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The Q&A Forum - June 2007

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Question Archive:

April 2003
"I have one child that continues to make silly noises for attention and even though he has missed recess several times, it doesn't seem to matter. I've talked to the mother and she has no solutions. Any ideas?"
Gina from Nanuet, NY
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April 2004
"I have 25 first graders who can never stop talking while I am reading, explaining directions, etc. I have tried many things such as rewards for good listening behavior. Nothing seems to be working. Any ideas?"
Andrea from Acton, Massachusetts
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April 2005
" I was recently raked over the coals by a parent for the amount of homework that I give my first graders. She says that it is 45 minutes to an hour a night. If they do everything, I don't see that it could possibly be more than 30 minutes - tops! This is
Christi from Forney, Texas
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August 2004
"I am a first year teacher and would like some Fall ideas and projects that I can get the children's parents involved with. Does anyone have some suggestions of projects that parents can come to school and work with their child. Any ideas would be greatly
Jess in Somerville, Ma
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December 2002
"I teach a combination 4th/5th grade class. Can you offer some good management tips to help me teach to one group while keeping the other group engaged in their work? "
J. Scott from CA
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December 2003
"Does anyone have any positive suggestions for getting their children to walk as a group in the hallways without talking, carrying on, or disturbing others?"
C.T. in Harrisburg, Pa
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December 2004
"Do any of you teachers out there have any suggestions about how to help children that have difficulty completing independent work?"
Vicky from Santa Cruz, California
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Feburary 2003
" I am interested in starting a lunchbag bookclub with students and need ideas on how to proceed. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Mrs. Jaw
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Feburary 2004
"Does anyone have any original and educational field trip ideas for students in grades 3-6?"
Dana from Roscoe, Illinois
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February 2005
"I know it is wonderful to have parents come in to the classroom to spend time with their child or come in to help the class with projects, but sometimes I have a problem with the children of those parents. Many times the child will either misbehave and t
Susan from Pittsford, MI
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January 2003
"I'm looking for some fresh ways to count up the first 100 days of school. I already use calculator tape posted around the edge of the room to track the days, but I want to try something different Any ideas?"
Donna K
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March 2004
"I am looking for ways to make my Jehoviah Witness children feel included in all of our activities in our room. When we do a holiday activity, I need to exclude them from it. I feel bad about this but feel it would not be fair to the other children if we
Lisa from Salem Oregon
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March 2005
" How do you adjust your math and reading activities for your gifted children? I've tried adding problems, asking challenging questions, but need some more ideas to keep them motivated. "
Gina from Nanuet, NY
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May 2003
"I am a pre-school teacher. In my class when its free play time some children always play guns. I want to know what is appropriate: to stop them or just to let them go? Any suggestions?"
Fauzia Aslam
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May 2004
"Does anyone have any great book buddy activities for Kindergarten and/or First Grade and fourth or Fifth Grade reading"
Nicole from Whitestone, New York
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November 2003
"I have a student this year who has little to no social skills. His desk has been moved many times already this year in an effort to find a workable combination. (Lots of desks move so he is not isolated). I have observed his behavior and the reactions of
Elaine from Clintondale, New York
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November 2004
"I have big windows in my classroom and would love some creative ideas as to how to decorate them?"
Susie from Chicago, Illinois
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October 2003
"I am a 1st grade teacher and I am in search of a new discipline plan for this year. I have done colors and money in the past. Just want something new. Any ideas?"
Denise from Ladson, South Carolina
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October 2003
"Does anyone have good OPEN HOUSE IDEAS centered around literature? (i.e. Dr. Seuss was done one year.) This would have to include lots of art too as I teach Kindergarten.
Linda from Modesto, California
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October 2003
"Does anyone have good OPEN HOUSE IDEAS centered around literature? (i.e. Dr. Seuss was done one year.) This would have to include lots of art too as I teach Kindergarten. Thanks."
Linda from Modesto, California
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October 2004
"When my children come from noon recess they have many tales to tell me of injustices on the playground. I think it is important to listen to these stories because I do not wish ot allow bullies to get away with bullies harrassing other children. This tak
Connie from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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September 2003
"I am a regular education teacher and will be teaching a 4th grade integrated class next year. I need suggestions for how to make this a positive experience for all of my students."
Keri from Moriches, NY
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September 2003
:"I am a regular education teacher and will be teaching a 4th grade integrated class next year. I need suggestions for how to make this a positive experience for all of my students."
Keri from Moriches, NY
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September 2004
"I'm looking for some new ideas for discipline/classroom management. Please share if you can."
Janet from Whittier, North Carolina
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January 2004
"I have 25 second graders. Their behavior at lunch is terrible. They talk too loud and touch each other's food. HELP!"
Kathy from Green Island, New York
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January 2005
"What do you do when your class disrespects a substitute or special class teacher? "
Tinna, from Kansas City, MO
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May 2005
" I teach an all day every day Kindergarten program. We have a 30 minute rest time daily after our lunch. We have found that many children, especially at the beginning of the school year need this time and often sleep. Others probably could do without it.
Sue who teaches Kindergarten in North Adams, Michigan
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June 2005

" I will be teaching a combined kindergarten/first grade class next year. Does anyone have any good ideas on how to keep wiggly kindergarteners quiet and focused on hands-on activities that they can do independently while I am teaching the fir
This month’s question comes from Jean, who teaches in Lyndonville, Vermont:
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July 2005

I love setting my room up with books categorized in different genres. I have the book color coded by genre, however I have two problems.

First, what do you do with the books that the students haven't finished, however don't have time to complet
This month's question comes from Christa
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July 2005

I love setting my room up with books categorized in different genres. I have the book color coded by genre, however I have two problems.
First, what do you do with the books that the students haven't finished, however don't have time to complet
This month's question comes from Christa who teaches 1st Grade in Oak Brook, IL
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August 2005
I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets ver
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
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August 2005
I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets very frustr
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
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September 2005
Does anyone know of an effective way to get parents to come to conferences (elementary level). Last session, I had one parent (yes, just one!) show up. Help!
This month's question comes from Terah who teaches in Hosford, Florida
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October 2005
Does anyone have any ideas on a QUICK (5 minutes) way to practice sight vocab every day? I keep 10 words on my board all week long and we do practice them daily. However, I only have a few different strategies for practicing them. and I don't want my
The October 2005 question was submitted by Kathy who teaches 1st grade in Harrisburg, PA
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November 2005
I teach an all day Kindergarten Program and just like every grade the curriculum is getting more and more difficult and lengthy. Unfortunately, Kindergarten children are still little people with lots of energy!!!!!-They need activity and lots of it. We
This months's question was submitted by Susan who teaches in Jonesville, Michigan
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December 2005
I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already "packed" day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
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December 2005
I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already packed day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
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January 2006
I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
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January 2006
I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
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February 2006
Does anybody have activities/ strategies/games to teach 2nd graders about cause and effect relationships? Many thanks!
This month’s question was sent in by Marlene Arduino, who teaches in Las Vegas, Nevada:
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March 2006
1) How do you get a completely talkative group to stop talking all day long?

2) What do you do or how do you say things to make them hear a direction the first time and not have to repeat it 5 more times?
This month we have two good questions from one teacher, Keleen, who teaches in Milwuakee, Wisconsin:
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April 2006
I am looking for suggestions to help my students write fiction. They don't seem to understand the idea of writing a story.
This month's question comes from Cindy, who teaches 2nd Grade in Richmond, Virginia:
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May 2006
I am a 3rd Grade Math teacher and am looking for creative ideas to help my students master their basic facts. If anyone has any creative ideas, I would greatly appreciate them.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
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June 2006
I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Sherry, who teaches 1st Grade in Clinton, Ohio:
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June 2006
I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
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July 2006
Does anyone have great ideas for a school newspaper? I am in charge starting this August, and would like to put out a paper that is different from the old one. I would like each issue to be fun, interesting to kids and parents.
This month's question comes from Tom, who teaches in Ontario, California:
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August 2006
I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
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August 2006
I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting t
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
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September 2006
"Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?"
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
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September 2006
Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
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October 2006
I'll be in a double classroom next year with two other teachers, one general ed and one special ed. Any ideas on how we can work together smoothly to present one face to the students?
This months question comes from Kathy, who teaches in Rochester, NY:
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November 2006
My school is looking for creative ways to reduce lunchroom noise/talking. Any suggestions?
This month's question comes from Kelly, who teaches in Ashville, NC:
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December 2006
I teach a 3/4 combination and I'd love to hear about some different classroom management systems that have been successful.
This month's question comes from Rita Goedl, who teaches in Chico, CA:
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January 2007
I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they w
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
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January 2007
I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they wa
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
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February 2007
I have a T.A. helping me this year. One of my responsibilities is to know what she is doing at all times. I do not feel comfortable in this position. I need ideas on how to work with her without making her feel inadequate.
This month's question comes from Debra , who teaches in Waynesboro, GA:
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March 2007
One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to "let go". She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
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March 2007
One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to 'let go'. She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
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April 2007
I have an underachieving, certified gifted student. I have tried individual contracts and frequent positive reinforcements. Any suggestions on how to motivate this student?
This month's question comes from Debbie, who teaches in Nashville, TN:
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May 2007
Hi, I am new to teaching and would like to know what are the best methods to quiet a chatty class. I've tried silent sign, whispering, standing still, give me five, positive reinforcement (ex: I like how Johnny is sitting quietly.) Any ideas would be grea
This month's question comes from Melissa, who teaches in Randolph, NJ:
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June 2007
How does your school or district handle parents who would like to have their students in a certain teacher's class? We would like to come up with a district policy for parental request which will help us in planning classes for the next school year.
This month's question comes from Kate, who teaches in Albion, MI:
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July 2007
Hi, I am a kindergarten teacher and would like to know any helpful hints on getting students to stay resting during rest time? My students tend to get up find little items on the floor and bring them to me. My classroom is a little smaller, so it is diffi
This month's question comes from Marsha, who teaches in Cresco, IA:
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August 2007
When we return to school in September, I will be having 5 students from my previous year ( first going into 2nd grade) and 5 new students (kindergarten going into 1st grade). Any suggestions on making the new comers feel special as well as making the soon
This month's question comes from Barbara, who teaches in Middletown, NJ:
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September 2007
How does your school handle the class bully who threatens the other students constantly, but whose parents think they can do no wrong?
This month's question comes from Joel, who teaches in Brooklyn, NY:
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October 2007
I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
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October 2007
I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
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November 2007
What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
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November 2007
What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
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December 2007
How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
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December 2007
How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
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January 2008
I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
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January 2008
I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
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February 2008
I am looking for ideas for grandparents day. The class has to do a 15 minute program in the classroom for the parents and grandparents. Do you have suggestions that would make sense for pre-k and kindergarten.
This month's question comes from Norma, who teaches in Carencro, LA:
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March 2008
How do you get students to slow down and focus on work instead of rushing so they can do something else?
This month's question comes from Mary, who teaches in Lafayette, IN:
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April 2008
Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 "traditional" and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
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April 2008
Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 'traditional' and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
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May 2008
I would like ideas for first-day activities, crafts, etc. for my first & second grade students. I would appreciate any ideas, thanks!
This month's question was sent in by Donna, who teaches in Tulsa, OK:
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June 2008
Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
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June 2008
Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
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July 2008
Does anyone have a really good and simple discipline management system that's easy to implement with 1st graders, and more importantly, easy to stick with throughout the year?
This month's question was sent in by Cindy , who teaches in Cedar Park, TX:
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August 2008
I am looking for activities for the first few days of school for a very high energy group.
This month's question was sent in by Deb , who teaches in West Chicago, IL:
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September 2008
This year, for the first time, I will have a retained student in my class. Last year's teacher shared that he did little more than sit, disrupt the class, and sleep. I would love to have some ideas on how to start his year out on a positive note and sugge
This month's question was sent in by Denise , who teaches in Detroit, MI:
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October 2008
How can I best manage my guided reading groups or math centers so that I can concentrate and focus on the group I'm working with? I've modeled and practiced, but the students continue to talk loudly due to excitement, or they interrupt my group to ask que
This month's question was sent in by Amber , who teaches in Asheville, NC:
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November 2008
I find it hard to have centers in the classroom because some students are misbehaving and not doing what they are supposed to. I love having centers but can be very hard to manage. Are there any good management strategies to help me make sure that my stu
This month's question was sent in by Allison, who teaches in Elgin, IL:
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November 2008
I find it hard to have centers in the classroom because some students are misbehaving and not doing what they are supposed to. I love having centers but can be very hard to manage. Are there any good management strategies to help me make sure that my stud
This month's question was sent in by Allison, who teaches in Elgin, IL:
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December 2008
How do you get low level readers to actually read during silent reading time? I've tried everything I can think of and they still won't read.
This month's question was sent in by Jackie, who teaches in South Bend, IN:
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January 2009
What are some creative ways to give positive attention to students who make noises and throw things for attention or to make others laugh?
This month's question was sent in by Gina, who teaches in Daphne, AL:
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February 2009
What activities can I do to help improve reading fluency in third grade. We have read several poems and done Reader's Theater, but I am looking for some new ideas!
This month's question was sent in by Terri, who teaches in Prophetstown, IL:
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March 2009
Do you have any great ideas for teaching first graders how to write poems and develop a liking for poetry?
This month's question was sent in by Michelle, who teaches in Columbia, SC:
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April 2009
Does anyone have any games, that do not require prep, that I can play with my students when I only have 5 or 10 minutes to spare? Something that would be fun for intermediate grades, I teach 6th.
This month's question was sent in by Terri, who teaches in Kent, WA:
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May 2009
How do you get primary students to slow down and take their time with their writing and classroom work?
This month's question was sent in by Karen, who teaches in Fort Wayne, IN:
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June 2009
For the first time in my teaching career I am having to teach a combo classroom. Any suggestions/advice on how to teach two grade levels at the same time?
This month's question was sent in by Nichole, who teaches in Chandler, AZ:
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July 2009
How can I make an aide feel like a part of the team?
This month's question was sent in by Sally, who teaches in Sequim, WA
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August 2009
After many years of teaching, I still have trouble with "dismissal time", which can be as long as 20 mins. in my school. Any ideas on keeping kids quiet while waiting for their buses to be called?
This month's question was sent in by Nancy, who teaches in Portsmouth, RI
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August 2009
After many years of teaching, I still have trouble with "dismissal time", which can be as long as 20 mins. in my school. Any ideas on keeping kids quiet while waiting for their buses to be called?
This month's question was sent in by Nancy, who teaches in Portsmouth, RI
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September 2009
After almost 10 years of teaching, I still struggle w/ finding 3-5 min. activities to use with upper elementary grade students during transition/wait time. Any suggestions?
This month's question was sent in by Vicki, who teaches in Barkhamsted, CT
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October 2009
How do you manage lunchroom behavior? I want to let them socialize but they go crazy! HELP?
This month's question was sent in by Kathy, who teaches in Charlotte, NC
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November 2009
I'm looking for whole-class strategies to keep ADHD kids on task during independent work times (like when I'm teaching reading groups). More than half the kids in my class display the inattentive, overactive behaviors of ADHD, so I need tips that I can us
This month's question was sent in by Amanda, who teaches in Rockville, MD:
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Q: This month's question comes from Kate, who teaches in Albion, MI:

How does your school or district handle parents who would like to have their students in a certain teacher's class? We would like to come up with a district policy for parental request which will help us in planning classes for the next school year.

A: Your excellent responses:

Julie from Thousand Oaks, CA:
We thank them for their input but gently remind them that there are many factors that go into placement and the best class for their child will be decided by the administration. Of course, if all factors are equal we will do our best to accomodate the parent. After all, many parents blame teachers for things that are out of their control. If the parent ever complains about a teacher they requested they are reminded it was what they wanted.

Gray from Big Rock, TN:
Our school does not generally allow parents to request teachers. If for any reason, a parent feels the need to have a particular teacher the parent must meet with our advisory board. This board consists of one teacher from each grade level, two parents, and two community persons. The parent explains why it is important to have a specific teacher. The advisory board then decides if the request should be granted. They generally only grant requests with valid reasons.

Denise R from Mastic, NY:
We ask that parents put in writing the "kind of teacher that their child would succeed with in class and the reasons why they think they would want a certain kind of teacher." After all, we do try to match students with teachers that will best meet their needs. We never promise a particular teacher, but we do try to accomodate learning styles, personalities, strengths, and needs...

Denise Robertson from Mastic, NY:
We ask that parents put in writing the "kind of teacher that their child would succeed with in class and the reasons why they think they would want a certain kind of teacher." After all, we do try to match students with teachers that will best meet their needs. We never promise a particular teacher, but we do try to accomodate learning styles, personalities, strengths, and needs...

Jennifer from Munford, Alabama:
In our school we tell the parents they have to make a written request. We tell them that we will do our best to accomodate them, but we make no promises. We don't have a lot of parents that make requests, but this seems to work.

Lori Burks from Fayetteville, Georgia:
My principal requests the parent to write a letter stating their child's strengths and weaknesses and what they believe to be their child's learning style and how they learn best. Then he tries to match that child to the teacher that is most proficient in that style and would be a nice fit into her classroom.

Margie from Scottsdale, Arizona:
At my current school, we offer parents a choice through an environmental form. They tell us how their student best learns and their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we let them choose 3 (a must and not all the same name) teachers, we can guarantee that they will get one of the three. We try to give them their first choice but it doesn't always happen. Our grade levels have about 5 teachers each. Which allows for the choice. This would be difficult in a smaller school. However, parents feel as thought they have been heard through this process.

Karen Kennedy from Owosso, Michigan:
Our school district comply with every parent request. It was difficult for us because we often didn't get a final class list until the day school started. (One year, I even had a change after that.) Last year, our new principal wrote a letter to parents stating that any requests needed to be in writing and needed to give an educational reason for the request. We still honor many of those requests, but it has cut down on the number of them. In addition, by having to be in writing, parents need to make their requests earlier; I get my final class list much earlier now.

Patricia Hein from Green Bay, WI:
Parents are not permitted to request a specific teacher by name. Instead, if there are multiple teachers for a grade level, parents are permitted to write a letter to the principal explaining any special circumstances they believe are present or necessary for their child to be successful as a learner. For example, "My child, Billy, is very shy. He shuts down mentally when in an environment that is noisy and very stimulating. We believe that in order for Billy to be sucessful in school, it would be better for him to be in a classroom environment that is very structured and subdued." OR "My daughter, Julie, seems to thrive in a very busy, stimulating environment." Based upon these requests, then, Billy would be placed in Mrs. Dettmann's classroom because she runs a very tight ship with lots of structure and little distractions. Julie, on the other hand, would do well in the split classroom with Mr. Fry because she would benefit from the extra stimulation there. Most parents who are trying to get their child into someone's classroom (or even out of someone's classroom) know how to word their request to get the desired response. Ultimately, however, the numbers must balance, so requests are not always honored.

Karen Noel from Tallahassee, Florida:
Our school does not honor teacher requests by name. If the parent writes a letter requesting a type of learning environment or teaching style that their child needs to be successful it is honored whenever possible. The guidance counselor and administration read the letters and make the placements whenever possible that will benefit the child. The letters are only accepted for a brief time period at the end of the school year for placement the following year.

Deb Pence from Meridian, Idaho:
We send home a form that lets parents request a "style" of teacher, not a name. They can tell us about the child's strengths and needs. Their input is helpful in placing the student, and the parent feels like they got to help in the placement. This avoids having some teachers over-requested because they have been in the school longer or are more well-known.

Judy Saint from Jacksonville, FL:
Our county policy is that parents cannont request student placement. End of problem. The only exception is made by the principal to honor the request of another teacher, but that is not always done either.

Sue Kilmer from Toltec, AZ:
My district tells parents that they have to put in parent requests by a certain deadline. Once the deadline passes no exceptions. Also let parents know that every request may not be honored. First come first choice.

Ann L from Katy, TX:
Our district does not allow teacher requests,however a paret can request certin quailites in a person they would like to have for their child's teacher. We find that this works very well. After all who knows their children better than their parent. Our principal tries to honor those request, but their are no guarantees.:)

Pat Leavitt from Morrisonville, NY:
Dear Kate, Our principal sends home a letter to the parents in the middle of May informing them that it is getting to be that time of year when next year's class lists are in the works. He lets the parents know that although they might request a certain teacher; there are many factors involved as to who their childs next year primary teacher will be. He then lists some of the factors that are taken under consideration; for instance the child's learning style, program a child might be in, request from parent, how many boys and girls are in the class, thus letting the parents know that we do try to match the student with the best teacher for learning to take place. He then let's them know that this isn't always possible but we try to do our best. We are in our last two weeks of school and on our last day we will have a move up day. The students will go to their new teacher for about thirty minutes. When they go home for the summer they know who their teacher is for the next year and they even know the possible supplies they will need. If someone has a problem they have the summer to work it out. It took a number of years for this procedure to work and each year we tweek the process a little. Hope this helps.

Penny from Jacksonville, FL:
We don't allow parents to pick their teacher. This ia a Principal choice and we are happy that she dosen't because that could lead to problems of another kind during the school year.

Ellen from Rensselaer, NY:
Only written requests for teachers based on Educational reasons are accepted.

Jill from Waterford, MI:
My principal makes it clear in school newsletters that requests are just requests and are not automatically granted. She also states that a request must have an educational reason, and not just because they want to be with a friend. The newsletter also goes on to explain that the teachers take great care to place students in environments that are diverse, and with personalities that are different but will not collide. We usually don't have any problems except for an occasional parent who has a problem with everything. When we sort kids, we take care to keep apart kids that cause trouble for each other. At times, parents have even taken back a request when they found out another student would be in a class.

Cat from Oak Park, IL:
We emphasize to parents, via various forms of communication, that we work diligently to balance our classes in terms of race, gender and ability levels to promote a safe, healthy learning environment for all children. We assure them that we work together with the current grade level team and the upcoming year's team to take into consideration personalities, learning styles and other student needs. Parents who have special concerns are invited to share those concerns with our principal in writing. She may then choose to make a change with the input of the grade level teams. (This should be a rare exception.) Once the class lists are posted the week before school begins in the fall, placements are considered permanent. We really do discourage "teacher shopping" in our school and in the district as a whole.

Jennifer Laiben from Hillsboro, MO:
I work in the Hillsboro School District in Hillsboro, MO. In our district, parents are given about a 2-week time period (approx. April 15-May 1) to fill out a request form. All 12 teachers in each grade level are listed. Parents must choose 4 of those teachers that they prefer. Consideration is given to requests as space is available. Most parents get one of their choices. There is a place for comments on the form where parents can give reasons for their choices.

Jeff Hall from Bolingbrook, Illinois:
Because our schools are between 800 and 1,000 K-5 students, there are several requests every year especially when word gets around about certain teachers their child's friend likes or other parent liked. Our school prides itself with the fact that there are several different teaching styles within the school. The parents may request a certain style that their child would benefit from and state why that style would benefit their child. This way the administration can consider the placement of a child in a classroom that fits that child's learning ability and to better assist the child in being successful. So far this has been accepted with high regard by the parents. All students needs structure, however, some teachers have a more strict form of structure that some students needs, while others, like myself, give a little more freedom to students who are motivated and work much better with what is expected of them and telling them what they need to do to get an "A". Hope this helps. If you have any questions e-mail me at jehall@learningcommunity202.org.

Martha Moore from Cazemovia, NY:
In my own children's elementary school, parents are allowed to request that their child NOT be with any one teacher. They cannot name more than one teacher and they cannot request placement in a specific class. This gives the parents a bit of say in classroom selection, yet still allows the school to do placements they consider to be educationally best for the students.

Cindra Simpson from Gorham, ME:
In our distrcit, we do not allow parental requests...it causes more problems than it is worth...children are very adaptable and they usually do just fine with any teacher!

Christine from Fontana, CA:
In my district the policy is that the parents have to write a letter to the principal describing the qualities of the teacher they want for their child. They may not name names. They must describe how those qualities would best meet their child's needs. The parents also need to describe what kind of learner their child is and the best environment for optimum learning. The letter then is given to the principal and the principal places the child into a class. By not naming a name, we have gotten away from the popularity of certain teachers.

Sherri from Houston, Texas:
I teach in Houston, Texas. We do not allow the parents to ask for a certain teacher but rather have them fill out a "type of teacher" form at the end of each year. We try to look at the forms and match types of teachers with types of students. We rarely have any problems with this method.

Kelli from Colorado Springs, CO:
My district allows parents to put in a half-sheet pink form where they can request certain teacher attributes (strict, mild, ELL background, etc.), and note specific issues with their child, but not a specific teacher. The form reminds them that we'll do our best to accomodate their requests, but cannot guarantee it.

Jennifer Beter from Palm Bay, FL:
Our school has parents answer a "questionaire"-type paper, explaining that we match personalities and/or if a child needs a "softer" teacher, higly active, or a "pressing down the thumb" teacher.

Melanie from Spartanburg, SC:
At our school, the principal doesn't usually honor a request for a child to get a certain teacher, but he will honor a request to not get a certain teacher as long as the parent explains why. If a teacher has a child that attends the school, he doesn't usually take requests from them either. That way, we can explain to parents that we don't get to ask either.

Michelle from Dover, NH:
Our school used to allow requests - which was great for some teachers but lousy for others - especially teachers new to our school. Parents may no longer request specific teachers but they can write a letter to the principal explaining what their child's learning style is and the learning environment that would be best for their child. It helps eliminate "lopsided" classes, gives us more flexibility when planning next years mix, and gives parents a way to participate in the placement.

Linda Schoppet from El Paso, Illinois:
At our elementary school (k-4 in my building;5-6 in another) it is stated in all the information that goes out to parents (new and old) that they can make only 1 request in these 7 years for a specific teacher for their child to have (or not have). It is a "1 time only offer". We have 2 K-1 and 2 1-2 looping classes and parents can request their child be in looping. That is usually done early on and I believe it is advised that the parents make this decision prior to K or 1st (depending upon which class they want their child to be in. I have only been at this school 3 years, but this appears to be rule that is strictly enforced.

Waida Santos from Spring Hill, Florida:
hello, I am starting at a new school in august and their policy is that families who have completed their volunteer hours may request a teacher. This school has been rated a Five Star School and i am excited to be a part of it. (The Five Star School Award is presented each year to schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement. In order to qualify for this award, a school must achieve 100% of these criteria in the categories of Business Partnerships, Family Involvement, Volunteers, Student Community Service, and School Advisory Councils. The school must also have a portfolio that documents the achievement of each criteria.)

Patti from St. Louis, MO:
At the end of the school year the teachers make up their own list of students for the teachers for the next year. Since the teachers know the learning style of the student, they can match the student with the teacher with the best teaching style for that student. If Parents request a certain teacher for their child for the next year, they simply ask the current teacher(with whom they have built a relationship) and can discuss what class and teacher would be best for their child.

Deb Koslowsky from Tujunga, California:
Here, parents are allowed to request a teacher for their child to to be programmed to, but NOT to request that they NOT be with a certain teacher. I've asked my children's current teachers to please place my children with a teacher that is a good fit for them, as well. Some of the most popular teachers are also the teachers of the advanced studies/gifted classes, so students have to be tested to be placed with them and then as space allows, solving part of the problem.

Faye Boyd from Nampa, Idaho:
Our school sends out a questionnaire every spring for the following year asking parents to describe what learning environment their child/children learn best in and then it states that their child will be placed in the teacher in that grade level that best fits that teaching style.

Sherry Locken from New Town, North Dakota:
Our school district asks that parents put in their requests no later than May at the end of the school year. They try to but don't always honor those requests.

R. Magers from N. Kansas City, Missouri:
Parents have asked me who I thought would be best suited for their child for the upcoming school year. I try to make them aware that it is not necessarily the teacher/child relationship I look at, but the dynamics of the students' relationships. If there are several strong personalities in a classroom, it may be best for those students to be in separate classrooms where each can experience more opportunities for leadership, attention, and challenges. Parents can be assured that their child's success is of the utmost importance to all the teachers involved, who will do their best to meet the needs of every student. Once parents realize there is so much more to deciding how to assign students to classrooms, they are generally very supportive of decisions the school makes.

Robin Whitworth from Hurricane, UT:
This year are school allowed request, but the parent had to circle three teachers and could not put them in any order. In the past parents were able to list the order of their request. This year they could not. The team liked this years format better. Many parents didn't feel they really got to choose. I have worked for schools that parents could only make request if they wrote a formal letter stating the need for a certain teacher, special needs of a child and why a certain teacher could meet those needs.

Lauri Kondella from Rome, New York:
Our principal sends a letter home stating that he does not accept requests for teachers, but he will honor requests for their child to NOT have a certain type of teacher. For example, if a child has gone through an abusive experience with a male, their parent can request not to have a male teacher; if a child is extremely shy, they can request a teacher that is not very strict and rigid. The parents need to have reason for their "request". This method has proven to work over the years and has eliminated all of the chaos that comes at the end of the school year with requesting for the Fall.

Julianne from DODDS, Okinawa, Japan:
Our school doesn't allow parents to request a specific teacher, but rather to request a teaching style that they feel their child would be most successful with. I.E. My child works best in a highly structured environment, or My child works best doing independant project work, or my child learns best through social interaction and would benefit from lots of group work, etc. Then the counselors place students with teacher who most fits the bill. That keeps the focus on the child's learning style and which teacher will suit him/her best rather than personalities and specific requests for teachers.

Susan Johnson from Bayfield, Colorado:
Kate, my elementary school policy has been to NOT allow parents to request specific teachers. In the handbook that parents receive at the start of the school year it very plainly states that there are no guarantees that a parent will receive the teacher requested. Also, parents are encouraged to pick up "learning styles" form to fill out. On that parents can put any special considerations about their child, the child's learning style, etc. so we can look at those forms and best match a child with a teacher.

Patricia Montarella from Columbus, GA:
This is a school-level decision in our county. Our principal asks parents to write letters telling about their child's special needs and what kind of teacher they would like for their child. She tries to match the needs with the appropriate teacher. She does NOT accept a request for a particular teacher. Our previous principal accepted parental requests and CONSIDERED them. She probably honored most of them. On the flip side of that, a previous principal allowed teachers to request NOT to teach a child if they had already had a sibling. We found that assuring, especially if we had endured a year with a particularly obnoxious parent.

Marie from Danbury, CT :
Simple- specific requests are not considered. It often sets up unrealistic expectations of both the teacher and the child.

Lori Chesanek from Thompson, CT:
We have 5 to 6 teachers per grade level in our pre-K to 4 school, so we get this request often. Our principal tells parents that they can submit, in writing, the characteristics they would like to have in their child's teacher. She will not take requests for certain teachers, but she will try to match the characteristics they request if possible. She also tells them that she will make the final decision.

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