Getting the flock out of here - a diary of a crazy chicken man

[joannefiddler]

Way to pack a day Oz! Going back to work in the US will be like a vacation for you

 

[Tomtommom]

Don't you love homework that seems more geared toward the parent than the child?

 

[Wisher1000]

I am a compliant parent, to a point.

The most idiotic homework assignment was given to my child when he was in the first grade. The assignment sent home, on a Thursday, was to make a family tree, going back 4 to 5 generations, with birth/death dates, short bios, and pictures for each person on the tree. It was due on Monday. I was in the middle of building a house, had a wedding to attend on Saturday, was coordinating a church function on Sunday afternoon, and had a sick child at home. I went to the teacher the next morning and told her I would not be doing this assignment. I told her that at that age, there was no way to be able to expect the students to do this assignment, and that I resented being given homework to do on my weekend. She seemed taken aback, and explained that her hope was that it would be a bonding time for parents and children. I told her that how and when I bond with my children is not going to be determined by my child's teacher, or anyone other than myself, and that she should think about the burden she had placed on the parents that have multiple children, work nights and weekends, have lost grandparents lately (there were several,) and who struggle to get access to a computer, printer and copier (it was a very rural school, thirty minutes from town.)

I never heard anything else about homework in that class.

 

[Tomtommom]

I am a compliant parent, to a point.

The most idiotic homework assignment was given to my child when he was in the first grade. The assignment sent home, on a Thursday, was to make a family tree, going back 4 to 5 generations, with birth/death dates, short bios, and pictures for each person on the tree. It was due on Monday. I was in the middle of building a house, had a wedding to attend on Saturday, was coordinating a church function on Sunday afternoon, and had a sick child at home. I went to the teacher the next morning and told her I would not be doing this assignment. I told her that at that age, there was no way to be able to expect the students to do this assignment, and that I resented being given homework to do on my weekend. She seemed taken aback, and explained that her hope was that it would be a bonding time for parents and children. I told her that how and when I bond with my children is not going to be determined by my child's teacher, or anyone other than myself, and that she should think about the burden she had placed on the parents that have multiple children, work nights and weekends, have lost grandparents lately (there were several,) and who struggle to get access to a computer, printer and copier (it was a very rural school, thirty minutes from town.)

I never heard anything else about homework in that class.

Upto a few months ago I would not have been able to complete that task... My dad's sister just happened to find me on facebook, but until then I had not seen/spoken any family on my dad's side in 20+ years and did not even recall their names. Pictures? Definitely don't have any of those. I hate assignments like that, just because it reminds me how shattered and messed up my family is (or was, I've been trying to pick up the pieces). In this day and age of kids that don't know who their daddy is, it seems one of those subjects that needs to be touched lightly and in positive light, emphasising on "Wow, look at all the differences" rather than "make a list so we can see how f'ed up your family is".

*cough*

Touchy subject.

Anyway. My step-son got an assignment to write a 5 sentence 'report' on dinosaurs.. in kindergarten. ...What?

High expectations and all that.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
I love Dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs are cool.
Dinosaurs are big.
Dinosaurs have teeth.
Dinosaurs had feathers.
Dinosaurs go Rarrrr.

Oh um.... Not my assignment... but Hey I love a challenge...

I am sooo glad to have my son out of school.
He used to hide his homework... In Kindergarten.

deb

 

[ozexpat]

The 26 page book including 5 nouns that start with the letter x has been completed and published to PDF ready to take to an internet cafe to print.

I will be including a note for the teacher. the assignment took 2 computer savvy adults a total of 12 hours to complete. it would have been more productive and educational to do as each letter was introduced to the child on a day by day or week by week basis.


Anyway its over.

I am told today is a beautiful day. I refuse to get out of bed till 8 am so I can't confirm this. the windows are closed and the AC is at 76. the guys are out doing their chores and I will begin projects after their breakfast break - about 9 am. I requested an omlett even. There is a perception that because labor is so cheap you can come to the Philippines and live like a king. That does not apply if you have pigs, chickens and a house that is being eroded by salt, bugs and moisture. For the next 1:05 I shall pretend I am one of those guys. My coffee is perfect.,

 

[ozexpat]

lol. I could not do it. At 7:20 I was in the shower. It still felt good staying in bed an extra 2 hours though.

We have a lot to do today. I want to make the most of the week.

 

[Tomtommom]

lol. I could not do it. At 7:20 I was in the shower. It still felt good staying in bed an extra 2 hours though.

We have a lot to do today. I want to make the most of the week.

I do the same thing. "I'm gonna sleep in!" and I'll be up 6:30am sharp. Every day. 15 minutes before the alarm goes off

 

[ozexpat]

it worked out well. I got out as the kids finished their morning swim and had breakfast with the kids.

I also have a few minutes to try and catch up on BYC while we have internet.

I will try and upload a photo

 

[Tomtommom]