Reply To: Asking for Accommodations–it's not what you think

[Scattybird]

Hi playermom – good question. I have no idea but that’s never stopped me offering an opinion in the past! 🙂

My understanding of your question is that school is ‘children’s school’ and not ‘your’ school (as in USA University). If I’m wrong then sorry and don’t read on! 🙂

I think it would depend on the school and the teacher. I think where I am from I’d be scared that the school would misunderstand and tell social services the child wasn’t being looked after properly – but that’s probably my complete paranoia and mistrust of ‘the system’. It’s probably better to ask for clarification and some extensions than for them to think anything else.

It also depends on whether your child has ADHD or not. If s/he does, it might be best to tell the school that you need some reinforcement of deadlines etc. to ensure there are no misunderstandings. If s/he doesn’t have ADHD then I think I’d first of all try to put some strategy in place such as a box that all letters from the school go into as soon as child walks through the door, or as soon as they are delivered. Then develop a habit of having a ‘school admin.’ hour with your child every night. It might not be needed, but if it’s a habit then it will stick. Of course it depends on your other commitments too – easier said than done and all that.

Your idea of one sheet of paper with all their deadlines and requirements is good. I don’t see why teachers can’t organise that – it’s a good idea.  Maybe you could suggest that to the school. I suspect most parents would value it. I’ve just put in a similar request where I work and it’s been taken up because even the ‘linears’ think one document with key deadlines on will makes things easier. My problem is remembering to look at it!

I guess ultimately it depends on how often deadlines are missed. With regard to your question about whether it would be a bad example – I think anyone that asks for help when it’s needed is showing a good example and a realistic approach.

As I said, this is just opinion. There might be some parents out there that have discussed similar issues with their children’s school.

 

 

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