What would you do?

That's horrible. I was trying to see some point the teacher is trying to make, but I just can't. Please keep us informed as to what happens.

I would speak with the Principal, the Superintendant and also the Board Of Education, at their next meeting because they're the ones who'd be most likely to have children in the school system. I'd also get in touch with other parents, in case they didn't happen to see this and ask them to also participate.

If that didn't work, I'd call the local newspaper. Good luck.

Tara,
I think your daughter could take this one and turn it into good. IE:

"In this day and age, kid tend to think that their parents are bossy. But the Bible tells us...

"Another thought is that parents 'get into our business' which in a sense is right, but here is why....

"A third opinion is that parents are cheap when they don't buy what we want, but the flip side of that is that we, as humans are greedy and expect to get anything and everything we want; and to get it now, instead of waiting on it, or working to obtain things for ourselves as kids...."

Base it on her convictions and what you have taught her and it will make her think about how good God is and the blessing parents truly are! After all, she will be one some day (unless the Lord returns before then!)

Hmmmmm.....maybe you would start thinking like me...I want to start homeschooling as soon as I can get my life in better order. (I have bipolar disorder and just came out of a several year long depression!). She's a 3rd grader now and I want to teach her by at least 6th or 7th grade!!!

If it were me, I would start with a conversation with the teacher first. Then, if I wasn't satisfied, I'd go up the ladder.

Wel, as a former high school English teacher, I understand the motivation behind the topics suggested. It is really like pulling teeth to get kids to engage, and one of the easiest ways to do it is by asking them to write about things that bother them.

When you speak with the principal and/or teacher, it would help your case if you acknowledged this phenomenon and were able to suggest some alternatives that were not as damaging to the fragile parent/teen bond. Some topics that I used to use were school rules that the kids found unfair, laws that the kids found unfair (perhaps in relation to driving or something that comes closer to touching their own lives), or current events that they have strong feelings about.

But, something to keep in mind as well is that once a kid (or any person) is forced to articulate what their problems are the easier they are to deal with. So, if a child really does have issues with the way their parents are interracting with them, a writing assignment like this COULD actually prove beneficial. Just a thought.

Kimmy - we tried to see if there was a point to it as well, we came up empty though.

seems like a crazy assignment yes i would speak to teacher and head master

Marilyn - thanks for the advice, I pray that it doesn't have to go too far.

Tab - I agree and am thankful that my daughter is able to do just that.

I think it could actually stimulate good conversation with kids. I don't think it is "leading" at all.

Deb - I have given it great thought...I guess a part of me doesn't think that I would be capable enough. It may be something to re-visit though.

Thanks Gabby - I will try and contact him, I would like to make sure that there wasn't something that they talked about in class that isn't on the papers...a point to it.

Karen - I agree, but one of the other topic examples was - bikes, the "hook" examples were - 1. Bikes are dangerous. 2. Bikes will keep me from getting my homework done after school. ... I don't remember the 3rd one, but it doesn't support a theory of talking about things that bother them.

I am not angry and just looking to go and vent on someone about this. I know who I am representing in everything that I say and do.

I will definitely keep what you have said here in mind and remember it regardless of who I speak with. Thank you.

Thanks Andrew

I was thinking exactly along the lines as Tab. Perhaps the teacher is looking for just that. If they can turn it around and make something positive from the topic. For example...the third one was a bit put off for me. I think most kids that age know that it isn't a matter of being 'cheap' when they don't get everything they want (at least I hope so). Maybe a note to the teacher would suffice in this case, but I don't think I would go to the principal just yet.

Shannon - thanks for coming by. I agree that any time there is an opportunity for open and honest communication with children it is a great thing. I just believe that there's a more positive way of doing it.

Katie - I will get in touch with the teacher before I do anything esle. Children do have a habit of leaving out pieces of information that are necessary in helping us, as parents, understand.

I would certainly talk with the teacher. But what the other Marilyn suggested is not so off base, especially the part about the newspaper. If I were you, I might find out what the length requirements are for a guest column and write one about this. Other parents, ones who are not as tuned into their kids, need to know about things like this. (If a guest column isn't possible, I'd do a letter to the editor.) You don't have to name names or use the exact prompts to get the point across.

You know what else I might do? If I were you, I'd tell the teacher that you do a bit of writing yourself and would be glad to help her come up with appropriate prompts.

And by the way, home schooling is a very rewarding opportunity. I was able to home school my son from 4th through 12 grade. What an adventure for both of us. We used an umbrella school, so there were official "school" records - attendance and report cards and even achievement tests.

Tamara - the only thing is that I don't know if they are actually talking about these things or if it was just an assignment sent home to complete, turn in, and that's it.

I agree also take your concerns to the PTA
see that the other parents are informed as well

Just becuase it's the "hook" doesn't mean it the thesis. Folks could use that to pull folks in and then turn the essay so that the thesis is the opposite. I'm sure the teacher is aware of that and letting students know that.

If it concerns you, you should talk with the teacher to understand their objectives. You are likely the type of parent that the teacher would enjoy, being that you are looking at the work that your kids are doing and are actively involved.

Even if this 'hook' is something 6th graders believe and talk about amongst themselves, getting an assignment that makes those statements just enforces those beliefs instead of trying to help make a difference. I have seen that there are times the school system tries to re-enforce that parental authority is not that important. Of course all teachers and all schools? Probably not, but it does happen.
We're happy we are homeschooling.

I can see both sides, as a parent I am indignant, as a former educator I can see is as a way to get kids to write and to express themselves. I still don't like it but I can see it.

Talk to the teacher, just don't go in MAD, try to stay calm and ask your questions.

Marilyn - I agree. It is so scary to see what some children (even at the age of 11) are doing. A few of the boys in my daughters grade have been suspended from riding the bus. One boy was caught trying to get a buzz off of a can of hair mousse (he was actually eating the mousse too). A lot of her friends are allowed to have boyfriends too. It is hard enough these days with having to combat things they may pick up in their assignments.

I really don't know what I would do in this area. I know of two many teens that have a hard time communicating with their parents. This could be an easy exercise to get kids to open up about their parents and feelings. You never know, it might help someone.

John - actually I am reading the paper now and it is an assignment to turn these hooks into a thesis statement.

An example I must have skipped over before - topic - automobiles, one of the hooks is - cars are just a status symbol that allows rich people to show off their money.

Like I said everything has such a negative tone to it. I don't get the purpose when there are absolutely positive things that could be used as examples instead. When my daughter comes home from school I don't sit and say - school rally stinks, it takes away from the time that you should be able to play, you'll never use the things that you learn in real life anyway...

Tara, isn't that the way of the world right now? Negatives sell. It's up to us to make sure the home remains a positive influence. (Which is why those statements about parents are sooooooooo wrong.)

Tara, go straight to the top and let them know how you feel. You can teach your kid about the bible truths and you can homeschool your child, but this is not only about your child, many others have parents that are not concerned about what goes on with kids and school and someone needs to speak up for the sake of our children. At the end we will all pay when we realized that we have created the opposite of what we want simply by been quiet when we should have spoken.

Virginia has a point. We can take care of our own kids, but who is taking care of the others?

I don't know if I would say anything to the teacher, I know I have let things go.

I went this afternoon and expressed my concern and feelings. I expressed that I believe, as adults, parents and authority figures, we should be building one another up and standing together.

I was a very pleasant conversation. The only response that I have at this time is that the curriculum department will be getting in touch with me. The schools around here are very large and there are multiple language arts teachers that are teaching the same curriculum that is given to them.

*It* was a pleasant conversation.

Yes, I'd make it an argument for the opposite.

Yes, there is as much gray as black and white in the guides.

Is this bothering your daughter or primarily you and your husband? Just curious, why did you husband ask you to see the headmaster? Is he joining you? I see the point in many of the thoughts shared here.... Don't let it go if it's truly important to you to take this on. However, ask yourself what it is that bothers you most about the topic. Kids of this age typically do better on the written elements if they are responding to things that bother them - looking, hopefully, for positive solutions. The wording is, I agree, on the negative slant. Perhaps this is a good lesson on turning such things around to reflect the positive sides/other viewpoints of adults and their kids..... just my thoughts. I'm curious to know how this all turns out for you and your family.

Yowch...I would definitely talk to someone at the school. First I'd go to the teacher who wrote the assignment (which I wouldn't allow my child to do) then I'd speak to the principal....that's just wrong!

Good luck!

Terri
Dark Obsession

Wow, for 6th grade especially I think those hooks are WAY inappropriate. I think you should set up a meeting w/ the principal and the teacher to discuss it.

I am also a former educator and can see what the teacher is trying to do with these starters. Sometimes kids will only open up if they are allowed to grouse. I still think the examples you gave are in poor taste, but are pretty normal for today children that age.

I like the idea Tab B. had of turning this into a positive experience. This would allow your child a taste of reality where it meets the road.

On the other hand, I think this is a topic that needs to be addressed directly to the teacher, and then to the principal, school board, etc. There were times when I chose something for my students to do that I didn't realize could be miunderstood. I had some parents go over my head instead of directly talking with me about the assignment. A simple talk could have cleared up some of the tension before it really started.

I liked the comment Karen L. made about alternative topics. Good idea. Most of the time school officials feel that parents only complain but have no constructive suggestions to offer. This would demonstrate that you are more than just a disgruntled parent, but a caring parent.

If your school system is very large, I would compose an official statement of protest to the school board. Perhaps even something like a letter to the editor of the local newspaper may help as well.

Tara,

You should do nothing alone! This is one of those times when both parents MUST raise an objection.

A. As in all things in life, solidarity will weigh heavier than one parent protesting alone.

B. A telephone conversation with the principal is not as effective as a meeting with that office.

C. If necessary, this needs to be placed on the PTA's agenda. Parents must voice strong reason why this line of so called education is "anti-family" and unacceptable.

NIP IT IN THE BUD. BOTH YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND. Of course,this is only my opinion.

As a former teacher, I understand the motivation behind these "hooks." In many ways, young students only respond when they are complaining about a perceived injustice.

Having said that - I think that young people can be inspired in better ways. Journal writing is a very useful tool. Good luck with your principal.

Like Joe...I can understand the motivation, but I can also understand your concern. It would be good if the teacher would balance the 'hooks' by including something positive.
This would definatly be an issue I would address with the teacher, though. Telling the principal would cause problems and I'm sure the teacher isn't creating those hooks to cause problems but to use as a teaching tool. If she's not receptive to your concerns, then I would definatly take it up with the principal.