I posted a question yesterday about my daughter struggling in the 5th grade. I got a lot of helpful and ensightful responses and am happy to say that everyone who answered was respectful and appropriate. It was Mamapedia at its best! I just wanted to get on here and tell what happened.
I sent an email to the teacher with a very detailed account of the night before. I told her about my daughter's melt down about her grade, her fear of failing 5th grade, her fear of asking questions, making teacher mad, kids thinking she's stupid. I told her how she responded when we were trying to work on math homework. I told her my concern about my daughter's quiet in class. I asked her if we needed to get the counselor involved or what we could do to help my daughter and help her, the teacher. I hadn't received a response, yet, but my daughter came home and told me about her day and that was all the response I needed.
Coincedentally enough, she read my email during math lessons. She got up from her desk and walked over to my daughter and squatted down next to her and asked her how she was doing. She didn't take my daughter's first response as the answer. She pressed a little. She told my girl that her class was all a family and that everyone had questions and that she, as a teacher. loved questions because they helped people learn better, do better and do more and it also gave her more opportunities to teach. She told my girl that she would be doing other kids in class who were embarassed to ask a favor because they would also get another chance to learn. She really took the time to explain and make my daughter feel comfortable. Then my daughter said, "And when she walked by she stopped and rubbed the back of my head."
I wanted to cry I was so happy and touched. I could tell that the conversation changed my daughters view point and went a considerably long way in easing her anxiety. I was literally in the car listening to my daughter tell me her story and trying to decide whether I was sending her teacher Godiva chocolates or a homemade apple pie. Hannah felt safe in her class and cared for by her teacher and her peers who had also jumped in to ease her fears.
So here's to a really great teacher who listens to parents and responds to children!
Anybody else have a story to tell? Do you have a great teacher story?
Thanks again, ladies, for being a sounding board and taking the time to offer thoughtful advice!
Aaaaw, so awesome, tearing up here! Yes, a good teacher can make all the difference in the world!
That's for the happy post!
:)
As a teacher myself, that made my day! We so often see bashing of teachers in the media, and even on this site. It was WONDERFUL to hear a way that one made a real difference. Yay for her, your daughter, and YOU for recognizing her needs.
:) Hugs to you all!!
Oh my gosh - this brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful teacher! I'm sure that "talk" will be an positive impact on your daughter's life forever!
when/if you send chocolates or something, make sure you tell the teacher that:
Hannah felt safe in her class and cared for by her teacher and her peers who had also jumped in to ease her fears.
that feedback is so important!! dont just say thank you! tell her exactly the result!!
That's such an awesome story. Be sure to let others know, and perhaps even send a note to the principal that you're happy with her. I'm sure they get more complaints than compliments from parents. :)
L. -- I was one of your respondents yesterday -- HOORAY! What a terrific story! The teacher deserves big cheers for the amazing speed of her response. Be sure too to go ahead and meet with the counselor, as well -- it can't hurt to follow up so you daughter stays in the good shape she's getting into now. This really makes my day and I'm going to give my own fifth-grade girl a huge hug today and think of it as hugging your daughter too. Thank you for posting this follow-up for us!!
That's wonderful! Teaching/learning is an effort of team work w/ parents and teachers and it's so frustrating when you feel teachers aren't getting your child or not helping them when they should be (at school!) BUT, there are so many awesome and wonderful teachers out there...we recently had a similar experience w/ my son and his teachers and 1 did start making sure he understands what he is doing. At that age (mine is in 6th) they have to learn to speak up and it's not always easy when they feel embarrassed or like someone might think they are "stupid" for asking!
Yay for having a wonderful teacher! Hope your daughter starts to feel more comfortable and do well!
I am so happy that it worked out and that your daughter is comfortable in class! She is set to have a stellar year thanks you to,mom!
Awesome story, thanks for sharing!!!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Made my day! Good job mom. Thank that teacher from all of us
Teachers are some of my most favorite people. I am sure to your daughter is going to do great!
Now that is what teaching is all about!!! I'm so glad the teacher reacted this way. This will go a very long way with your precious girl. Kudos to the teacher!
Great news! I like the chocolates idea! Such a yummy treat for a great teacher!
I didn't see your original post, but this really makes me happy! And thank you for sharing.
great story..all teachers should be like her..i loved school and my teachers..it makes all the difference in the world..your family and school mold you for life..i would give her a gold star on her forhead..remember that from kindergarten?
