Yesterday, DD9's teacher accused her of working too fast. This really upset DD, who told me that she's not trying to work fast at all. She just knows it already and finishes early. DD also told me that her teacher has repeatedly lectured the class on slowing down and not trying to be first, and DD always feels like it's directed at her. DD says she's tried to slow down, but she's still the first one done. She's not making mistakes or rushing, so I don't understand the problem, and I told DD not to change a thing. She's also a very well-behaved kid, so I'm sure her finishing early is not causing a problem in that way.

I think we're going to have to say something to the teacher. I hate to do this because I feel like I've been bugging her so much lately. Just yesterday I asked why they stopped ability grouping for reading (this really benefitted DD). We're also having issues with AR because DD is required to read 8-10 books this 9 weeks, but it takes her longer than a week to read a book on her level. Therefore, she's taking the easy route and reading 3rd grade level books in order to catch up. I'd rather her read half as many books as everyone else, as long as they were on her level (6.4).

I know I'm rambling here, but I just had to vent!

Sounds frustrating. Good luck with the 'chat.' Courage my friend!
Grinity

Try the chat in a matter-of-fact tone. Sometimes teachers in the early years just don't think beyond that grade level box. Last year DS had to read 10 books "one of which had to be a chapter book" to earn tickets to a local baseball team game. At the end of the time limit, DS only had 4 books on his list, but had read Harry Potter 6. I emailed the teacher saying something like "I hope you don't mind, but we are counting Harry Potter for the last 6 books, considering it's xxx pages long...I hope it counts as a "chapter book" (added for humor).

He got his baseball tickets.

The working too fast thing though just irritates me. Hopefully you can convince the teacher to talk to DD aside, and assure her this does NOT include her. Unfortunately some kids do work too fast, and miss stuff.

That's weird. I think I'd ask why it's a problem for this teacher that DD works fast. I can't imagine a valid reason, since DD is not a troublemaker in class, but maybe she has one we're not thinking of? At any rate, that's where I'd start.

I wish I could borrow some of that speed! DS6 is slower than molasses in a January blizzard! If the work is too easy or too hard, he moves even slower. Ugh. A little speed would be welcome!

Hang in there!

Thanks, Dottie. I don't know if they will bend on the reading thing, since it's the same standard across the grade level. It's worth a shot, though. She just doesn't need to be reading Judy Moody anymore, nor does she really want to.

You're right that some kids do work too fast and make mistakes. My DD6 is in that category. She's very careless. Yes, maybe I can convince the teacher to talk to DD. DD is very sensitive and probably thinks it's directed at her, but it may not be.

You may have hit the nail on the head right here!
Good Luck,
Grin

My son has/had the opposite tendency and often works too slowly for his teachers either out of boredom and daydreaming or putting too much thought into simplistic requirements (of the lower grades). He apparently works more efficiently at home because his work got done, so I understand your questioning the teacher’s opinion that this is even a problem.

Recently, DS has reported that his teacher has been making a point to mention that he has known many “gifted” people who turn out to be total losers as adults. DS also believes that these comments are directed towards him.

Hmm, is it possible that it’s not?

Hmm. Still pretty insensitive, regardless.

The rebel in me wants to reply "There are many elementary school teachers who are total losers, too." But I wouldn't do that, of course!

What an awful thing to say, even if it isn't directed at him! That would make me so mad.

Our daughter has had such a completely different experience at this same school with the same teachers. -Incidentally, I can imagine the administration turning this comment around to imply some “personality defect” in DS. I am more inclined to attribute it to a deficit of professional affect amongst (some) of the staff.
We are strongly considering a prep school beginning next year. We do need finacial aid for the tuition, but so far, they seem quite interested in DS.
Will the grass really be greener with a 32 mile drive to and from school?