Posted on 3/5/2008 by Amy

at what point do you censor your kids homework and ask for alternate work for them?? Dean thinks I’m being nuts, but his homework always including daily reading. I wasnt around to do it w/ him yesterday so it wasnt until today I saw the book he had. It’s called In a Dark, Dark Room and other scary stories. there’s a story about a girl’s head being held on by only a ribbon and in the end she takes off the ribbon and her head falls off. There are several stories that talk about corpses, cemeteries, and ghosts. I know some of the problem may be because it’s a 2nd grade level book, and Caleb is reading above grade level so maybe the teacher didnt think it wasnt appropriate for his age. Even so…I’d prefer him not to read about such things if I can prevent it. I admit I might be going overboard with this but, I didnt think I’d have to worry about this kind of thing happening already. I know I cant protect my kids forever but I’d like to think I can!! 🙂 so when would you step in and talk to a teacher about this kind of inappropriate subject matter or when your beliefs go agains that of the schools teachings?? I know this is nothing compared w/ the trials that lay ahead when it comes to having my kids attend public school, and it’s not that horrible I suppose, but it still bothers me….

About Amy

Mom to boys who were born Aug. 2001, Nov. 2004, March 2006; and devoted wife to the love of my life since Nov. 1998. Chronic worrier but devoted Christian who is trying to put her fears and faith in the One who created it all and provides for all my needs despite the daily challenges and doubts that arise. Along the way I chose to share my journey with you. Thanks for coming along for the ride! The road won't always be bright and the journey may sometimes be hard, but it can be an amazing adventure if you keep your eyes and thoughts "on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable" (Philippians 4:8).
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3 Responses to

  1. Paula says:
    3/6/2008 at 9:48 am

    Hello, Amy! As a teacher and a parent, I think you need to start with your son. I am a little surprised that those stories are available in a beginning reader book–they are from a very popular intermediate collection that I had in my middle school classroom. I’m guessing the book was HIS choice, so you could talk to him about the kinds of things you would/wouldn’t like to see him reading. My daughter is his age, and she can handle a much higher level of book, so it’s important that I check out the contents. Since your beliefs may be different from the teacher’s, I wouldn’t leave it up to her.

    You would be amazed at the things parents these days expose their kids to! There were boys on Zoe’s soccer team who were regularly taken to R rated horror movies! The parents thought it was great bonding!

    As long as it’s not being taught to the whole class, you’re okay. I object to “commercialized” books, like Disney, Barbie, My Little Pony, but the content isn’t by itself a problem for most people. I also despise Junie B. Jones books because I have a problem with poor grammar–but my daughter’s teacher often reads them aloud to the class during downtime. That’s fine, because Zoe and I discuss what I don’t like about them.

    I think one of the most important jobs as a parent isn’t to censor what your child consumes, but to have constant communication about it. That being said, of course, you need to monitor appropriateness. I can’t protect my teenage sons from profanity and negative portrayals of women in music like rap, but we can discuss it. And they know it’s not okay for them to copy. Good luck!

  2. LeAnn says:
    3/6/2008 at 8:15 pm

    Amy,
    I agree with what Paula has said. She gives good advice from both perspectives of being a teacher and parent. I can not offer the perspective of a parent, but can offer what I see as a teacher. I remember reading those types of books but when I was in 5th grade or so. Usually we checked them out around Halloween and such. Anyway, I would definitely talk with Caleb about the types of books that you would like him to read and explain why you don’t think this choice is appropriate for him. Since he is reading on a higher level than most of his peers in his class, maybe going to the local library with him could be a way to talk about the types of books he has the ability to read versus the types of books that you would like him to read for the story, content, etc. I definitely agree that keeping the communication open is the best way to go. Also, maybe asking him why he chose the book and what he thinks about it could be a way to start the conversation. Then you can see where he is at and maybe that can help direct what you say. Just my thoughts.

  3. Pam says:
    3/8/2008 at 9:14 pm

    That is weird did the teacher assign the book or did Caleb pick it. Xavier has always been able to pick his own books. He is suppose to read for 20 minutes a day every day but he can read whatever book he wants.

    Such funs things we have to be prepared for as parents. 🙂