Am so impressed...

[magicmummy1]

dd's teacher sent home two pieces of written work today - one from the beginning of the academic year, and the other from last week. I am so impressed with the amount of progress that she has made in such a short space of time - it's phenomenal!

dd is a bright kid, and clearly a receptive pupil, so I guess she should take some credit for the progress that she has made, but what really struck me was how I could see the teacher's hard work shining through in almost every sentence. I know that she has been working with dd throughout the year on sentence structure, choice of vocabulary, organising her ideas etc, and it was really impressive to see how the input in each of these different areas has all started to work together.

I truly think her teacher is amazing, and I really hope she realises how much we appreciate what she does. And I hope that all the other teachers out there know much their work is noticed and valued! You should be proud of all that you do!

wow :o

That's a great idea, cat. I imagine it's very motivating for the kids to look back and see how they have moved on.

I knew that dd's writing had come on a lot this year, but the contrast between those two bits of work really made the difference clear. If all of the kids have progressed to the same extent, then I think the teacher deserves a medal! (or a pay rise! )

How about a short note in a card saying what you have said here about your appreciation of the teacher's work with your child?

Oh yes, I will definitely be telling the teacher in a card at the end of the year how much we appreciate all that she has done! She really has gone above & beyond what we might reasonably expect, and my only concern is that I can't find the words to thank her enough.

Hi squidgy! :) so glad that you're happy with how your ds is getting on. It makes such a huge difference when they are happy and well supported. It's so easy to get the impression from MN that everyone has concerns about their dc's schools, but I guess the reality is that people come here for advice when things aren't quite right, while the happy majority are silent. I do like to think that most teachers do a fantastic job, though, and I often feel that our society doesn't value them enough!

I'd send a letter in now if I were you. Why wait for the end of the year... if she receives it now she'll know how much you are truly struck by her hard work, whereas at the end of the year she might think it's just an automatic thing. It will be a lovely surprise for her to get it at such an unusual time too and will stand out all the more.

If only all parents were as lovely and thoughtful as you! And a big well done to your DD as well.

Hmm, that's an interesting thought, missbetsy. I could send in a little note tomorrow, as I'd definitely like her to know that we really mean it. However, I know I'll want to thank her again at the end of the year and am anxious about sounding too gushy!

Would she think it was a bit OTT if I sent a note tomorrow and another one at the end of the year?

No, I don't think it would be OTT. Just lovely and encouraging. I don't think you'll look like a nutter - just an appreciative, involved parent. Good on you!

Thank you, missbetsy, you read my mind - I was a bit concerned about looking like a nutter! I'll definitely send in a note with dd tomorrow! :).

My lo has a really good class teacher I sent a letter to the head about how good he was.

And the head read it out at the staff meeting he was really flattered