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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

AIBU to use my own DCs to do classroom jobs?

16 replies

EcoLady · 04/01/2013 20:04

A day prepping in my new classroom today... DH was at work so I had to take the DCs (11 & 8) in with me. They did lots of pencil sharpening, cutting and laminating for me and seemed to enjoy it. They passed bits to me when I was doing high displays and offered their views on what looked best, which letters to use, etc. They also played lots of games on the IWB, their DS and ipad, so it wasn't all work.

Saw a friend later who is also a teacher. She was really shocked that I'd got my DCs doing jobs for me in their holidays.

Who was right?

BTW - I did ask the Head first, who said it was absolutely fine for them to be there.

OP posts:
AllDirections · 04/01/2013 20:07

Ignore her, you got some help and the DC had fun, sounds like a win/win situation Smile

bran · 04/01/2013 20:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hulababy · 04/01/2013 20:12

DD is 10y and will sometimes come into work with me. I am a Y2 (some times y1) TA these days but if she has INSET the head/class teacher is happy for her to come in on occasion. e set her to work - if children are in school she may do some group work with them - a game, sitting and helping with a maths problem, helping on a craft table, etc. Sometimes we will get her sorting out stuff the role play area, sharpening pencils, helping sort stuff for a display, etc.

DD loves it! Mind, she will often try and make little worksheets for the age group at home on her computer, or mini paper based games. I have even used some in class.

Floralnomad · 04/01/2013 20:19

Sounds like they had a great day ,ignore your friend .

MayaAngelCool · 04/01/2013 20:21

She's just jealous, innit?

I see no difference between this and household chores. Good on you.

Original poster
EcoLady · 04/01/2013 21:07

Thanks everyone! She seemed to think it was slave labour! Nice to hear your views :-)

OP posts:
MagratGarlik · 05/01/2013 00:43

I used to be an academic. During my DC's holidays, I was still at work and they most defiantly were not allowed. I had to work in the holidays whilst I sent them to crap holiday club.

Which would I prefer? Working in the school holidays and having to have the DC's with me sometimes or having to work in the school holidays and have someone else looking after them all the time? Actually, I know which I prefer....

happynewmind · 05/01/2013 01:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

notnagging · 05/01/2013 01:38

Lol I used to do this all the time. Even got my dh in as well. Ignore her!Smile

donnasummer · 05/01/2013 01:41

you were right, I'm amazed you got them to do so much tho, mine usually go out and kick a football on the field am Envy

FelicityWasSanta · 05/01/2013 09:31

You were right, totally ok.

BackforGood · 05/01/2013 16:18

Can't understand why she was shocked - standard practice IME.

Original poster
EcoLady · 05/01/2013 17:17

Thank you again all! Smile

Feeling vindicated. Can thoroughly recommend an electric pencil sharpener to keep the slaves workers happy.

OP posts:
JustinMumsnot · 05/01/2013 23:43

My 10-year-old would pay good money to use an electric pencil sharpener. Grin

sausagesandwich34 · 05/01/2013 23:47

I used to do this when I was 8 upwards

I used to love going in in the school holidays, changing the big displays, sorting out the home corner pissing about with food colouring in the water play table

muppet1969 · 06/01/2013 16:52

My children always did this. The only problem is once they are teenagers you have to pay them!

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