DD's being moved to a different class.

heyitsme

I am not sure how I'm feeling about all this.

This year DD is at a new school (we moved in May, so she changed neighborhood schools for this year) for 1st grade. She had issues with her teacher at her old school (honestly, just personalities conflicted), and I was worried about her transitioning to a new school/class/teacher (she sometimes struggles with transitions) but she has done beautifully. Granted, today is only the 11th day of school, but she has made friends, loves her teacher (who is the polar opposite of DD's K teacher--K teacher was older, very set in her ways, traditional teaching style, etc.; new teacher is young, tries a variety of new things, teaches to the individual), etc.

Last night we went to our mailbox and there was a letter from the school. They are over-enrolled (our neighborhood school is zoned for an area that includes many migrant farmworking families, and so they get walk-ins every year) and so they are creating some combination classes. DD was selected to be in a combination 1st/2nd class. According to the letter, "A team made up of your child's previous teacher, other grade level teachers and myself looked at multiple indicators for success in a multi-grade classroom. Two of the indicators are the student must be at grade level or above in his/her current grade as well as being an independent worker."

DD fits that criteria fine, but the thing is, she's one of the youngest 1st graders AND while at grade-level or ahead academically (and an independent worker), she tends to be more immature than her peers. 

 I think that, combined with the fact that the new teacher is new to the school and older (I don't know HOW old but she has 20 years of experience) makes me wonder if we're going to have problems. DD is so nervous about changing classes, she's worried it will be too hard, she'll miss her current friends and teacher, etc. I'm trying to encourage her ("Look how many friends you made in 10 days! You'll do the same in 10 days in this new class.") but I admit I am just as hesitant/nervous.

Today they are transitioning all the kids (she'll be in her current class in the AM and her new class in the PM) and tomorrow morning the new class will be opened for parents to come, drop off, meet the teacher, etc. And Back-To-School night is next Wednesday so we'll have more time to become familiar with it all then.

Ugh, I hope all my worry is for nothing!

heyitsme

flgirl79:

If she doesn't like it after a week or so, can you have her switched back to the other class?

I don't know. I really need to find this out, though.

sweetsurrender9

I would voice your concerns about her social development as well whenever you call to see what your options are. 

KaraJ26

I am a 1st grade teacher, and here is my perspective.

We have had this "restructuring" of classes happen before at my school.  I agree with what your school wrote- that she must have independent work habits and be at/above grade level.  It is also likely they selected her because she seems well-adjusted and able to succeed in a combination class.

 A combination class can be wonderful in many ways.  Usually the teacher will teach a lot of differentiated instruction (small groups) so that the children can get instruction right at their level.  If your daughter needs some challenge or is advanced in some areas, she might do some 2nd grade level work- this would be great!  Also, combination classrooms usually are set up with work stations, centers, independent work/projects, etc. to keep kids on task while the teacher is busy with a small group- this set up also works really well for most kids.

 If you are really concerned, talk to your daughter's current teacher about your experiences in K and communicate your fears. It is possible she will reassure you how great your daughter will do in this new class, and it is also possible they may be able to put another kid in the 1/2 class and keep your daughter in her original class. 

Anniekins214

I understand why you'd be concerned about her maturity, but many children behave very differently at home and at school.  I teach second grade, and parents often tell me their children throw tantrums or stuff like that at home and they'd never, ever do that at school.   She may be influenced by her peers to behave more maturely than she would otherwise.  Sometimes, peer pressure can be good, too.  Good luck!