Argh!!!

[Fairy4]

What is the name of your state? VA

The kids went with their Dad yesterday evening, and I specifically asked him to make sure our son studied his spelling words really good this week.

I went to pick up the kids today from school, and our son's teacher told me that he failed his spelling test, and it was obvious that he didn't read much either.

I tried to explain to her that he was with his Dad last night, and I tried to explain to her about the appeal, etc, and asked her if she could keep note of the situation. She told me that she couldn't do that!!

Now what? I can't prove much with only his spelling tests and nothing from the school, as the tests don't have dates on them!

Any suggestions?

 

[stealth2]

Make sure your son studies for his spelling test the night before he's with Dad. It's rare that the tests are last minute assignments.

 

[Fairy4]

Make sure your son studies for his spelling test the night before he's with Dad. It's rare that the tests are last minute assignments.

He gets his spelling words on Tuesday, so we study them Tuesday evening, and he also has to write each word 3 times each. The test is on Thursday mornings. It used to be on Fridays, and when it was he didn't have a problem.

 

[lizbeth17]

well...

Put the responsibility on him then. Tell him that each time he comes home with a failed spelling test you will up how many times he has to write his words. If he doesn't like writing his words 10-20x each then he will pass the test.

 

[Fairy4]

Put the responsibility on him then. Tell him that each time he comes home with a failed spelling test you will up how many times he has to write his words. If he doesn't like writing his words 10-20x each then he will pass the test.

He's just turned 6!

 

[stealth2]

And your point is?

 

[lizbeth17]

that's okay...

lol.....oh
alright then 10-20x each might be a little too much...lol

 

[Fairy4]

And your point is?

Writing words 20x is a little extreme. I only have Tuesday evenings to work with him on these words, and for him to complete his other homework; which I have to say, is too much for a first grader. I'm sorry but I feel that it's also his father's responsiblity to help with his homework on Wednesday evenings. It's not just the spelling, according to his teacher he's not reading on Wednesday evenings either.

 

[stealth2]

20 may be too much. 10 isn't. Nor is expecting him to step up to the plate if his father isn't responsible enough to help him do so. If he's not staying overnight with Dad, get him up 15/20/30 minutes early and go over the words with him first thing in the morning. If he is, have him initiate a phone call to you to go over them - or simply for you to remind him to study.

 

[shell007]

If this does not work....call, email, or write a note to the teacher. She is fully aware of what words she is going to test them on waaaay before she sends them home.

Obviously she is aware that there is a problem so....see if she will give you a bit of a lead by supplying you with the words a day or so earlier so that YOU can be sure there is plenty of time to study with your 6-year-old.

She will probably be more than happy to make the accomodations. Your child's education and learning experience is what the teacher is most concerned with and will more than likely do whatever he/she can do to help.

 

[stealth2]

Excellent idea, shell.

 

[Fairy4]

20 may be too much. 10 isn't. Nor is expecting him to step up to the plate if his father isn't responsible enough to help him do so. If he's not staying overnight with Dad, get him up 15/20/30 minutes early and go over the words with him first thing in the morning. If he is, have him initiate a phone call to you to go over them - or simply for you to remind him to study.

He does spend the night. The phone call is out of the question, as they refuse to answer the phone when I call on Wednesdays. Per my 9 year old, they aren't allowed to call me either, not even when they're screaming and crying to do so!

I'll ask the teacher if she'll give me the words a little earlier.

 

[stealth2]

You could also ask your 9yo if s/he will go over the words with the little one. Not fair, perhaps, but it can work depending on how they get along.

 

[CJane]

You could also ask your 9yo if s/he will go over the words with the little one. Not fair, perhaps, but it can work depending on how they get along.

OMG, my almost 9 year old LOVES to quiz her almost 6 year old sister on spelling words and math problems and stuff! No ride home is complete without a serious quizzing by Oldest of what Youngest learned today.

 

[shell007]

I hope this works. Better than a knock-down drag-out with Dad!