Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put a note on DS's homework saying he won't be completing it?

42 replies

MrsSnape · 30/11/2008 19:13

Last week DS1 (10) brought some ridiculous homework home (3+10=) etc...he's 10, not 5.

However I let him complete it, despite feeling it was slightly insulting to his intelligence.

This weekend he brings home another sheet of homework...only the same sheet as last week, the same sums and everything.

DS said "it's because some kids in our class are still struggling with their times tables".

So I'm going to put a note in saying:

"DS will not be completing this homework as he did the same one last week and found it too easy then".

AIBU? I'm feeling paticulary arsey today so perhaps I am?

OP posts:
DoubleBluff · 30/11/2008 19:15

do what you like

belgo · 30/11/2008 19:16

YANBU. Has he had a change of teacher?

GooberKingWenceslas · 30/11/2008 19:17

I've done this before.
YANBU.

GaspodTheWonderDog · 30/11/2008 19:18

Your note does sound rude tbh. If it was me I would rather you came and spoke to me and explained why your child hadn't done the homework, you could then ask for harder work if that's what you want or give the teacher the chance to explain why they sent that work home.

blueshoes · 30/11/2008 19:28

How was the teacher to know your ds found it too easy? Just ask for harder work or ask to speak to the teacher. The note does not make you sound like you are working with the teacher effectively.

glasgowstyle · 30/11/2008 19:30

He should do the hw but you could call the school & explain the situation

janeite · 30/11/2008 19:30

I think you should write a polite letter, on separate paper, rather than a snotty note on the H/W sheet. The teacher will be far more inclined to take note of it then.

thisisyesterday · 30/11/2008 19:33

"How was the teacher to know your ds found it too easy?"

i would hope that the teacher knows what kind of a level all of her students are at.
if she doesn't then how does she know some are struggling.

I really hate this whole everyone works at the slowest pace thing.
if some kids are having trouble then they should be given extra time and help with things.
the entire class shouldn't have to suffer and be given pointless homework because ofg it.

and yes, I would write a snotty note because quite frankly a teacher should be making sure all the students get what they need out of their education, not just teaching to the slowest in the class and expecting everyone else to just wait,.

belgo · 30/11/2008 19:37

Just about to type the smae points thisisyeasterday. Totally agree with you.

I would be quite annoyed if this happened to my child, and rather worried about the standard of their education at the school.

janeite · 30/11/2008 19:37

I totally agree, ThisisYesterday, that the teacher should be setting appropriate work for the level of all pupils in the class - and it's really not difficult to differentiate maths sheets to lots of different levels. However, a polite note shows that Mrs Snape is a rational and caring lady, who is entering into a professional discussion with the teacher - and therefore far more likely to be listened to!

BibiThree · 30/11/2008 19:39

Am inclined to agree that the teacher should be streaming different work cater for the the different levels of ability in a class.
But snotty note won't get you anywhere. Go speak to them or a nicer sounding note would work better.

glasgowstyle · 30/11/2008 19:39

Kids need to do their class work & not have their parents saying they don't need to do it. It undermines the teacher imho - why not do the work, call or write & use the extra time you have to some additional work at home.

LynetteScavo · 30/11/2008 19:40

YANBU - but I would phone or write a letter.

Of course the teacher should know it was too easy for him! Is he streamed for maths?

thisisyesterday · 30/11/2008 19:42

yes, you're probably right about not doing the snotty note. just saying, it's what I would do in the same situation. because i am a bit stupid like that and prone to steaming ahead in anger and not thinking about the consequences! lol

no, you are right. I actually wouldn't make him do it again if it is identical to the one he has already done.
I would try and see the teacher and say "oh, I think a mistake was made as ds has already done this work" and see what she says maybe?

ScummyMarx · 30/11/2008 19:45

I agree with the others- not unreasonable for him not to complete it or for you to raise it but your note could be nicer. It is probably a genuine mistake that the same h/w has been sent 2 weeks running, whatever the position on it being too easy..

Original poster
MrsSnape · 30/11/2008 19:52

I agree it does sound a bit snotty but this is not the first time it's happened. Since September he's been bringing home what I would call "baby work" due to a number of "not so bright" kids in the class (read: kids who's only interests are messing around and pretending to be thick to act 'cool'" I'm not chuffed that DS and the others are suffering for it.

I also know that his class are taking home the same homework as the year 4 kids. (he's in year 5).

A few weeks ago he brought home a sheet with clock faces on and was asked to "draw the hands". I mean, come on ffs

OP posts:
pointydog · 30/11/2008 19:57

If it's ahappened before, you should phone and ask to speak to the teacher politely about homework and how your ds is finding it easy. I don't see why it can't vbe tackled in a polite way.

belgo · 30/11/2008 19:57

MrsSnape - if this is an ongoing problem, it's probably best if you make an appointment and actually speak to the teacher.

alicet · 30/11/2008 19:58

Thisisyesterday is spot on. I would ahve also thought the fact that your ds probably got them all right should have been a clue that it was easy for him!!!

Agree that polite note rather than snotty comments more likely to be listened to but I can understand why you feel frustrated!

If it has happend before I would be making an appointment to see the teacher to disucss it and if this has been done already I would be making an appintment to see head of year / head to discuss. Children who found it too hard last week should have had extra time to help them not just sending the same homework out again and clearly children who did well should have been given different work to do.

I am not a teacher but surely this can't be that difficult to arrange?

honestfriend · 30/11/2008 19:58

I would make an appt to see the teacher, or write her a polite note outlining your concerns. Youhave a valid point , but don't be confrontational as it won't get you anywhere ( wear teacher's hat

blueshoes · 30/11/2008 20:31

MrsSnape, if this has happened before, what did you do about it the last time? Did you already communicate your concerns (politely I hope) to the teacher?

LittleBella · 30/11/2008 20:34

I agree that this sounds like it needs more than a note.

NotanOtter · 30/11/2008 20:35

agree with other posters

BecauseImWorthIt · 30/11/2008 20:37

Don't put a snotty note in the school bag as this is highly confrontational. For all you know, there could be a specific reason why the teacher is doing this.

Ring and speak to the teacher to voice your concerns. Don't risk getting on the wrong side of her! You never know when you might need support from the teacher.

cat64 · 30/11/2008 20:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn