A tiring, tearful term
We had a parents evening last night. I have been worried about my daughter – she has spent a lot of time this year saying how much she doesn’t want to go to school, and we have had the screaming abdabs on more than one occasion. Her lovely, lovely teacher has reassured me that he has watched her every half hour and that she is smiling and happy and I believe him, but I have never got to the bottom of why she doesn’t want to go. Anyway, he was pleased with her progress and particularly her effort, so I came away happy and convinced that she is just very tired after a busy term.
I then went to see my son’s teacher. He started Reception this year and has seemed to be taking to it well. One day, he even insisted that I took him to school even when he hadn’t been feeling to well. So I was a bit shocked to find out that he has been rather tearful of late and has cried on several occasions when things have not gone his way. This is unusual for him, so I am guessing that he is exhausted too, but keeps his brave face for at home!
Too young to be labelled?
Anyway, what I really wanted to post here were some musings on the Gifted and Talented register. I was informed that my son has been put onto it on account of the fact that he can read fairly well and write a little. As a parent, I am pleased that an eye will be kept on his progress and that he will be extended where necessary, (although I don’t see why he needs to be on a specific list for this to happen). As a governor, I feel that it is a bit ridiculous really. He is four years old and I am sure that there are other, equally bright children who either don’t have parents who put such a great value on books and reading as we do, or who don’t have a big sister bringing home reading books and spellings every night and have been exposed to parts of the NC through this. I do know that the register is flexible and that parents are told that it could change, but I fear that it is labelling children far too early.
I wonder how other primary schools tackle this issue for the very youngest children?