By Tracy M

1. Please tell me you called the school. Please.

   Comment #1 by cherylSeptember 21st, 2007 at 6:57 am

2. My kid has a spelling test today. Her first grade words are ‘rug, bug, this, etc.

   Her bonus word (for extra credit) is umbrella.

   You know you want to move here. Our schools rock. And you can forget what long sleeves feel like.

   Mooooove heeeeeerreeee……no home schooling for you…….

   Comment #2 by The WizSeptember 21st, 2007 at 6:59 am

3. Um, wow. I don’t suppose he has a first-year teacher? (They’re notorious, sometimes, for not being able to accurately gauge the ability level of kids. I know because I was one once.)

   Even the most uptight, pushy, out-of-control homeschoolers I know are not inflicting words like that on 6 year olds. In fact, most don’t start teaching spelling until the kids are about 8.

   If you have to teach your child words like these (and I’d definitely call the school and complain first), I’d divide the words into units, teach the units and then teach him how to combine them. If he has a train set, I’d write COM on a post it and put it on the first train, PAS on another post it for the second, and SION on the third. Then I’d teach him that C-O-M makes the “COM” sound and work on that till he’s comfortable. Then work on the other segments. Finally, link the cars together and teach it as one word.

   But if you want advice on homeschooling, let me know.

   Comment #3 by Julie M. SmithSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:08 am

4. I did not call the school. I went in to talk to his teacher. She was nonchalant, and said some of the kids like the big words.

   What do I do now?

   Julie- thanks, and if we go that route, you will be one of the first people I call.

   Comment #4 by Tracy MSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:19 am

5. WOW, and Holy crap!! My second grader has words like “think, thin, ship, shop” Yeah, I think someone gave those kids the WRONG list, maybe that list was supposed to go to the 5th grade students! Call the teacher, if you get no help, call the principal. You might want to check with some of the other parents of kids in your son’s class, if no one is getting anywhere with the teacher, then you could all go to the principal.

   Comment #5 by TrixieSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:24 am

6. Call the principal. If you don’t like that answer, your school district probably has someone with a title such as First Grade Curriculum Development Director or Elementary Language Arts Curriculum Specialist or somesuch. If you don’t get anything there, I think you are out of luck.

   Comment #6 by Julie M. SmithSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:32 am

7. I still have a hard time spelling enthusiasm (I had to scroll to the top to see if I had it right). The teacher is out of her mind! Some of the kids like big words? Well fine. Every teacher my son has had puts big words on the tests… as extra credit! And maybe there is one or two kids in the class who can spell those words (we had a kid like that last year in Red’s class). But her job it to teach ALL of the kids. Not cater to the few. I hope you get it figured out.

   Comment #7 by MelissaSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:41 am

8. I actually remember learning to spell librarian–when I was 8.

   Swap with another mom to take Abby, and get your butt into that classroom, so you can see what the chicken is going on.

   Comment #8 by Heather O.September 21st, 2007 at 7:54 am

9. Those are ridiculous for a first grader to be expected to spell. My first grader has “a” as a spelling word, which is a little on the too easy side, but then again, they just started school! The rest are man, can, had, and the hardest is catch.
   There has to be something you can do, especially if he is getting real grades for this already.

   Comment #9 by JessicaSeptember 21st, 2007 at 7:58 am

10. I know a lot of adults who can’t spell “responsibility”. Sadly, most of them are politicians.

    I don’t know where the teacher got that list from, but its not from any first grade vocab list I’ve ever seen.

    Comment #10 by D. Golden ShizzleSeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:04 am

11. That’s utterly ridiculous. My second grader (homeschooled) is currently doing words like “smile” and “sting.” First graders can barely read, much less spell huge words! I would definitely be calling the principal if talking to the teacher didn’t do it.

    Comment #11 by dangermomSeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:11 am

12. I am a former teacher who made my living in early childhood reading for ten years. This is ludicrous. Stupid. Ridiculous. Emotionally dangerous and academically disturbing. I’m not given to hyperbole - and my reaction thus far doesn’t come close to how I feel about this list.

    What I would suggest, having worked at all levels of state education:

    Go straight to the principle and demand an explanation - an educational one. Demand to see the research that indicates these words are age-appropriate for the average 1st Grader.

    Before doing so, google “appropriate spelling words for first graders” - or any similar phrase. Print what you can find. Go to your state’s Dept of Ed website and check their content standards for first grade language arts and print the guidelines for spelling. Take the research with you and refuse to accept the list as the standard list for all kids.

    I am NOT a fan of our over-litigious society, but a well-placed, calm, serious threat of a call to the State Dept of Ed works wonders in many cases. Whatever you do, don’t let this go; it truly is frightening from a developmental perspective.

    Comment #12 by RaySeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:30 am

13. I agree with Ray.

    My first grader hasn’t even had a spelling test. They are working on basic reading words: Sam sat on the mat, type stuff. Much more appropriate.

    Those are words that my fourth grader would bring home.

    Comment #13 by HollySeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:35 am

14. Principal is out for the day… waiting on the vice to call me back. Thanks for all the feedback so far.

    Comment #14 by Tracy MSeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:48 am

15. they do spelling tests in 1st grade? Mine hasn’t brought home a spelling list yet, so maybe they aren’t there yet. I agree with what others have said, call the principle and don’t stop until you get an a really good explaination or better yet until you can get them to choose age appropriate words.
    Can you at least switch teachers, the response she gave you would seriously bother me.

    Comment #15 by moddySeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:53 am

16. Just checked NINE different educational websites for first grade spelling, and there was not one word over five letter on ANY of them. Also checked the WA state office of the Superintendent of Puplic Education, also nothing.

    Maybe this teacher is just off her rocker? Still waiting for the vice p. to call me back…

    Comment #16 by Tracy MSeptember 21st, 2007 at 8:58 am

17. My first grader is doing word families like, pot, hot, cot, & had, bad, sad. The challenge words are more difficult but certainly not that difficult. Since you’ve already talked with the teacher; collect your information and present it to the principal. If you don’t receive satisfaction, take it to the school district office. Be sure to bring copies of the actual tests too, if you can.

    My DS#1’s 1st grade teacher was quite unpleasant and convinced him that he couldn’t read, (he could in kindergarten though). It took us until 5th grade and beyond to fix the damage that she caused. Don’t put it off.

    Comment #17 by All8September 21st, 2007 at 9:05 am

18. Tracy-
    I would also get other parents involved if you can. I’m sure you’re not the only parent worried about this.

    Comment #18 by cherylSeptember 21st, 2007 at 9:09 am

19. I just checked my first grader’s spelling list - that, this, what, who - nothing over five letters. What a nut job. Good for you Tracy!!!!

    Comment #19 by SueSeptember 21st, 2007 at 9:37 am

20. This looks more like my 8th grader’s spelling list than any 1st grader’s I’ve seen.

    Comment #20 by Susan MSeptember 21st, 2007 at 9:47 am

21. I would organize a teacher, parent, principal conference. B/c that’s not really age-appropriate words. Even my 9 year old doesn’t have words like that–and it doesn’t matter if some of the kids LIKE those word. Maybe he needs spelling words based on what literacy group he’s in.

    Comment #21 by AlisonSeptember 21st, 2007 at 9:51 am

22. My turn…yes those words are not develomentally appropriate for a first grader. D has words like are, with, that, is, in, on, at and then has bonus words. (I am not even going there with him) Go to the Wa state education site and download the 1st grade state standards.

    The school I teach doesn’t even start spelling until Jan. go figure.

    Calling you when I get home….

    AEM

    Comment #22 by AEMSeptember 21st, 2007 at 9:54 am

23. I am curious about the teacher. I bet she is new, or new to first grade. Or something!

    Comment #23 by ElizaSeptember 21st, 2007 at 10:24 am

24. My husband teaches first grade in CA. Fortunately, they don’t have these spelling words. Not even my THIRD grader has these spelling words. He’s off-track right now and has been subbing for a kindergarten class. The stuff he tells me that goes on breaks my heart! I don’t know what yee-haw came up with the curriculum here, but some of those poor kids come 1 1/2 hours before school for tutoring. When do these kids get to be kids???

    Comment #24 by SallyGirlSeptember 21st, 2007 at 10:39 am

25. DS#3’s spelling words from today, Not, Hot, Pot, Cot, Dot. Challenge words, He, Me, On, And, Am.

    Comment #25 by All8September 21st, 2007 at 11:00 am

26. That is insane! Those kids will be better spellers than I am if they can make it through the year.

    Comment #26 by RachelSeptember 21st, 2007 at 11:46 am

27. This is just nuts. o.O Please keep us posted on what happens, Tracy!

    Homeschooling keeps looking better and better… also scarier because I had no idea whether the words at the top of the post were a little or a lot inappropriate when I began reading this thread.

    Comment #27 by Proud Daughter of EveSeptember 21st, 2007 at 11:50 am

28. Holy crap! I can’t believe that teacher actually thinks any of the kids will be able spell those words! Does she not realize she’s teaching SIX-YEAR OLDS!?

    Comment #28 by hairyshoefairySeptember 21st, 2007 at 12:42 pm

29. Tracy,

    I’m sorry you are going through this. Just keep doing something about it. You know your child best and have his best interest in heart. I feel like the schools and our culture push our little kids too hard academically when they are young. They are too little to be feeling stressed out about learning and homework. All this accomplishes is creating kids who hate to learn.

    I just want to add my opinion that homeschooling is always an option. A lot of people think they aren’t “cut out” for it. But I wouldn’t automatically dismiss the idea. There are so many ways to homeschool. You can find a way that works for your family.

    Comment #29 by HeathermommySeptember 21st, 2007 at 12:55 pm

30. Just talked to the school counsellor, and she agreed the words were not appropriate for a first grader, and said she would look into it, and speak with the principal on Monday.

    We’ll see. I’ll post a follow-up when this is resolved. Thanks, everyone, for backing me up. I appreciate it.

    Comment #30 by Tracy MSeptember 21st, 2007 at 12:56 pm

31. I completely agree with your thoughts on how we push children too hard, Heathermommy.

    And I’m glad that someone agrees with you, Tracy! That list is preposterous and no way should it be given to 6-year-olds.

    Comment #31 by dangermomSeptember 21st, 2007 at 1:52 pm

32. Sounds like you took a productive first step. Keep us posted!

    Comment #32 by Heather O.September 21st, 2007 at 2:17 pm

33. My sons 2nd Grade spelling list for this week included words like: talking, danced, dropped, exciting, amazed…ect.

    Those are extremely over the top for a first grader!!!

    Comment #33 by LeiGulSeptember 21st, 2007 at 6:14 pm

34. While I’m glad that there’s at least one teacher who isn’t teaching that “creative spelling” nonsense, I must admit that your son’s teacher sounds like someone I’d rather not deal with.

    I would go sit in on the classroom for a while, several times if necessary, and decide if she’s really the best teacher for your son.

    Comment #34 by EmilySeptember 22nd, 2007 at 3:55 am

35. Having said what I said yesterday, I also would advise that you not make this a personal battle with the teacher. I was a teacher; I know how easily something can take on a life of its own. Being a teacher is one of the hardest jobs in existence, and this might be an exception with an otherwise outstanding teacher. It might not, but don’t jump to conclusions based on one thing - even something as important as this. Tackle the academic issue, but, unless there simply is not other way, don’t even give the appearance of attacking the teacher.

    “Do unto others . . .”

    Comment #35 by RaySeptember 22nd, 2007 at 4:05 am

36. I just put my son into a charter school that required us to buy the book “What Your Second Grader Needs to Know”. They have these books through 8th grade, I think. I love it. I know what my son will be learning and can help at home, also. This has been great for us as last year was a complete waste for him. Everyday was a review. All of the grades at this school use this book, so the teacher the following year knows what the kids covered. Great idea. Public schools here don’t use it. This is sad and caused us to look elsewhere for our son. Good luck!

    Comment #36 by tamalamaSeptember 22nd, 2007 at 4:40 am

37. “Some of the kids like big words.” I can’t believe what a stupid reason this is.

    Comment #37 by MillieSeptember 22nd, 2007 at 5:54 am

38. Ray- thanks for the words- I tried to be very careful when talking to the district NOT to disparage the teacher. I actually like her, and get good feelings when I observe the class- I repeatedly stated that I did not want her to feel attacked. Hopefully, I acheive my goal- watching out for my son’s education, and keeping respectful and up-front with his teacher.

    FWIW, my cousin, who comments as AEM, is an elementary teacher, and she’s coached me before on how best to handle situations wiwth teachers, and even she agrees this is over the top.

    Again, thanks one and all.

    Comment #38 by Tracy MSeptember 22nd, 2007 at 6:07 am

39. Not sure on what planet those words would be appropriate for 6 year olds… and “some kids” would not be the majority. Wonder if other parents have flipped out…??

    AND I’m dying to know what the VP or P says.
    GL

    Comment #39 by LammyAnnSeptember 22nd, 2007 at 1:45 pm

40. Just a word of caution…talking to the district reps can lead to an undesirable result. There used to be a mom in our school who started complaining to the district about things that bothered her when her son was in junior kindergarten. She called them about twice per year, and called the principal at least once per week, but would barely speak to the teachers about problems. Finally, in 5th grade she actually had some very legitimate grounds for complaining about the teacher, but everyone was so tired of listening to her “whine” that nobody would pay attention. She had to move her son out of the school. Had she spoken more often with teachers and spent less time trying to report them to their superiors, I think people would have taken her real complaints more serious.

    Comment #40 by LisaSeptember 23rd, 2007 at 11:45 am

41. As a first grader, I was a nerd who liked big words. But I distinctly remember all of the kids who liked big words having their own spelling list. The normal kids spelled words like bug and rug.

    Comment #41 by CarlySeptember 23rd, 2007 at 4:14 pm

42. I was a word nerd too (still am), but how our teacher did it was great. We’d take a spelling pre-test at the beginning of the week and if anyone got 100% on the pre-test, they got 5 extra credit words that were studied for the test at the end of the week. no pressure. ah, the good old days.

    Comment #42 by KrisisSeptember 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm

43. Krisis, that is how my 4th Grade daughter’s teacher does it - but she gives the 100% pre-test kids a completely new list of “challenge words” to learn, with the understanding that they get 100% on the spelling test regardless of how they actually do on the challenge words, plus 3 extra credit words that can help all of the kids. My daughter has aced Spelling so far, but she isn’t bored because the challenge words really are difficult.

    Comment #43 by RaySeptember 23rd, 2007 at 5:24 pm

44. I’m surprised that there isn’t a district wide spelling program. I take it the other first grade teachers aren’t using the same words?

    Have her use words from a standard first grade spelling list and then add a few ‘big’ words for extra credit or something like the previous posters have mentioned. The kids can then choose to memorize them or not.

    Spelling words should reinforce a spelling concept, not just be pulled out from under someone’s armpit.

    Comment #44 by Tammy and ParkerSeptember 23rd, 2007 at 6:53 pm

45. I agree with Ray and Julie and all the others who have commented. These words do NOT belong in a first grade classroom!

    My first grader came home last week with his first spelling test: pad, pan, man, etc. Unbelievable!

    Comment #45 by meemsSeptember 24th, 2007 at 12:13 am

46. so did you ever get a hold of the principal?

    Comment #46 by AprilSeptember 25th, 2007 at 7:52 pm

47. I cannot beleive the amount of lazy parents out there. I am a 33 old father of a seven year old girl. She graduated 1st grade with HONORS![for those of you who question what graduating with honors means, I feel sorry for your poor children]. I wish I could hear one of you ask why, but since I won’t hear you I will answer the question. My wife and I work with our child all the time, but we make it fun. She loves it. I admit that some children are not cut out for some the “advanced” words, but if you whining parents would spend more time working with your children than complaining on a web site, those poor children may actualy grasp the concept of letters and how they work together to make words. Bottom line is, you will find that this will continue through the rest of elementary, middle and high school. It sickens me that parents just complain about their childs spelling words instead of helping these children become the future. It isn’t just spelling words either, there are the rest of the subjects that you whiners will be complaining about. Then you home schooling parents who insist on babying the poor kids and only teach the children what you feel they are capable of learning (or what you want them to learn). Step up, work with your kids. Ensure that these children will be the intelligent hard working children of our future instead of a bunch of homeless jobless people because their parents didn’t spend a couple hours every day ensuring that their children understood and completed the work that was given to the them. This seems like a simple solution to me. My wife works full time as do I, but we still MAKE time to work with our daughter. I know of so many parents that don’t do this for one lazy reason or some other more “important” reason. Or maybe I’m lucky and my child is just a genius, but the point of all of this is that as time goes on, and we become grandparents, the education will continue to become more complex and as grandparents we can continue to complain about how hard spelling words are or we can encourage our children to work with our future grandchildren and help the kids learn. A teacher only has so much time with these kids during a school day and obviously cannot spend the whole day making the the classes easier for the children resulting in a lack of intelligence. Think about these things before you waste your breath (or typing) trying to convince a continually improving educational system that your own children are to slow or maybe even special needs. I for know for a fact that these children need to be challenged constantly or else they get bored and lose interest. One last thing before I get off my pedestal. If you are wondering why I have the time to sit here and respond to all of your whining, It is because our daughter begged us to let her go to summer school. In fact, she asked me to start teaching her how to write in cursive yesterday. Help your children enjoy learning and they will succeed, sit around and whine about the constant increase in requirements in education levels and I will soon be visiting some fast food restaurant and ordering food from your digruntled cash register workers while my child continues on through college and makes something of herself. To each their own I guess…………

    Comment #47 by SSG HicksJune 20th, 2008 at 9:01 am

48. Could you please make me smart at school

    Comment #48 by ShamayneAugust 21st, 2008 at 12:55 am

49. i need to learn words online

    Comment #49 by ShamayneAugust 21st, 2008 at 12:56 am

50. SSG Hicks you are a twat.

    Comment #50 by Tracy MMarch 12th, 2009 at 11:58 pm

51. haha … derjenige, der Beitrag die Kommentare: D

    Comment #51 by Kirovac ArmandFebruary 25th, 2011 at 2:18 am

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