Anyone else think DD's teacher is a Scrooge?

[katied73]

DD is in Year 6 and her teacher is quite a strict, rarely cracks a smile, takes things very seriously type. Year 6 did A Christmas Carol as an afternoon performance on the last day of term and the ironic thing is that DD's teacher then sent her class home a) with homework over the holidays, b) without a card to any of the children and c) without even a little sweet each!

I'm not saying for a second that teacher's are obliged to give the children anything at Christmas (my Mum was a Year 3 teacher so I know the score) but not even a card? My two DS's (Year 3 and Reception) had cards from their teacher and the TAs, as well as a little present. DD sent the teacher a card (as did most of the class) but nothing back!

As for the homework, what a fiasco. Handed out literally as they were leaving at the end of the day (no homework in the rest of the school) and told to 'interview your parents about their childhood Christmases, like the Christmas interviews we've been doing in guided reading'. Great idea, except DD's guided reading group haven't been doing that so they had no idea what that meant and there was no time to ask the teacher as they were being shooed out of the door (presumably so Ms Scrooge could turn down the heating and save money).

Anyone else think this is all a bit mean over Christmas?

When I was a Primary teacher when I had year 6 I used to print a class photo and draw santa hats onto each child or draw a card where they all had a named stocking. I'd then give each child a christmas card with a personal message praising something very specific. I loved having the chance to individually tell each of them why I loved them in my class as the rest of the time there was never time to do something so positive to the whole class all at once.
This was in the days before I had children and I had all the time in the world and my job was basically my life!!

I think christmas is a time where you can show your appreciation and make a small effort which the kids would love. Especially in year 6 where they are starting to realise they will soon be moving on so become more united.

I wouldn't give presents mostly because (sorry to bring in a moan!) teachers, especially the ones who put everything into it and are very dedicated, don't earn enough for the hours they put in.

So yes fair enough your DDs teacher didn't buy them anything but there are ways to cheaply show kindness and care to the children via cards.
I can understand you feel she isn't building a good relationship with the children however effective her teaching may be it is important to build a good morale with the children especially in the lead up to SATs and secondary school, a time they are going through big changes and emotionally may be a bit up and down. They need to be respecting you and feel you are approachable as their teacher.

Ooo, yabu.

I was annoyed that Y1 DS wasn't given any homework over Xmas. (We'll do workbooks + reading ourselves over the xmas break).

yes I had complaints from parents re lack of homework

I really, really, really don't like homework. Thank goodness ds wasn't given any for the holidays. We won't do anything except read.

Maybe the homework is supposed to encourage family conversation?

Ah, I don't know. Teachers can't win sometimes!

DD's teacher (P6) gave each child a Christmas tree bauble with their name written on it in gold - that was lovely and I'm totally stealing the idea for whichever class I have next year! Personal, yet inexpensive!

I remember making this face several times over when a mother asked me why I hadn't bought her pfb and his class of 30 an individual Easter Egg.

Didn't last long in teaching me !!

This wouldn't bother me a bit. In fact, I'd think quite sensible in terms of environmental impact and getting them used to being a bit more grown up.

Not everyone is wild about Xmas. The teacher had helped her class rehearse and perform a Christmas play. Sounds plenty to me.