Parents and school involvement

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2003
Parents and school involvement
2586
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 8:49am

My question stems from a personal experience. My middle child is starting kindergarten next week. I've become fairly close with one of my dd's friend's moms- this is her first child entering the school system. She WOH, I do not, plus I have experience with the school, so she's been calling me with questions and comments.

It started to go bad when she called to complain that the kindy orientation is during the day- when she is working. Then it led to complaints about the parents' read aloud program (when the kids are in library) and other opportunities for volunteerism in the school. I get that these things aren't convenient for her, but I'm getting annoyed with the complaining. How can the kids have an orientation at night when they go to school during the day? None of these events are mandatory for parents or kids. And plenty of activities are scheduled for evenings: Back to school night, the PTA picnic, etc.

She thinks because she can't participate, no one should be able to, apparently. Plenty of WOHP do show up for these things. I think she's being unrealistic if she thought she could put a couple of kids through school without ever taking a vacation day. Am I wrong? Am I missing something here?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 9:00pm
I'm glad it works nicely for your family.:-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 9:01pm
Will the preschool be raising your son?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2006
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 9:09pm

LOL! that was funny. How in the world does my use of childcare make your role a "better" one?

I can't wait to hear this.

cArole

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:08pm

Pre K was free in Norfolk if your income, or what not was low enough.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:16pm

NOt always. Start it before the child is ready and it's a bigger battle than waiting another 6 months.

Starting too soon can be just as detrimental as starting too late.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2000
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:22pm

I don't see how. I highly doubt that the 2 years Joy was in preschool when she was 3 and 4 helped prepare her for 8th grade 10 years later. Erica went into a classroom just fine even though she had never been in a classroom, preschool or otherwise, at all until 6th grade.

Chris

The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2000
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:25pm

In the case of our family, it was church. And our homeschool group was made up of families who were all members of the same church. But that's just our family. Personally, I don't see the need for any formal education before 1st grade across the board.

Chris

The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 11:38pm
"I can do what is done in preschool at home." those are your words, and i direct quote, so yes, you did say you could do it at home
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 11:43pm
i havent commented on the need for formal education other than for my children. just as you and others dont think there is a need, i do for my children. but i stand behind what i said that a person cannot duplicate everything that occurs in preschool in their home - that they see no value in the things they are unable to duplicate is irrelevant and doesnt change the fact that there are things that simply cannot be duplicated between the two places.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 11:45pm
not being defensive at all - just standing behind my assertion that not everything that is accomplished in preschool can be accomplished at home, as you asserted you could do. the value of the activity is irrelevant, because what is seen as valuable is going to vary from person to person as we have seen in this little chat.

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