Bad start to year 5?

[Viewofthehills]

DD started in year 5 yesterday. In the first morning the new teacher tells DD that her old teacher told her that DD is "bright, but lazy", in front of the other children at the table.

I think that is a very negative label to throw at her on the first day and it makes me pretty cross that after two years with the previous teacher she is being denied any chance of a fresh start. It also ignores the fact that last year DD matured enormously; started to take responsibility for remembering things she needed to take to school and for doing her homework.

My question is whether to do anything about it? My inclination is to go in and talk to the teacher tomorrow; obviously in a calm and civil way. But about half the staff have changed over the summer and I feel they probably need a few days to settle in. On the other hand I think that this teacher could have waited to judge DD over the next few weeks instead of coming out with this yesterday.What would you do?

My DS was told the same when he started year 3. It made him pull his socks up to prove a point and his year 3 teacher was very impressed and told him his previous teacher was obviously wrong about him.

If it's upset your DC though I guess it wouldnt hurt to mention it

I guess that might have been her intention. It's interesting it worked for your DS.
With DD though, it won't make her pull her socks up as she was doing that (unrecognised by the previous teacher) anyway. I think noticing when she has made an effort might be more constructive. And not giving other kids ammunition to use against her might also help.

Did the teacher do this to other children? Using the word lazy to describe a child, to its face, in front of others is very poor practice. I find it odd.
Was your Dd upset?
I'm a teacher and if my daughter came home and told me she'd been called lazy at school I'd be having words. Calm and civil words, but words.

My children are not school age yet but this shocks me. Teachers should not be labelling kids at all IMO. Especially in front of other kids. Praise and censorship should be specific to actions I.e. 'that is the correct answer, you got them all right, well done'. Not 'you are clever' and 'you are not writing, put down the toy' not 'you are lazy and naughty'. It is more actionable for the kids and doesn't make them believe that something is an innate part of their character. I would complain to the teacher.

Thanks Smartie, I'll ask DD about that. I only know it was said because DD's friend came to tea and was talking about it. DD was embarassed and I don't think would have told me because she felt in the wrong, even though she was doing her work at the time and the teacher looked over her shoulder.

I think I'll go in and see if I can have a word.

I would email - mostly so I get my full points across but it's not discussed infront of dd. I would also reassure dd that you have noticed she's trying hard.

Vijac- sorry I missed your post. I don't like labels and like you have always tried to avoid them. What might be a casual remark to the adult that made it can make a deep impression on a child. I'll see what response I get and report back!

Talked to DD's teacher this morning. She was lovely. She apologised for using the lazy label, but DD was chatting not working when she said it and went on to do a lot more work.
We certainly agree in that we want DD to achieve what she is capable of, so I feel much more positive about the year ahead now!

Glad it was resolved to your satisfaction.
We all make mistakes and slips of the tongue are easily done.
If she can apologise for any upset then hopefully all will be sorted.