WWYD - should I bring this up with my son's teacher or just let it go?

[PHmom]

I figure there's always That Parent who thinks teachers should be mind readers and know exactly what they want without any notification and who will be the first to scream to the heavens if that teacher gets it wrong, and I imagine some teachers probably err on the side of caution as much as possible.

I did think about this and wondered if she got a note or two and just decided it was easier to not show the whole class rather than have to take a few kids out somewhere else. IDK, maybe she knows a parent personally (from outside school, older sibs, etc) and knows they'd blow up about it. But this thought crossed my mind also.

It sounds like it was required by all classes and that would kinda be like a teacher deciding not to take her class to the pep rally because she hates sports.

The curiosity would have me wondering if the teacher was the type who just likes to "buck the system" or if she had a legitimate reason to censor her students from the speech. Guess I'd like to know what kind of person is teaching my child.

Yes, this was also something I considered - according to DS all the other classes were watching the speech - including all the other classes in his grade so I didn't figure it was a curriculum issue but a choice on her part for whatever reason.

It's all about the attitude, and yes I'd feel the same way if it were a teacher not showing George W. Bush's speech because he's a "war mongerer". It's not up to her to decide which political views are shown in the classroom.

Exactly - it wouldn't matter to me which elected official was giving a speech - it's just not her decision to make IMO.

I don't have kids, so I find it odd they would even show that in the classroom, they never showed any Presdential addresses even in HS when I grew up. Is your son in HS? If it's any age younger than that, I can't imagine that any kid would even pay attention, care or understand...I can see a teacher passing on it.

He's in elementary school and, AFAIK, the speech was shown in all schools across the country (public schools) - elementary, middle, and high schools. They also showed one last year about this time - the President spoke about staying in school and working hard and things that were relevant to all kids in school. I like to talk to my son about world events (within context and within reason) so I like the idea of the President (current or future) speaking to kids.


Thanks to everyone for your input and suggestions - I have to go up to the school this week to help him take a project in so I think I'm going to wait and ask her face to face. I feel like I will be better able to "read" her then and get a feel for things. I also think it will be more of a casual "in passing" question that way and not as confrontational.

[PHmom]

Good luck and please update so we know how it turns out.

Thanks - will do!

[derketchup]

I saw George Bush's speech when he ran for president, and I think I was in third, fourth, or fifth grade. I'm now 32. I also remember my teacher telling us that if he wasn't voted into office Iran and Iraq would both attack us, but that's a completely different topic.

[motherofmolly]

there should be no harm by calling or asking in person about this. a simple, "i questioned my son about the presidents speech and he said you guys didnt watch it"...and then let her respond...no accusing there..just a question.

parents should be involved with their childrens school work. watching the president's speech should be educational for a student in school.

[shashabell]

I don't have kids, so I find it odd they would even show that in the classroom, they never showed any Presdential addresses even in HS when I grew up. Is your son in HS? If it's any age younger than that, I can't imagine that any kid would even pay attention, care or understand...I can see a teacher passing on it.

We never watched anything like that when I was in school either and my son's school did not show either one of Obama's speeches.

[CW&M Mom]

I don't have kids, so I find it odd they would even show that in the classroom, they never showed any Presdential addresses even in HS when I grew up. Is your son in HS? If it's any age younger than that, I can't imagine that any kid would even pay attention, care or understand...I can see a teacher passing on it.

My daughter is fascinated by the president...she is 8. We didn't vote for him...but we have made it basically our plan to be very cautious in saying any kind of negative things about our president...whoever he/she is..and not try to sway her one way or another.

That and I haven't found much to be negative about with this president anyways

[CW&M Mom]

I would want to know too... was it that her slipped her mind, they had some huge thing they were focusing on ....or is it just that she doesn't like the president.

Our school didn't show it...but we are about as right wing out here as you can get.

[bali1228]

Maybe the majority of parents in the class sent in notes, so she decided to skip rather than separate the class? I agree with the pp's, maybe mention it casually if your curiosity is really getting to you.

[justmama]

I'd want to know why. I guess i don't see the point in planning to do something, giving the opportunity for parents to opt out, but then not even show it.I hate it when people decide for us.

My kids go to a Christian Private School and they showed both Obama speeches, i don't get what people are afraid of. Current events are important. I understand keeping a schedule but really the bathroom, its not like they were going to art class, or pe and even then i'm not saying art or pe is more important, but i'm not understanding the importance of sticking to the bathroom schedule.

If there are 10 kids in the class and 9 opt out, its not her right to opt the 10th one out on her own. If that was the case why give the parents a choice in the matter.