Mompaca…

My sweet, smart, funny daughter did not understand the instructions that were written in her planner for a homework assignment last week.  I usually check her homework before and after she completes her assignment.  After checking her work,  I was not sure if I or my daughter understood the instructions and what the finished product should look like. 

 I emailed my child’s teacher that night for confirmation of the homework writing assignment.   The next day, my daughter completed and turned in the assignment the best she could.    My daughter is an “A”, “B” student.  She loves school.  

The teacher responded back to my email with a rather long email rant. 

 The teacher stated the following:

1.  I am not supposed to help her do homework. 

2.  She, the teacher, does not have time to teach me how to teach what she should be teaching to my daughter.

3.   My daughter should in a perfect world where everything has been scientifically controlled for the entire time of my daughter’s birth already know how to do the assignment because the class has been covering this since the beginning of the school year.

4.  She also suggested I Google the subject for additonal practice materials.

I read the email and tears came to my eyes.   I was hurt.  I thought I was supposed to help my child.  Her piano teacher asks me to help her practice piano by counting beats.  My son’s soccer coach told me to practice rolling the ball to him so he could kick.  It had been at least 2 months since I had emailed the teacher about an assignment.  I really don’t think she was being mean-spirited. 

I think that the teacher was just tired.

Daugher, I love you.  A parent is supposed to help you help yourself.  I will not abandon you out in the rough seas without a paddle instead I will supply you with a sleek sailboat so that you may glide through the calm tropical seas of life.

Love, Mom

What I should have emailed to the teacher but did not:

Dear Teacher,

I understand that this teacher has 22 students that she must teach.  Student who at 8-years-old have different learning styles and different tempements.   I am not concerned with 22 students.  I am only concerned and responsible for one.  And since we live in one of the top 3 highest school tax districs in the state of Texas (Katy ISD),  I expect the best for my child. 

 I am an advocate for my children.  Instead you of typing out a 200 word email to me explaining why you did not think you had to help me help my child,  why couldn’t you simply tell me……………….how many  sentences are required for this particular assignment  since the students will use the mini-lesson as a guide during in-class work?  

Love, Mrs.  Polecat [A polecat is what we call a skunk in the south]

Daughter, just remember, always give teachers, employers etc more than they ever expect.  The minimum is a guideline not a limit .  Also,  remember you deserve to understand the assignment and to not get fustrated.  Always ask if you don’t know.