Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady Blue
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The teacher stood by her words and admitted that, in essence, that's what she told the kids, and it was unfortunate that some of the children may have misunderstood what she meant, and shouldn't have taken what she said literally. (I know, as a child, I took EVERYTHING literally.)
I knew right then we were in for a loooong road ahead, butting heads with teachers that weren't careful with their words. Nothing like having your parental authority undermined by a teacher who thinks she's talking to kids much more sophisticated than their years would indicate.
Granted, no one wants to see kids abused and they should be protected from abuse. But the pendulum has swung too far and given too much unsubstantiated power to children and other busy-body do-gooders over parents' efforts to raise their children.
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Unfortunately, that happens far too frequently, especially with the younger, more inexperienced teachers. I really believe that my experiences as a parent helped to make me a better teacher. I knew the things I should/could say and I understood how easily what I said could be misunderstood in the mind of a child. Classes in child psychology and another in everyday common sense should be prerequisites for a teaching degree.
Not to mention that many young teachers have never spent a great deal of time around children (other than during their own formative years) and think they can talk to them like they're one of their peers.