School Rules

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Day two of school, and I've already received my first "teacher call".

I will clarify right now...I know my kids are a pain in the ass.  I know they talk too much. I know they ask too many questions. And, shocker, I know they are sarcastic.  Would it be wrong to attach a note to their kitbags saying "Yeah, yeah, I know. No need to call me."? 

This time it's the boy. Here's a rundown on the basics of what he did, according to the teacher:

• Talked too much during class (though all on topic and valid). 
• Mostly raised his hand (but sometimes didn't).
• Was patient when he had to wait his turn (but got frustrated when he forgot what he wanted to ask).
• Was sarcastic (but SHE likes to have fun too, so she'll have to lay down some rules)

Am I raising a beast?  I don't think so.  So why the EFF do his teachers feel the need to call me ALL THE TIME?!  Last year it was at least weekly.  And the main topic...he talks too much, asks too many questions, blurts out answers.  Ok?!  What am I supposed to do about it? Seriously...someone please tell me. Seriously.  I don't know. I ask the teachers, I beg and plead with the boy, but how am I supposed to punish a child for ASKING QUESTIONS?  I've even tried explaining that he is putting other children at risk for having a hard time, especially kids who have learning disabilities and may need that chance to answer a question or need that quiet time. His answer...nobody fails anymore anyway and he's not the ONLY one talking.  My answer...ah, snap.  Kid's got a point.  A messed up point, but still...one of his closest friends had mostly "C" (lowest grade possible here), had mostly "Rarely", had MAJOR resource support and notes in his report card about meeting "some" of the requirements.  Guess what...he passed.
My child ISN'T the only child talking (confirmed by his classmates/friends) yet the teachers seem to act like its HIM that's wrecking the class. He blames the teacher for not being consistent with the rules, the teacher blames him for not knowing the rules.  Some teachers give three chances, some give none. He pushes his boundaries and then they act like he's a mass-murderer.  No violence, no learning issues, great grades, projects get done, an overall great student, who's teachers often tell me is "far above his grade level". 

Today's faux-pas....the teacher was explaining that there were no horses in America until after Columbus landed.  To which the boy blurts out "WHAT?!?  There were buffalo but NO horses?!?  That doesn't seem right".

That's it.  That's what warranted a phone call home.

She said he seems to know too broad of topics (huh?), and even admitted that after he questioned it she got confused and second-guessed herself because she was only repeating a story that was told to her and she didn't know for sure.  (Double huh?!)  Then....omg....here come the mommy-claws.....

She asked if he had friends.  W.T.F.

Uh, what?!?  If the steady stream of children in and out of my house is any indication, then, yes my child has friends. 

"Well, I would hate for him to not make any friends this year because of the way he blurts out things in class"

Thank you lady.  He'll be fine.

Now, I'm thinking maybe she was trying to find a pattern? Maybe suggest ADD/ADHD or something.  I don't know...but either way, it's frustrating.  What am I supposed to do to fix my chatty child?  It's in his genes.  The same comments were made on my report cards (but never led to detentions like him), story of my life.  My Grandfather often abruptly ends our conversations by saying that I've just talked too much for one day, and my mother always says its like I don't breath when we're on the phone together.

My mommy opinion is that he isn't challenged enough with "regular" curriculum. Trust me, if I could afford private school he would be there yesterday.  (Donations for the "Send the Boy to private school" gladly accepted)

Every year it's the same thing. I explain to the teachers that I am also frustrated.  That I have talked to him, that he also drives me looney with a multitude of questions.  That I should own shares in Google because I use it so much because of him.  I get it, I get it, I get it.  He came out of my vagina asking questions about the birth canal...I get it.

I try my hardest to engage him at home. Books are endless. Documentaries are always a hit.  We talk, we watch the news, we play Jeopardy, we argue over politics and world issues.  I try my very best. 

So when is it the school's turn? 

Yes, I know...teacher's are not responsible for anything more than teaching the curriculum. I would probably break down in tears if one of them actually offered a valid suggestion. This teacher has decided his "punishment" will be actually researching whether or not there were horses pre-Columbus, when they showed up, and to explain it to the class on Monday.  This is a direct result of her not knowing the answer, no I question if she would have come up with this idea if the question hadn't tripped her up.  But, Hallelujah.....I will take it.  He needs a challenge and hopefully she will be the FIRST to step up and give him one.

I'm ready to punch the entire school system in the collective throat...

I have much respect for those who chose to become teachers.  I know it can't be easy.  I understand the challenges. But....BIG BUT....you CHOOSE this career.  People don't just fall into a teaching job. Four + years of university is because this is what you want. I've never had a teacher suggest anything more than "deal with him", or "make him stop".  You must have some sort of inner desire to help guide these children thru life. I know those teachers are out there. So, why do I just feel like his teachers are just trying to sell him down the river?