Parents evening - am I being unreasonable?

[tigerthecat]

I have just returned from my sons first ever parents evening. He is in nursery 3 afternoons a week. We waited in the corridore outside the class room - good - confidentiality is important. However, I could hear another meeting in the room next door. I know all about Daniels targets and difficulties now.

The teacher started our meeting by saying "well, it was very early and so she didn't have much to say". He wasn't in her group, she did say he played independently and interacted with his peers. She asked if we had any worries (no) - end of meeting. I got the feeling that she didn't know him. I don't feel that confident about the school in general now. Tell have I got too high expectations?

[vehelpfulguy]

I am amazed it is felt you need to review with a teacher for a nursery. Anyway

My son is at secondary school and our meetings with teachers are limited to 4 minutes each.

To be honest if you really want to have a good chat with ther teacher say you have some concerns and meet them alone one day after school.

Then it will not be limited to a few minutes.

[Gef]

Sorry but couldn't really understand the question. However agree with vehlepfulguy.

[tigerthecat]

thanks

[kags]

I can fully understand why you had those high expectations though, the school has raised them by offering what seems like an unnecessary parents' evening.

But don't worry - it is only a few weeks into term, and your son will still be settling in. The teacher presumably has double the amount of children that would be in an older class as she has the morning and afternoon groups, so I imagine she probably does not actually know your son too well yet. If your son seems happy to go to Nursery, then don't worry at this stage. Remember that many children don't go to nursery at all (mine didn't), so his academic progress really isn't something to worry about yet.

As has been suggested above, if you have concerns as the year progresses, make an appointment to see the teacher.

[libertie]

I imagine that your son has settled in okay, if not I'm sure that the nursery will waste no time in telling you, especially if it's a behavioural problem!! My friends little boy started primary school last year and they - the nursery that is - had a graduation ceremony for all the children....yep, black gowns and caps......have to say I was pretty gobsmacked, more so when I then discovered that several nurseries do it!!

[sophster]

Actually tigerthecat I kinda agree with you, in a weird way. If a child has just started nursery you have to know how he is coping in school but as for the confidentality thing don't worry, if there's nothing wrong you've got nothing to hide.

[nfn]

tiger, my son was in a public school nursery for a year where I had to ask to speak to his teacher!  He has now started his 3rd year of state school and I have had a parents evening every year so far!  I too was concerned by the feedback until I realised that at 3 years old ALL the teachers are interested in are a happy, healthy, sociable child!  I knew they were my main objectives, I just didn't realise the school would feel the same way!  Anyway, as time goes on you will find that you will get a more in depth educational analysis, and THAT will really worry you!!! lol.  Plerase try and relax, as one paranoid parent to another, it really will be ok in the end

[KPD]

At this age I can guarantee that you know your child a 100 times better than any teacher. They should be comimg to you and asking questions. Do not assume the teacher knows your child at all. teachers spend only a little time with each child, and usually form opinions based on whether they like you as a parent. Remember, you spend much more time with your child than the teacher ever will, hence you will always know the strengths and weeknesses of your child much better than anyone else.

You will also find in the early years that your child will learn far more from you than anyone else, don't rely on teachers for the basic 3 R's - they will let you and your child down.