Case
"bored" student

A kindergarten teacher has a student who is performing above grade level in all subjects. The student is reading on a second grade reading level. Even though the student is being challenged daily with advanced assignments. She continues to want do what she wants to do and not what her teachers ask her to do. Her mom continues to use the excuse that she is "bored" for any time that she breaks a rule or does not follow the teacher's directions. How can the teacher explain to the mom that her bad behavior has nothing to do with her being bored? It is very apparent that this child is extremely spoiled.

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 904
Solution #1
Since the child is reading on a second grade level, it may be beneficial to allow the student to go to second grade for reading. It may help to be in a class with older students, but it allows the parent to see that the school is doing what they can to meet the academic needs of the child. Then, if the child exhibits some of the same behaviors, there is now another teacher who can back up the statements of the homeroom kindergarten teacher.

I agree with this 100%. If the parent is saying that the child is bored, I think that it would definitely be beneficial to try out putting the child in a higher class for reading. This will also help with determining what the root of the behavior is.

I agree with this solution. Allowing the student to attend the 2nd grade class for reading gives you an opportunity to test the behavior of the student. If the behavior continues in the other classroom then it is evident that the child is indeed not bored, but misbehaving.

I agree. By sending the student to read in a second grade environment it will be easier to look at their behavior. If the current behavior is still relevant than the student is simply misbehaving.

this was a very interesting topic

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Solution #2
I would focus on working with the student, rather than going back and forth with the parent, especially if they don't see their child as having behavior issues. I would try to do a small positive behavior incentive practice with this student individually, outside of what you may have in place for the other students. You could take this student to the side and explain how the system works, and remind her constantly of her agreement to behave positively.
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Solution #3
Like I am always told "Document, document, document" I know that every teacher wants to sit those parents down and say the magic words, "Stop spoiling your child she is turning into a brat." I have invited the parent to watch the student without the student knowing. One year the parent got so bad as to say that I was to blame, so I went to the principal and she observed for a couple of days and saw what I did and was able to back me up in the next parent/teacher conference. We will always have these types of parents that feel their child is above the rest in all areas and with documentation and support most of the time we can bring the parents down to reality that their child is only human.

I agree, there will always be parents that continually make excuses for their child. Getting the principal involved is a good idea, because you not only have their backup, but you can also get a second opinion on the specific behavior issues of that child.

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