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Jane Bird - Education Primary Expert
I am currently working in a large primary school in South Devon, during my time here I have had the opportunity to wear many hats. Parent, teacher, Acting Headteacher, Moderator of Key Stage One results for Devon and AST (Advanced Skills Teacher). I have enjoyed every area of all these responsibilities and they have fuelled my passion for Primary Education, and also allowed me to work with schools and parents across the County. I really do hope all of these experiences mean that I can help in some small way, Best Wishes Jane Bird. ![]() Q. I am getting really upset for my son. He is 8 and in the nativity play this year he has to act with a group of girls in his class. All theother boys are teasing him and I'm not sure why he can't have another part in the play. I don't want to make a big thing about it with his teacher - and I don't know what to do next A. You should go and see the class teacher asap, although you don't want to make a big deal out of this it could affect other aspects of your son's school life, the class teacher will understand I am sure and it is probably that they are just not aware of the impact this decision is having. Never feel like you're making a fuss or a big deal out of things as relatively small issues do grow and you are right to be concerned. Just make sure that your son is aware of the discussions if possible include him, as the alternatives could be not taking part, swapping with someone else, creating a new part or if he is enjoying the part that he's already doing, then the other children should be spoken to. I hope this helps regards Jane Q. My seven year old son has started getting homework and gets into a real lather about it, he is a perfectionist but it is making home life quite stressful. A. I think when children of this early age begin getting homework, it can be quite a stressful time. Firstly they work so hard at school and are usually tired and secondly they need some chill out time when they get home. So I would suggest that homework isn't done straight after school, but after your child has had a snack and a drink and had chance to chill out. Then set aside a time each day, maybe for 20 mins or so after supper, where you can sit down with your child and do it together, this is plenty of time for a child of this age, so try not to spend too long on homework. It is important to try to make this time as fun as possible and not too stressful, try not to make it into to much of a big deal. Most importantly, if your child is too tired then stop, there is no point in perservering if they are too tired. It's often very hard especially when you may have other small children demanding your attention at this time, but do try to set aside a small amount of time and give your child your full attention. As well as lots of praise and encouragement, children usually respond very well to reward of some kind. A reward chart might be a good idea, resulting in a special treat at the end of the week! Children of this age should not be getting much homework, if this continues to be a problem, talk to your child's teacher. It is always a good idea to communicate any concerns you have about your child with staff at school, I'm sure they will have some helpful suggestions. Good luck, and try not to worry too much, I'm sure it's just a phase. Q. "I'm a single dad with one six year old boy. The thing is, he just doesn't seem to want to go to school anymore. He was OK last year, but since he started his new class in September, he crys in the morning saying that "he doesn't like it". I have kept him at home for two days this week just because I couldn't see him so upset. I don't know what to do! A. Everytime your child starts a new year with a new class and a new teacher it sets different challenges. The chances are that the change has just unsettled your little boy, after all he is only six, and still new to this transition of changing classes, it is really common particularly if your son has spent a lovely summer out of school routine and having more time with you!
The first thing to do is to get him into school, the longer he stays at home the harder it will be (for both of you). You need to talk to the class teacher and see what support they can give you both, if it's the physical separation from you they may suggest that if there is anyone else to do the drop off that could help. Or, maybe you could look at short bursts in school and build up so that your son doesn't feel like your leaving him, giving him clear landmarks for when you will return e.g. after first break or at lunchtime. Responsibilities always help so if there could be a job set up for him to do when he gets into school, this will definitely help his self esteem, or a buddy within the class that could include him into the new routines or even a teaching assistant who could spend a little one to one time with your son. Is there something that your son really enjoys in school e.g. drawing, show and tell, I am sure that the class teacher could allow time for this to happen to draw your son in. If your son is suffering from seperation anxiety and cries when you leave ask if there is any chance if you could phone to see how he is or maybe the school could contact you to reassure you, all reasonable suggests for you to discuss with the teacher. Most of all keep communication open with the school and if any other issues arise let the class teacher know, I really hope this helps. |
Today: Friday March 12, 2010
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27/01/2010
The Times are on the look out for former couples who are good enough friends to be interviewed...
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Men are from Marylebone, Women are from Waterloo - a live event from Breakup Angels
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Urgently recruiting first class Independant Financial Advisors around the UK
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OnlyDads Website of the Month
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