is lacking, the school clearly are trying to help the children.

We dont do any because I had no idea that there was a test and his school haven't communicated this. We were given a link to this app called tt jockstraps in year 3 but I was awaiting instructions from the school on how and when to use it and I wasn't even sure if it was specifically for my child

We dont do any because I had no idea that there was a test and his school haven't communicated this. We were given a link to this app called tt jockstraps in year 3 but I was awaiting instructions from the school on how and when to use it and I wasn't even sure if it was specifically for my child. I'll have another look at this tonight