Tuesday 21 February 2012

Parent - Teacher School Assessment meeting

The Husband and I turned up at the appointed time yesterday to meet Tara's teacher for her assessment meeting. During this time we spent a few minutes with the class teacher who spoke about Tara, her behaviour, learning and asked  if there were any other issues we wished to discuss. We were also shown a bunch of work books and other relevant projects she has done at school.

The Husband who had taken time off for this very important event was all serious and business like, and wanted to know most about Tara's social skills, and if she played with the other children. The fact that Tara has no best friend does seem to bother him. The teacher updated us on Tara and what a wonderful girl she is. (Well I agree with her, but they probably say that to all parents.) She spoke of Tara coming a long way since she started, having learnt a great many skills, her amazing imagination and lovely handwriting. All good things so far.

With regard to her social skills she confirmed that Tara happily played in organized group activities but did not seem drawn to any particular child. She also finds it hard to sometimes distinguish between letters 'b' and 'd'. The Husband is now really concerned, and the teacher said she would 'observe' Tara and 'review' her social interactions at our next meeting.

I'm not sure what to make of it all. A four and a half year old is a very small child. Isn't it a bit too early to pass judgement on what they are 'amazing' at, or what they find difficult to do? In some countries they don't start formal education till the child is six years old. The last time I heard, people in that country grew up intelligent and well balanced too. There are exceptions like everywhere of course.

Worrying about a well behaved, loving child not even five years old, who can speak beautifully, write and read a bit, count and do mental arithmetic, but most important of all can explain in great detail why dinosaurs are not 'extint', but hiding inside 'steaming volcanoes',  is I believe unnecessary.

But every parent is different too. The Husband has his own expectations and hopes of his only child, and I respect that. For now,  I'm quite happy with dinosaurs in steaming volcanoes and fairies creeping about unseen by anyone but Tara. We can deal with b's and d's confusing us at the same time too.




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