Handling Sticky School Situations

Concerned About Too Much Workbook Work

Q: My kindergartner seems to be doing a lot of work from workbooks. I'm concerned that the teacher's approach is uncreative and unstimulating. What should I do?

A: Workbooks are not necessarily signs of an uncreative approach, Bempechat says: "They can give kids a chance to practice what they're learning." Visit the class one day to observe the other materials and lesson plans the teacher uses, she suggests. Then, if you still think the workbooks are just busywork, let the teacher know you feel that your child isn't being challenged enough. She probably won't change her teaching style, but perhaps she can recommend extra enrichment materials.

The truth is that not all of your child's teachers will be dynamic and inspiring. As parents, we have to help our kids learn to deal with that. After all, Bempechat notes, "in life, we're all faced with difficult people. Learning how to cope with them -- and how to get the most from the experience -- is an important life skill."

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