What’s your advice on this one…..?
Posted on Sep 1, 2009 04:46:00 AM
Here we go with the homework obsession. Last night though, when we were prepping for bed, we were planning our story like we always do. But, when my son realized he was going to have the read the book himself, he flipped out. He was crying and begging us to read him the book.
When I explained that the weekend homework was a reading assignment and he could choose any book he wanted to read for that assignment. He did not want to read. He wanted us to read to him. But, I have to figure out what to do, should I have just lied to the teacher and signed his paperwork saying he did his reading. Walker would tell her differently I think.
We could make him do the reading another time during the weekend instead of Sunday night but thus far, it doesn’t matter, any reading he has to do extra, he flips out. He has always loved to be read to and that is no different, he still likes for us to read to him. And, he doesn’t complain about reading the assignments that he gets as homework assignments. But anything after that, he wants us to read to him.
So, it’s getting to be an issue with us. I refuse to cause my son to hate reading just because his dang teacher insists on it. But I can’t be dishonest and teach my son that it is ok for that to happen either.
So, with that, I ask you…what would you do?
Comments
I would homeschool where I can tailor my child’s education to what works for them so they can succeed because they love learning and use tools that work for them. [beams]
But in this case, I would likely read to him and then sign the paper with a note. Honestly, in high school, I listened to books on tape for several of the books I had to read. That worked great for me, and I still got the benefit of the book–the story, the message, the themes–but I didn’t have to go through the killer work of making my eyes drift over the page. I could do something else–like soak in the tub–while getting my reading done. Not bad [smile].
But honesty is super important, so that’s when I’d talk with the teacher about what’s going on. If they can’t accommodate for your child’s needs… well… [cough] homeschool.
It sounds like your son would love Sonlight [smile].
~Luke
I’ll have to agree with Luke, in that I’d pull your son out of public school, and find some alternative that works for your family. Have you looked in Charter Schools, or maybe a private school that has scholasrships? Maybe relocate to another area that can provide more options?
I love reading your blog, but sadly, it’s to remind me how I good I have it here in CA. Ca has it’s problems and challenges, but I’m pretty close to a Children’s Hospital that can provide specialists for my youngest, and we have a FANTASTIC Charter…that works hard to keep class sizes smaller, and has a very progressive, project and inqury led curiculum? Oh, and did I mention there is NO HOMEWORK! None, nada. Kids are certainly encouraged to read anything of their choice for pleasure..but no reading logs, or any of the pages of nonsense you have to deal with. (Heck, our back to school shopping was about $30, not including backpack and lunchbox) We do pool supplies, and I know you dislike that, but it doesn’t bother me, especially with all the pluses this school has. (And I’m sure there will be requests for further supplies over the year, but I have no problem buying a pack of crayons, a ream of paper, or a pack of expo merkers now and again over the year.)
Yeah, I and every parent have to work our butts off to make it work, fundraising, maintenance, helping the school whenever, and whereever we can, but we make it work. Our state may be bordering on insolvency, but we will carry on regardless. It’s not all sunshine and roses, but I’d move to another state if I had to to keep my kids in a school like the one they’re in. My 2 cents.
[...] I was very interested in Jerri Ann’s post about reading to her son. I’ve seen similar questions on Sonlight’s Facebook page as well: What if my child [...]