I am an elementary teaching student and voluntarily tutor a grade 2 child twice a week. The child's parents are close friends, and I offered my help since the child is in a special program due to behavioural issues and ADHD. He's a tough child to work with, but it's going reaply well.
My friends however, keep the child off school on random days. He's had one day off in 4 out of the last 5 weeks. I feel like all I'm really doing is playing catch-up for his missing school days instead of actually accelerating his learning.
Is it my place to say something, and how should I approach this?
Can I get annoyed at my students parents?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by MarbleChe...
- Topics:
- child, close, friend, week, student, elementary, parent, teaching, friends, parents, grade, grades
Details:
Responses (2)
If they are keeping him home for reasons that they should not be, you could report the parents to the child welfare agency for truancy. Frequent absences with any child could hurt their school performance.
Since you are helping him for free, it seems like your opinion of what is going on should matter. I feel like as long as you say it respectfully it should be fine. If they get offended that's not your fault; you're allowed to be honest.
Feeling wise, you're entitled to whatever you feel. So if you feel annoyed, it's not like that's "wrong".
You have an advantage the fact that you are close friends with the parents. Invite the parents for dinner at your home. It is your opportunity to establish a rapport with the parents because they could be your best collaborators. The dinner should be a friendly affair not specially to discuss the child. At some point after the dinner and you are having friendly chatter, skillfully bring up the problem but express your genuine concern. Let them know you see the child as your own child.. Mention the good things you see in the child before addressing the problem. Speak at the level of the parent—do not condescend or patronize. Avoid teacher’s jargon.When talking about the child. accentuate the positive. Commendation does more than condemnation. Explain what they can do to help the child succeed. Let the parents talk, and then truly listen. As close friends I am sure you are aware of the child’s home environment. Follow-up is important. It shows that your interest is genuine. You can be a positive influence on this child for the good. If you have the opportunity follow a similar atmosphere as with the parents and have a discussion with the child make him feel comfortable to confide in you. Help him where you can.
For more information on this subject and others, please go to jw,org for free downloads, publications or read online.
Sorry did not realize the problem with the parent instead of the child. You can still use some of the information to help you approach the parents.
Thanks