Like, I don't know how to say what I want to say. So, what's happening is, my 5 year old daughter was super eager to do school (she's doing virtual) and she raised her hand for every question. I understand there are 20 kids in the class, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. But, anyway, after 2 months of never getting called on, she never raises her hand anymore. She'll tell me the right answer, and I'll say "raise your hand. Tell the teacher." and she simply goes "no". And logs off her class!

I tried messaging the teacher and teacher goes "she's doing great! I'm so glad to have her in my class". Like, never addressing my concerns, so I called the school to complain. They told me to email the principal and here we are.

I honestly feel like, it's no one but the school districts fault. Setting up the virtual classes so big, for a kindergarten class. Like, I remember being in kindergarten and we had 10 kids in the class. I don't know what they can do to make a difference, I don't want to Karen, and be like 'my kid's special, call on her more!' I mean to say I feel nervous they will think I am trying to pull something like that.

I made bullet points to bring up all my concerns, just like, am I doing the right thing? I don't want it to seem like I'm just bitching to them, when there is nothing they can do. I just need someone to tell me that I'm doing the right thing. I'm afraid I'm going to be so nervous.

Also, I wanted to bring up that my daughter has not learned anything new since they are going over shit she learned when she was 1 years old with 5 years old. My kid is like, "mom, I know all this! I'm logging off".

 

When I was in school is was always over 20 people in a class, and that was the 80s/90s.
Though I can se how online would make it more difficult.

 

I don't have a kid doing virtual class but can kids just 'log off' and its fine? Isn't' that like skipping school? Seems they should be required to be logged in as long as the school is in session.

 

I don't think she can even see all the kids.

Yeah, she's skipping when she does that.

 

Yikes. Talk about a rock and a hard place..... After reading this, yeah its 100% the schools fault. You should call them out on the BS they’ve been pulling on the meeting.

 

It's in 30 mins, I'm so nervous I don't know how to say what I want to say.

 

Try taking deep breaths in and out, that usually helps with nerves! I’ve never had a virtual meeting so I’m not 100% sure how these things work. But I’d assume it start off with a, “hi or hello” from the principal and you could just say something on the lines of, “so my problem is that lately blah blah blah blah”.
And whatever you say, be sure to stand by it firmly. And be professional.

 

I don't know about most kids, but my school requires me to stay on. We can log off, but there are punishments. Especially since it's easier to stay logged on.

 

Well, I forgot to update. They basically said they are not worried about her academic performance at all, so she does not have to sign on. Just do her assignment. They are putting her in an accelerated group for advanced students 1 day a week that she has to attend for 30 minutes.

 

I wish I didn't have to sign on cause "I know all this." Yeah, the school does snitch on you if you skip class (which is fucking annoying when the teacher misses you on the attendance sheet), I wish the way school was designed where there aren't zoom classes, but you can do the work before a deadline. I probably don't know what I am talking about, but still. I am an honors student, and I wish I can stay in class less.
5 days a week, 8:34-3:20...

 

She's 5 and this is her 1st year in school. It's way different than a high schooler who has experience and an impression of what school is. If she starts hating school now, in her 1st year of it, it can complicate things, and demotivate her for school in the future. That's why they told me to allow her time, kindergarten is supposed to be fun, and make kids think school is fun and rewarding.

 

Yeah, your right.

 

Here's an honest question: was your daughter taking an online class one of multiple options or the only option? If in-person is an option, and online is not working, is there a way to switch to in-person?

Here's the other thing to consider about your daughter not learning. For better or for worse, not all families value educating their children, but education starts with the family and not at the school. At least, it should. Consequently, what may be stuff your daughter has already learned may be novel to another child. Other kids may just be initially learning what your daughter has already learned. I wish things were less standardized and uniform myself, but that's just the reality of schools in America today.

One has to remember that the schools have to deal with lots and lots of kids, and some teachers are, often against their own preferences, only doing online schooling. It can't be easy dealing with the needs of 20+ kindergarteners online while dealing with all of the difficulties of being physically remote and adapting to technology that may not be comfortable to use for all. Even if you're frustrated, try to be patient, and try to continue teaching your daughter new skills herself, because like I said earlier education starts with the family.

If not getting picked on is a major concern, and it's seriously frustrating your daughter, I would make a suggestion to the school of incorporating a program or site that allows students to participate without to raise their hand and get picked by the teacher. Things like interactive quizzes and other activities could be fun.

Personally, if in-person is an option, I would absolutely pick that over online-only. I'm not saying I speak for anyone else here; I'm just saying I think in-person learning is more beneficial, and that one loses something by not having in-person learning.

 

I know it's kindergarten curriculum and I can give 2 shits about anyone else's kid and where they are at academically. I am worried about my child not being engaged. And no I won't switch to in person because I value my child's life.

 

So many problems with the American education system can be traced to this sort of attitude.

I'm glad I quit teaching a few yrs ago. Better money. Not having to deal with this sort of thing...

Though, I was HS for years and Middle School for my last two. I can't imagine an online Kindergarten and dealing with student deficiencies for the simplest and most basic material... from a distance. It was bad enough having HS students that could barely read, but at least they had SOMETHING to build upon and work with

 

I am trying to help you out here and explain the reality, which is that your child is one student out of many, and that teachers have to deal with multiple students and their needs and not just yours. I'm also letting you know that 20 kids in an online class during the current situation is not that big, even if kindergarten classes ideally would have fewer students than that. Locally, many online-only elementary teachers are teaching 40+ students, because 25% of the local elementary population is opting for online only. I am not an elementary teacher, but I know that for a fact from talking with other teachers. With secondary, it's undoubtedly much more in many instances.

Consequently, given the challenges on the end of the teachers and schools right now, I would 1) advise patience and understanding and not rushing to judgement, and 2) when you do contact the teacher and/or school, just respectfully let them know the current situation has resulted in some challenges for your daughter being engaged, explain the specific instances, and try to work with them for a solution.

I have debated going into a different myself due to some parents' and some students' (and even officials') antics and attitudes. I have been doing more of my old job anyway the last couple years.

 

Good job of taking my words and using them out of context against me. I applaud you.