1. U.S. Elementary Education : What Parents Need to Know
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U.S. Elementary education - what parents need to be aware of

Discussion in 'General Discussions - USA & Canada' started by Rihana, May 12, 2015.

  1. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    There are usually a few occasions in the elementary school years when parent cannot be sure. Like - casting for spots in a school play for Snow White. A cute looking Caucasian or Oriental little girl may get the lead role. The Indian child will be happy with whatever role she (and dozens of others) gets, but mom's mind will wonder, and wonder, and wonder.

    No, didn't happen to me... a friend's kid and friend were upset when the talented daughter didn't get a lead role in a school play (different fairy tale).

    I've come to a natural state of 'be aware, not suspicious' (a take on 'trust, but verify')
     
  2. Chitravivek

    Chitravivek Platinum IL'ite

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    @Rihana @guesshoo I am not sure if this is appropriate in this thread but I would like to know at what age and how did you start talking about bullies and how your kid needs to stand against it and not just take it.

    I have 4.5yrs old and since she goes to Montessori I get a feel that some times 5yr or 6yr old takes my kid for granted and she is scared that they will no longer be her friend if she doesn't accept what they say. Example: This could be silly but one of her good friend told my daughter the other day that my daughter cannot be elsa and that my daughter doesn't like Elsa (frozen movie). My DD loves Elsa and just because her friend said she said ok and didn't argue. Told me that if she argues the other girl will not be her friend anymore. I was broken. I feel bad that my DD is not standing up for herself. I have been telling her to be brave and stand up for yourself. Guess its time for me to revisit my method. So here I am for help.

    Also how do you answer a 4.5yrs old question on "Mom what is a private part" I always talk about good touch/Bad touch and what is private parts etc.. But didn't know how to answer the above question.
     
  3. vidukarth

    vidukarth Platinum IL'ite

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    Hello Moms,

    Such a nice thread. I have a elder one in first grade. I would like to know how many parents prefer kumon or if they go for a different class, what is it and if it is good.
    Mine currently goes for math in kumon, she was earlier enrolled for both, but it became overwhelming and she lost interest, moreover we had our second child and hence could not give the same attention to her. She goes for music apart from this.
    I wanted to know what all would be essential and your valuable thoughts.
     
  4. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Sometimes, they need to handle these little things themselves. Maybe for the little one, not being Elsa is not that big a deal. Unless there is a pattern of always nodding head to keep from losing a friend, should be OK.

    In general, talking about standing up doesn't work so well. Role-play helps. Act out a few scenarios, taking the role of child, and child's friend. Might sound like overkill, but kids to whom standing up, or speaking up doesn't come naturally, need these. Around 7 or 8 yrs age, they stop needing such help.. usually...

    Use the actual names of the parts. And a simple these are to be touched only by self, doctor (and mom/dad till a certain age). And, that these are not usually revealed in public, hence called private.

    Sorry for the so late response.
     
  5. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    I am totally against Kumon. There are lot of threads discussing Kumon, and provide parent opinions, but better to remember that the alternatives to Kumon are much more now than 4-5 years ago.

    If I had to pick one Kumon topic due to having a younger one, I'd pick the Reading. Math is easier to do at home.
     
    BhumiBabe likes this.
  6. MOHANAPRIYARANG

    MOHANAPRIYARANG New IL'ite

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    Friends,
    I am new to U.S and I live in Lake Buena Vista..I Have a 4.3 yrs old and want to put him in prep here..when I enquired in a private school it seems they Will charge $220 per week which I cannot afford ..Any suggestions from experienced persons..is it necessary to send my son to pre k in private schools?
     
  7. meena texas

    meena texas New IL'ite

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    Kumon is very nice daily training if it works for your kid and for you. We stayed in Kumon for 3 months then tried several other resources. So far Beestar works like a wonder as it has honor roll and ribbon every week. Ixl is a bit boring so we put it on hold for a while. Keeping them motivated is very hard but important. The math of Beestar is free, is online access.
     
  8. Anithapraveen

    Anithapraveen New IL'ite

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    Hi,

    I am new to US and we are in Herndon Virginia. My son completed his 5th grade in India. We enquired in the nearby public schools about the admission, they told us he need to undergo an assessment test.

    Can anyone pls let me know how I should prepare him for the test..

    Heard that if he fails in the test then will be put in 5th grade again.. i am so much worried..

    Please help...

    Thanks
    Anitha
     
  9. jskls

    jskls IL Hall of Fame

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    Dont worry Anitha. Which board did ur son go to? You dont have to worry about math as kids would be above grade level usually.
    You can ask the school teacher what he will be tested on. Get some books from Library for reading (6th-8th grade level) and work on some comprehension. Refer online resources for grade level reading that includes fiction, non-fiction too. Google search 'sample reading passages for 6th grade' returns some resources. You can get some workbook from Barnes & Noble or Borders like Spectrum Series or Wordlywise series.

    Mostly when we move from India, kids will be placed in ELL (English Language learners) group. If the school is offering second language like Spanish/French, first year that block/period will be used for ELL students to get them up to speed. This may vary from school district to school district. Math should be easy to ace for your kid.
     
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  10. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    OK, first things first, learn and remember that with schools you have to be very firm and assertive when needed. Whether one wants to put child in a certain grade, hold him back (called red-shirting sometimes) or have him skip a grade, it is all possible, as long as one is persistent and polite, and does not come across as ignorant. Assuming your child is pretty much at grade level you want to enroll him in, and he meets the age requirement (there is a cut-off-date, usually Sept 2 or Oct 2).

    Ask them specifically what will be tested, and the format of the test, what kind of questions, how long is the test. They might give you the fuzzy answer of 'do not worry. have a good night's sleep and good breakfast, that's all the prep he needs'... 'there is no preparation to be done' and so on. Nod, smile, and ask again what kind of questions, format, how long test. Without being apologetic tell them that he is new to the country and its testing styles etc.

    When is the test going to take place? Before school close or just before school starts, or after school starts?

    Not sure if money is a concern (you are new and all that). But if it is not, ask them how to go to the instruction department or the textbook department of the school district. Then, get the ISBN numbers of the books/workbooks used in class, and see which are the ones that will be useful to buy. Another way is, if school has not yet closed for summer, go to a 5th grade classroom and ask the teacher if you can look at the books. She might even have some to give away. Or, if any 5th grade kids live in the area, try talking with the parents. You'll find one helpful parent like jskls or me, happy to yap about the school. : )

    Heard from whom? The school or other people? Don't worry. Usually, most assessment tests at this grade level feel easy for Indian/Asian kids.

    Go to the school district's website, find the email or phone number of main contact. Call or email that person and say you want to know which textbooks/workbooks are used in local schools for math and language arts.

    Schools are usually helpful, and work with parents, but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself and your child.
     
    Jey, Vaikuntha and jskls like this.

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