Comments on: Kindergarten Cruelty: Not Child’s Play http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/ Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:21:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: April K http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895207 April K Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:08:01 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895207 Granted what they did was wrong but morals, values, and manners are not taught the same way they were years ago. Teachers hands are also more tied. You are not supposed to embarrass a student in any way, use physical movements or writing as punishment, or spank a student. Most of these rules did not apply when I was in school. The teacher had more ways to manage their classroom. This problem is part of the reason so many teachers snap. Everyone has a breaking point, no one is perfect. Another problem is that so many people are causing problems for the education process. People who have never step foot in a classroom, besides for their own education, are making the rules for teachers to follow. The few are causing problems for the many. Things such as this were rarer before now. We are told not to let the students play contact games or games such as dodgeball because they might get hurt. Schools are having to cut back on classes that are not the primary courses due to more standards and expectations of the teachers and budgets. Contrary to popular belief there is a lot more to teaching them just walking into the classroom, teaching a lesson, and going home. There are a lot of responsibilities and pressures put on teachers and their jobs are made even more difficult due to classroom sizes. These situations should have been handled differently by the teachers. They never should have turned the rest of the class on the student. Their actions would most likely only reinforce the behavior rather than to curb it. Help from parents is also required to make a successful classroom. It is hard to break a child of bad behavior if it is allowed at home. The child was also breaking the rules by having a recorder. Any electronic use has to have permission before being brought to school. It is also against the rules to record someone without their knowledge. There was a video on the news a couple of months ago about a teacher who blew up on his students. A student had made a video of it on their phone and posted it on YouTube.com. The administration handled the situation in the best was possible. They suspended the teacher pending an investigation and punished the student who recorded the video for breaking the rules. The same thing is true he. No matter how you look at it, two wrongs do not equal a right. Granted what they did was wrong but morals, values, and manners are not taught the same way they were years ago. Teachers hands are also more tied. You are not supposed to embarrass a student in any way, use physical movements or writing as punishment, or spank a student. Most of these rules did not apply when I was in school. The teacher had more ways to manage their classroom. This problem is part of the reason so many teachers snap. Everyone has a breaking point, no one is perfect. Another problem is that so many people are causing problems for the education process. People who have never step foot in a classroom, besides for their own education, are making the rules for teachers to follow. The few are causing problems for the many. Things such as this were rarer before now. We are told not to let the students play contact games or games such as dodgeball because they might get hurt. Schools are having to cut back on classes that are not the primary courses due to more standards and expectations of the teachers and budgets. Contrary to popular belief there is a lot more to teaching them just walking into the classroom, teaching a lesson, and going home. There are a lot of responsibilities and pressures put on teachers and their jobs are made even more difficult due to classroom sizes. These situations should have been handled differently by the teachers. They never should have turned the rest of the class on the student. Their actions would most likely only reinforce the behavior rather than to curb it. Help from parents is also required to make a successful classroom. It is hard to break a child of bad behavior if it is allowed at home. The child was also breaking the rules by having a recorder. Any electronic use has to have permission before being brought to school. It is also against the rules to record someone without their knowledge. There was a video on the news a couple of months ago about a teacher who blew up on his students. A student had made a video of it on their phone and posted it on YouTube.com. The administration handled the situation in the best was possible. They suspended the teacher pending an investigation and punished the student who recorded the video for breaking the rules. The same thing is true he. No matter how you look at it, two wrongs do not equal a right.

]]> By: April K http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895179 April K Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:41:04 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895179 I agree with part of what you are saying but I also disagree. Many "problem" students, as they are often called are just misunderstood. They tend to be bored, under challenged due to mainstreaming, struggling to keep up, or bored due to the teaching styles being used. Much of these problems were greatened by the requirement of standardized tests and accountability. Granted teachers should be accountable for their students to some degree but basing their job off of a test is not the way to do it. I agree with part of what you are saying but I also disagree. Many “problem” students, as they are often called are just misunderstood. They tend to be bored, under challenged due to mainstreaming, struggling to keep up, or bored due to the teaching styles being used. Much of these problems were greatened by the requirement of standardized tests and accountability. Granted teachers should be accountable for their students to some degree but basing their job off of a test is not the way to do it.

]]> By: April K http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895165 April K Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:33:07 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-895165 Some teachers are like that and it is unfortunate. Part of this problem falls on the management not doing their job. If evaluations had been done correctly all these years, we may not have had the problems we have today. Many classes now have one teacher to between 20-30 students. Not all disadvantaged students get the help that they need by inclusion. It is very difficult for one teacher to help all of her students at all times all day long. Training is not the problem. Some teachers are like that and it is unfortunate. Part of this problem falls on the management not doing their job. If evaluations had been done correctly all these years, we may not have had the problems we have today. Many classes now have one teacher to between 20-30 students. Not all disadvantaged students get the help that they need by inclusion. It is very difficult for one teacher to help all of her students at all times all day long. Training is not the problem.

]]> By: April K http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-884129 April K Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:18:34 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-884129 Granted both teachers actions was wrong in most eyes. Not that I am taking up for them but a lot of teachers hands are tied. Some schools do not allow paddling and if they do it must be done by the office with permission of the parent. You cannot decipline students the same way that teachers could when we were in school. They should have tried other methods whether the parents were willing to cooperate or not. There are better ways to handle disruptive behavior. Teachers are only human. Their actions may not have been professional or right but they do have a need for more methods of descripline rather than only being able to say " Now Johnny don't do that." Granted both teachers actions was wrong in most eyes. Not that I am taking up for them but a lot of teachers hands are tied. Some schools do not allow paddling and if they do it must be done by the office with permission of the parent. You cannot decipline students the same way that teachers could when we were in school. They should have tried other methods whether the parents were willing to cooperate or not. There are better ways to handle disruptive behavior. Teachers are only human. Their actions may not have been professional or right but they do have a need for more methods of descripline rather than only being able to say ” Now Johnny don’t do that.”

]]> By: Lisa http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-608783 Lisa Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:48:15 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-608783 I came across this article as I was seeking information to help my son who recently began kindergarten. I am a TEACHER, and I would NEVER make these comments to any child, not even on a bad day!!!!. I didn't even respond with venom when a student attempted to PUNCH me when I was 6 months pregnant. I admit that teachers are not perfect, but we should NEVER do anything to scar a child especially at this age!!! My son is struggling because he "talks too much" and "he talks like an adult" not that he is fighting or playing. I admit my son is a motor mouth, however he is talking because he had not been challenged. The material that is being covered, he learned 2 years ago at DAYCARE!!!. He feels that his teacher hates him, because he has never once been able to measure up to her no talking rule. From the very begining of my son's life I sought to instill in him values and respect for authority, but in just 5 days, my son desire to learn is being shattered by the desire to maintain a sterile environment rather than one concerned with whole child development I came across this article as I was seeking information to help my son who recently began kindergarten. I am a TEACHER, and I would NEVER make these comments to any child, not even on a bad day!!!!. I didn’t even respond with venom when a student attempted to PUNCH me when I was 6 months pregnant. I admit that teachers are not perfect, but we should NEVER do anything to scar a child especially at this age!!! My son is struggling because he “talks too much” and “he talks like an adult” not that he is fighting or playing. I admit my son is a motor mouth, however he is talking because he had not been challenged. The material that is being covered, he learned 2 years ago at DAYCARE!!!. He feels that his teacher hates him, because he has never once been able to measure up to her no talking rule. From the very begining of my son’s life I sought to instill in him values and respect for authority, but in just 5 days, my son desire to learn is being shattered by the desire to maintain a sterile environment rather than one concerned with whole child development

]]> By: zoom zoom http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-65798 zoom zoom Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:37:52 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-65798 I have subbed for kindergarten students, and it can be very difficult to handle a ADD student or autistic student. There was one ADD kid in kindergarten who would not listen to me or the teacher. He ended up punching and kicking me at the end. I don't think the autistic student should have been mainstreamed, but there are very few special education teachers out there so adequate resources are sometimes not available. One disruptive student can destroy everyone's learning. Younger kids are also more likely to be misdiagnosed for autism. I have seen fairly talkative children being diagnosed for autism probably by a parent's insistence. Autism can also vary greatly to high or low functioning ability which increases the difficulty of detection. Growing up I have had mean teachers, nice teachers, etc. Teachers are human and parents and society expect them to be perfect. I have had teachers blow up on me but most times they were very supportive. Teachers make mistakes. Parents make mistakes. We all make mistakes. I think the teacher had a impossible task. Low functioning autistic children generally can not listen or live in their own world. I have subbed for kindergarten students, and it can be very difficult to handle a ADD student or autistic student. There was one ADD kid in kindergarten who would not listen to me or the teacher. He ended up punching and kicking me at the end.

I don’t think the autistic student should have been mainstreamed, but there are very few special education teachers out there so adequate resources are sometimes not available. One disruptive student can destroy everyone’s learning.

Younger kids are also more likely to be misdiagnosed for autism. I have seen fairly talkative children being diagnosed for autism probably by a parent’s insistence. Autism can also vary greatly to high or low functioning ability which increases the difficulty of detection.

Growing up I have had mean teachers, nice teachers, etc. Teachers are human and parents and society expect them to be perfect. I have had teachers blow up on me but most times they were very supportive. Teachers make mistakes. Parents make mistakes. We all make mistakes. I think the teacher had a impossible task. Low functioning autistic children generally can not listen or live in their own world.

]]> By: brownmear http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-58021 brownmear Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:31:01 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-58021 It sounds like some of both. There are a lot of little snowflakes out there that would never be bad. There are some teachers that cannot handle small kids. But I see a lot more children now that do not know what no means. Two quick examples. A friend of mine, said his son wanted to buy the latest video game for $10. Turns out a neighbor had a copy of a video for sale for $10, retailed for $69.95. The neighbors mom, when informed, said my son would not do that. End of story. At a boy scout meeting, a cub scout hit a girl for no reason. His mother said, now you know better than that. Ten minutes later when he did it again, his mother said, now _____, don't do that again or I will get mad! Another special needs student! He is actually a special needs student, because of dysfunctional parents that cannot teach their children about boundaries. It sounds like some of both. There are a lot of little snowflakes out there that would never be bad. There are some teachers that cannot handle small kids.

But I see a lot more children now that do not know what no means.

Two quick examples. A friend of mine, said his son wanted to buy the latest video game for $10. Turns out a neighbor had a copy of a video for sale for $10, retailed for $69.95. The neighbors mom, when informed, said my son would not do that. End of story.

At a boy scout meeting, a cub scout hit a girl for no reason. His mother said, now you know better than that. Ten minutes later when he did it again, his mother said, now _____, don’t do that again or I will get mad!

Another special needs student!

He is actually a special needs student, because of dysfunctional parents that cannot teach their children about boundaries.

]]> By: mike http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-55747 mike Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:10:37 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-55747 Back in 3rd grade i had a teacher who would lose it and throw erasers at the students.I was so scared of her i hid my homework in my desk rather than turn it in at her desk.She was nuts. Back in 3rd grade i had a teacher who would lose it and throw erasers at the students.I was so scared of her i hid my homework in my desk rather than turn it in at her desk.She was nuts.

]]> By: TalkinKamel http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-54854 TalkinKamel Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:50:28 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-54854 Just a comment here, but can we clarify terms a bit here? We seem to be talking about a number of different issues here: special ed students, normal students, bad parents, bad teachers, and we all seem to be looking for something different to blam: "It's the parents fault!" "It's the teachers fault!" "It's special ed students!" "It's bad school programs!" "Just smack the little monsters around a bit, and they'll behave!" Given that special ed in public schools has problems (tell me about it!) that doesn't, in my opinion, justify a teacher singling out a particular child for contempt and mockery by the other students and having them vote him out of the class. I don't care how disruptive, or troublesome the kid might have been, or how stressed out the teacher was. It's inexcusable. Parents aren't perfect. Teachers aren't perfect either, and the current break-down in our educational system isn't due only to the presence of special ed students in it. Our schools aren't doing much better at teaching the bright or average kids either, and bullying, and incidents of teacher/student abuse, is getting worse and worse. We need to quit looking for a handy scapegoat on which to blame everything. Just a comment here, but can we clarify terms a bit here? We seem to be talking about a number of different issues here: special ed students, normal students, bad parents, bad teachers, and we all seem to be looking for something different to blam: “It’s the parents fault!” “It’s the teachers fault!” “It’s special ed students!” “It’s bad school programs!” “Just smack the little monsters around a bit, and they’ll behave!”

Given that special ed in public schools has problems (tell me about it!) that doesn’t, in my opinion, justify a teacher singling out a particular child for contempt and mockery by the other students and having them vote him out of the class. I don’t care how disruptive, or troublesome the kid might have been, or how stressed out the teacher was. It’s inexcusable.

Parents aren’t perfect. Teachers aren’t perfect either, and the current break-down in our educational system isn’t due only to the presence of special ed students in it. Our schools aren’t doing much better at teaching the bright or average kids either, and bullying, and incidents of teacher/student abuse, is getting worse and worse.

We need to quit looking for a handy scapegoat on which to blame everything.

]]> By: Ryan Booth http://pjmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-54750 Ryan Booth Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:47:19 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/kindergarten-cruelty-not-childs-play/#comment-54750 Concerning special education I teach an inclusion class that works fairly well -- students with special needs get extra help from a special ed teacher who is with me every other day, and she makes sure that their testing needs are met. But special ed in general is often abused. A couple of children at my school have "opposition disorder", which basically means that they are unruly and disobedient. So when one of them curses at me, it's just part of her "disability". She is in a class with only 3 other students, and she has a paraprofessional who is required to escort her around campus to help control her behavior and stop her from instigating fights. When you also calculate the time spent by the school's special ed coordinator, the extra time from our principal and dean of students, the school district altogether spends about 6-7 times as much to try to educate her as it would a regular student (about $30,000 extra by my rough guess) -- and of course, she absolutely refuses to do any schoolwork or learn anything. I want to help those with real disabilities, but we have to find ways to stop the abuse of the system. Concerning special education

I teach an inclusion class that works fairly well — students with special needs get extra help from a special ed teacher who is with me every other day, and she makes sure that their testing needs are met.

But special ed in general is often abused. A couple of children at my school have “opposition disorder”, which basically means that they are unruly and disobedient. So when one of them curses at me, it’s just part of her “disability”. She is in a class with only 3 other students, and she has a paraprofessional who is required to escort her around campus to help control her behavior and stop her from instigating fights. When you also calculate the time spent by the school’s special ed coordinator, the extra time from our principal and dean of students, the school district altogether spends about 6-7 times as much to try to educate her as it would a regular student (about $30,000 extra by my rough guess) — and of course, she absolutely refuses to do any schoolwork or learn anything.

I want to help those with real disabilities, but we have to find ways to stop the abuse of the system.

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