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Dear Kindergarten Teacher,
Hello there! Although we haven’t met yet, I wanted to reach out before the school year kicks off. I must confess, I might be one of “those” parents—the kind who checks in a bit more often than most. But, I promise it’s all in good intention!
You see, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in education, teaching kids in the same city where I grew up and now working with future teachers in a new place. I’ve picked up a few insights along the way about how modern classrooms operate. It’s fascinating—and sometimes a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to educational policies that don’t always line up with what we know about how children learn. Did you know that neuroscience shows us no two brains are alike? It makes me wonder why we try to fit every child into the same mold.
That brings me to my son. I understand he’s expected to “Write numbers from 0 to 20” as per state guidelines. While he can count to 10, especially when it comes to Angry Birds, the numbers beyond that are a bit of a mystery to him—but he’s curious, and I love that about him! Honestly, I’m not too worried if he doesn’t master writing numbers this year. He’ll figure it out in his own time.
We did consider holding him back since he’s a young 5, with a summer birthday, and kindergarten feels a bit like the new first grade these days. I also have some concerns about the expectation that he should “explore digital tools to produce and publish writing.” To be honest, he’s still working on the basics of writing itself!
It’s interesting to note that many countries wait until children are 7 to start teaching reading and writing. Maybe there’s something to that slower approach. Countries like Finland have impressive educational outcomes, and I think we could learn a thing or two from them.
I would prefer if you could skip the tests and let him engage in play-based learning instead. I’ve even been exploring the idea of opting him out of high-stakes testing altogether. Honestly, a testing schedule that stretches over 40 days seems a bit unreasonable!
Over the summer, we received a list of sight words to work on, but life got in the way. Instead of memorizing words, we built a giant robot out of a box and transformed our living room into a Lego fortress. We spent lots of time outdoors too, running and having fun, but the sight words didn’t get the attention they deserved.
I believe that learning should be about authentic experiences rather than rote memorization. I hope he can engage in activities that spark his imagination, like building forts or coming up with creative descriptions. I’d love for him to walk away from your class a bit kinder, braver, and more compassionate. It’s crucial to equip him with perseverance and resilience—skills that will serve him well throughout life, regardless of how well he performs in math or reading later on.
Most importantly, I hope he leaves your classroom with a love for learning. If that’s what he takes away, then you will have succeeded in my eyes. Right now, he’s a curious little learner, and I want to do everything I can to help keep that fire alive, even amidst the pressures you face.
If there’s anything I can do to support you—whether it’s resources for learning centers or supplies like counting bricks, glitter, or boxes—please let me know. It’s important to me that all kids in your class have the best opportunities to learn and grow. After all, a world full of imaginative and creative thinkers is what we all need!
I believe we can create a brighter future by nurturing inquisitive minds, and it starts with your classroom. I’m here to help, and I hope you’ll let me know how I can assist you this year. And one last thing: no worksheets, please!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]