DS overheard teacher talking about new boy

[HeisenbergsHat]

DS (7) is in Y2, there's a new boy in his class, I'll call him Bob. I was talking to DS about Bob asking the usual questions, what's he like, have you played with him, etc. DS says Bob doesn't speak English (except for swearwords!) and spits at people. I try to explain how hard it must be for Bob not speaking the language and encourage DS to be kind to him. DS then says that none of the other KS1 teachers will have the non-English speakers in their class and they all get dumped in his class. It's not the kind of thing I'd expect to hear from DS at all, so I asked him why on earth he'd say that. It turns out he overheard his teacher saying this to the class TA, during carpet time, while the rest of the class were getting to their carpet spots.

I feel like I should say something to the teacher but she's been, in all other ways, a really fantastic teacher; it's obvious how much effort she puts into the job and kids all adore her. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but at the same time I think that what she said, within earshot of pupils, is definitely not ok. I'd hate for DS to pick up on that sort of negativity about non-English speakers and if I was Bob's parent I'd be very upset. Should I say something to her? What's the best way to approach it?

Do you honestly think the key stage one teachers turn around and announce to the Head that they won't be having any EAL kids in their class, thank you very much?

If there is a vacancy in the class you have who ever you are given! Teachers do not have control over who is placed in their class and cannot refuse to teach anyone.

If your child's report is correct I would suggest a quick conversation with the teacher about your concerns about the spitting and swear words, hinting at what your child thinks they heard. But do bear in mind children mis-hear, mis-understand and make things up.

No JonSnow I don't imagine it went quite like that. But the finer working of class allocations are not my concern. This is an under-subscribed school, perhaps the other teachers already have children who don't speak English and expressed a dis-inclination to have another one. Perhaps that's what DS's teacher was expressing, in a rather blunt manner.

My concern is what my DS overheard, not the accuracy of his teacher's statement.

There are vacancies in every class at the school.

Knowing my DS as I do, I don't doubt that he heard what he said he did.

Class teachers generally don't get it pick, new kids are generally allocated to you. In the school I worked in there was no consultation.

I've never been consulted or asked. Decisions are made and I adhere to them.
Perhaps your DS over heard this but you may want to give weight to the idea that he misheard before you approach the teacher.

I think it's entirely possible that it's true. A teacher might not be able to refuse as such but it's quite possible that the other teachers have persuaded the head that it's better that the child isn't in their class and that to DS's teacher that feels that she has all the more challenging pupils "dumped" on her

Over the years I have heard many teachers say something similar.I might be behavior problems, non English speakers or needy parents but there's often one or a couple of (better/more experienced) teachers who seem to end up with all the difficult cases.

However the allocations are worked out DS's teacher clearly feels that this boy has been dumped on her.

I'm wondering how best to approach her about what she said, I wasn't planning to discuss with her how and why the boy ended up in her class. I was just going to say something along the lines of - DS had repeated something that he says he'd overheard and I'm a bit worried about what he might be listening in on.

I volunteer in another primary school and have heard teachers and TAs talk about the children as though they're not there, I think adults assume children aren't interested in grown-up conversations.

Sometimes teachers recognise the compliment - some times they feel they've been dumped on. Poor that a child overheard though

Thanks revised that's the bit I'm worried about.

I don't want to have a go at the teacher, and if I wanted to kick up a big fuss then I'd go to the head. I just wanted a quiet word to give her a heads up that DS is a nosy bugger and will repeat, verbatim, anything he hears so maybe she should watch what she says. I'm just not quite sure how to say that to her politely!

Ever heard of eavesdropping? Clearly your son follows your example.

GoblinLittleOwl Errm.... What?

Goblin that is possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen, even on mn

Well, you could just leave it I suppose. My first son heard and knew all the gossip, so I did too, l, often before anyone else! Once, he told me that the head was leaving. He'd overheard and yes, it was true. We found out in a few months time. I suppose you could just say to the teacher 'you know, I hear all sorts because ds eavesdrops!' TBH I wouldn't bother as your child will change class soon. Will you say it to each teacher? All staff have a grumble between each other and though it is not advisable to chat / grumble in front of children, teachers are not robots or perfect and if your child is anything like mine, they begin to realise early on how different adults are too.

"I'm wondering how best to approach her about what she said"

You don't. Just leave it. It's nothing to do with you, actually, and there is nothing to be gained by bringing it up. IF (and that's a large 'if' in my book) she really thinks that about any child in her class - and I would imagine that it's the spitting and swearing she might struggle with more than the EAL - you mentioning it is not going to change her view.

And don't forget that the eavesdropping works both ways. Your ds might well have been relating juicy snippets about home-life back to the teacher.

Teachers do not get to pick who goes into their class.

I just don't believe this was said. Your son misheard the conversation, not doubting that he's able to relay what he's heard but I just don't think there's a school in the country where teachers tell their boss they won't take pupils because they're EAL.

DD used to repeat back to me word for word what she heard her teacher saying.

DD didn't understand what the teacher said, but I did.

There was one very interesting conversation between the HT and the teacher in front of the class, which DD repeated word for word. I was in two minds about bringing it up with the teacher, but chose not to....I decided I wouldn't want to miss out on any other such conversations.

My life is dull, as you can tell.

If there are two Y2 classes, and spaces in each class, the teacher may well have a point about certain children being placed in her class.

It would really depend on what standing some teachers have in the school. I have definitely seen long standing teachers who are more powerful than the Head! If the school has spaces, they will get all the new children if other schools are full. Children joining mid year may be more of an issue.

However, I really would not say anything. It is not your child. I would keep tabs on any poor behaviour, from any child, if it affects your DS but, if it does not, then I would not mention anything at this stage because there are no grounds for complaint and you might ruin your relationship with a perfectly good teacher. More to lose than gain, I think!

It is none of your business. Your ds was eavesdropping. You have no idea as to the accuracy of what he heard. There is no need for you to do anything. If you do speak to either the head or the teacher they will tell you he misunderstood, and you will look like a loon or a PITA. lets imagine the teacher approached you about something your ds had overheard you saying. What would you think? Would you thank her or would you maybe think she should keep her beak out?

Or perhaps OP would welcome the chance to put the record straight?

Ask, but in a very neutral way "DS tells me he heard this (explanation) which sounds all wrong to me. How can this be put straight, and is it better from you or from me?"

bizarre comment from goblin.

I'd leave it, unless ds brings it up again or it seems to bother him. If it does, then it's a warning to his teacher to be much more wary of little ears.

I am not sure about the comments regarding the child eavesdropping. If a teacher is having a conversation IN the classroom when the children are there then that conversation can not be classed as a private conversation. Some children listen carefully to everything in their environment all the time. Eavesdropping to me would be creeping up on someone deliberately to listen to something you aren't supposed to or loitering outside a door or something but this is a child in a classroom happening to overhear something.

Lynette, how can you possibly know that your DD. reported the conversation word for word unless you heard it too?!

There's a huge difference between a child repeating stuff from home to a teacher and a teacher having a conversation with another member of staff about a child, in front of another child. Data Protection laws for a start.