Teacher "doesn't get how ds's mind works"

[beckybrastraps]

Ds's teacher said this to me at parent's evening, and I've been stewing about it since. She says he is extremely disorganised, which is causing problems with school routine. She also said that although he is good at problem-solving and science investigation-type stuff, on more mundane matters he requires very structured instructions and can get very frustrated if things are not as clear as he feels they should be.

He is 5.8, in year 1 and above average apparently in numeracy and literacy, but discussing these other issues took most of the appointment. I couldn't really get a handle on whether she thought these were very serious issues that needed addressing as a matter of urgency. When I asked her if it was a major problem she said that it was but that she didn't want to "squash his intelligence". I don't know what she means by that. And now I don't know what to do.

Any advice?

Well that's not very helpful!! I wld have expected more than that if she felt it worthy of note. You could always ask for a separate chat to discuss further maybe??

I would ask for another appointment to talk about how these issues will be dealt with. If there is a problem then the school need to do more than just tell you that the problem exists. They should be telling you what they are planning to do about it.

I know he's disorganised. And I know he has a particular way of thinking. He is very like my dh. But last year his teacher, while commenting on it, never suggested it was a problem. This teacher is much more, well, structured. But then I guess that trend will continue...

I know. It's just that after I pushed her, it's almost like she was back-tracking. I hate being the pushy parent...

But I will have to see her again.

I might go and see the teacher he has in the afternoon. He goes into a year 2 class then, and surely any problems would be even more obvious there...

Would deffo arrange a longer chat. IMHO - the 10 mins (?) you get is not enough at parents evening to duscuss this type of issue. Have had it myself with DS2. At least the teacher is anxious not to squash your DCs' intelligence ( not that hse cld squash that, but she could affect his confidence.)
Your DS sounds quite typical of a five-year old - ie need strcutured instructioned for detailed tasks and is frustrated if they are not clear - good on him for ahving a logical mind that does not like imprecise info. Maybe she should work on making those instructions clearer.
Sorry re-reading this - not terribly helpful - go & see her and have a long talk, and don't be scared into thinking there is something wrong with him!!!!