Passing Notes

Notes from a Parent/Teacher to Parents and Teachers

May
25

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Tusk, Tusk: A must read for children of all ages

Category: Must Reads Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment

This deceptively simple book by David McKee, chronicles, – through simple text and illustrations, – a fictional war between a herd of black elephants and a herd of white elephants.  Tusk, Tusk breaks down the idea of war into simple fragments, which makes it easier for children to see the stupid reasons that atrocities are committed in wars.  Throughout, issues of hatred and racism are explored in addition to exploring the idea of violence, but it is done in a non-threatening way for kids. Tusk, Tusk also reminds us of the old adage, that we are doomed to repeat our historical mistakes if we ignore what history has to teach humanity.    The story lends itself to all age groups including adults, and I highly recommend it for parents of younger children who are curious about war.

 

Some ideas to try out with the young folk:

  • Before the story ends, ask your child how they think story resolves itself, then check in with them to see if they are surprised, puzzled or if they expected it to end that way.
  • Have your child come up with an alternate ending and illustrate it.
  • Talk about current events with your child.  This may sound a bit depressing and I’m not suggesting that they need to know all details about all wars but depending on their age, they may already be exposed to much more than you realize and they are formulating their own ideas anyways.  Conversing allows for you to see where they are at and what it is that may need to know more about.
  • Encourage children to make a “statue” with their bodies to show the opposite of war (peace, harmony, love, community).  Then you can do the same.  Come up with ways of making statues together, as often as possible relying on symbolism if the kids are old enough.  Have someone photograph you!
  • Have your child outline a large image of an elephant on mural paper (or even chalk outside).  They can draw and write on the inside of the silhouette all of the things that they think the elephants felt in the story.  On the outside, they can label all the things that worked against the elephants in the story (feelings, ideas, events).  This should lead to a good conversation and is good for developing empathy.
  • Ask your child to take the side of either of the elephant groups and have them role play with puppets if they’re younger.  You or another sibling can play the other puppet.  Observe how your child “resolves” conflict, deals with fairness or comes up with as a solution.  This may bring up memories of times they themselves have dealt with prejudice or violence, in the playground for example.  Again, it’s a good starting point for informal discussions.

 

Or simply enjoy the book!  It’s a great read and just as relevant today as it was when written in 1978.  Maybe even more so…

Peace,

Daniela

May
4

By

Strategies to use when you don’t like the Teacher

Category: Tackling Tough Issues Tags: , , 1 Comment

I don’t mean the “like” that we’d find on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.  I mean you actually dislike the Teacher.   Maybe you’re finding that you’re at odds with him or her about a particular area of your child’s education or you don’t like their demeaner.  Or maybe it’s your kid who would prefer hands down to clean their room than keep company at school.  While this can certainly be an uncomfortable situation, there are a few strategies that parents can try to get past the awkwardness and move along to a happier place with the person your child spends a great deal of time with everyday.

 

1.  Remember first and foremost that you are both in this together.  While it may not feel like it all the time, your teacher has his best interest for his students.  Just like you do as their parent.  True, they are different roles that happen in different contexts, but the bottom line is that it takes a village to raise a child and you and that teacher, – while not equally important in the life of your kids, – are both individuals who will have much input into their values and knowledge.

 

2. Ask yourself what exactly it is that you don’t like about the teacher.  When you take an in-depth look, you may find that there are truly legitimate reasons, or that it’s a personality thing.  The first of these, means that you need to address the issues, especially if you feel they impact on your child.  You should probably discuss this is with your teacher first in order to problem-solve.  If it’s the latter, and it’s a conflict of personalities, then you really just need to get over it.  Sorry, but if their ways are not actually harmful to your child, just annoying to you, well…just ride the wave till June.

 

3.  Get to know the teacher better.  It may sound counter-intuitive, but if you have the time to volunteer for a period or two a week or go on class trips, you may find that your teacher will grow on you.  Or not. But it’s worth a try.

 

4. Help them to know you and your child more.  Especially if you feel that their are real issues that need to be dealt with.  Are you unhappy because the teacher doesn’t understand your need not to have homework scheduled every night?  Are you frustrated about the lack or over-abundance of communication via newsletters going home?  Was something not explained fully to you and were you left wondering?  Did the teacher say something that you believe is inaccurate or disparaging about your child?  Start off with one issue to prioritize, bring it to the teacher’s attention, set a common goal and go from there.

You can offer information in many forms:  a chat, a note…any form of explanation or question will do.  It helps to give the teacher a heads up and ask for an appointment.  This gives them time to prepare information that they may need to show you and gives them time to reflect upon you concerns.  It also gives you time to plan ideas for how you want the problems to be solved.  Most times, this will be a great remedy.  As is the case often in any relationship, putting your heads together to find a solution reaps many rewards other than just solving what you perceive as the problem.

 

5.  Finally, remember not to say negative comments within earshot of your children.  They ARE listening.  They WILL repeat, often with incorrect paraphrasing, which can be not so funny.  Plus you want your kid to see you modelling problem-solving behaviour too right?

 

Do you have any strategies that have worked?

Signed,

Your VERY likable teacher, Daniela