I have a little story for you today…
A three year little old boy is attending preschool. One day, the teacher brought some salamanders that she found in her backyard for the children to see. She talked about what they were, what they do and where they live. She also told the children they are not to touch them, they can only look.
The little boy, who is obsessed with any and all bugs and reptiles, is amazed by these little creatures. When he gets home from school, his babysitter, who happens to be a good friend of the family, realizes that he has brought the salamanders home in his pocket. She calls his mom, who stops by the school to let the teacher know what happened.
The teacher proceeded to lay into the mom about how the child snuck off and took them, and how sad she (the teacher) was and to tell the little boy that she was very disappointed that he would do that. She said she was so sad that she could cry because they were God’s creatures and now they are going to die. The mom didn’t think at the time to ask why the salamanders were within reach, unsupervised, if the children were not to touch them.
Both the babysitter and the mom talked with the boy, at a level that he could understand, and he seemed to see that what he did was wrong and knew that he needed to apologize. He had simply thought they were really cool and wanted to play with them. No harm intended.
The next morning, the mom took the little boy into the classroom early, so he could talk to his teacher alone. The boy is very timid and shy, especially when he’s in trouble, so the mom stayed close to support him. The teacher sat in a chair in front of him, and took the child’s hands, and asked him what happened. She told him that she was sad because she had been looking for the salamanders and didn’t know what had happened to them. She told him that she was very disappointed. She told him that what he did was wrong, that it was called “stealing,” and that sometimes when people steal things, the police come and take them to jail.
Yes, she really did.
The mom was horrified, and made sure to tell her son that the police were not coming. The teacher gave the mom a look and said, “I didn’t say that they were.” then proceeded to tell the little boy that she hoped she wasn’t going to have to check his pockets each day when he left class. That was when the mom stood up, told her son to say he was sorry and that it was time to go.
He will be enrolled in a new preschool as soon as possible.
Would you like to see a picture of the little boy?
Yup, in case you hadn’t already guessed it, this happened to my son this week. He spent the rest of the day very upset, and asking questions about the police. We were at the mall later and I told him that if he opened the emergency exit that the police would come, and he said “and take me away?” I am still so angry that I don’t even know what to do. We have three more weeks of summer school, and then a month off, and then my kids will be starting a new school. I can’t wait.
I’ve worked with young children for 17 years, when I read this I was shocked and upset. The way she dealt with him was threatening and completely inappropriate for a child of that age, she was not going to feel better until she got the message through to him. childhood is the time to make innocent mistakes, so you can learn, securely, what is right and wrong…and when you are at an age of understanding, you realize why your mom, or teacher, taught you certain lessons. This could have been a really positive teaching moment for him, especially since he loves reptiles. Instead it has put a negative spin on school and people people of authority (teachers/police officers). What a great and patient mom you are for teaching him the right way, all the best for a successful new year in preschool. So sorry you had to go through this.
OMG- I can’t believe she said that!! I have friends and family members who are teachers and I can’t see any of them doing that. I’m glad you got him out of there.
Hope you are doing well!!
🙂
Rach
I have a friend who uses the police as a scare tactic for her children. I think this is totally wrong! I also think your little guy did nothing wrong, and nothing any normal, curious 3 year old boy wouldn’t do. You and your babysitter handled it beautifully. I agree with the comment that a letter should be written to the teacher and her supervisors. Who knows how many other children she has said or will say these things to.
I can’t believe she said that! I’m so sorry to hear how upset Coop was; did she really think a 3 year old especially one who loves animals not to be extremely curious? That was just wrong!
I think someone should ask THAT teacher about her qualifications to teach little ones. Let’s hope your little boy never has to deal with such a sad excuse for a teacher like that ever again!!
Take care, Sue
thinking of you – hope this unfortunate experience does not interfere with your little one’s natural sense of curiosity and love of bugs and lizards. so sorry. sheesh!!
So sorry this happened to your sweet little boy. Not today–but maybe in a day or two–I would write a kind but pointed letter to this teacher, copy any supervisors if she has them, expressing your disappointment with *her* tactics with your son AND you.
This “teacher” needs some classes on childhood development! Oh my gosh, could she have possibly over reacted any more! For crying out loud, she is the one who caught the slamanders and took them out of their natural habitat. What a weirdo. How about loving and supporting children. Not scaring them. What is wrong with people! It makes me sad this woman’s job is to take care of young children. I am so sorry this happened to you and your sweet son and will pray you find a wonderful nurturing school soon!
Good grief, Kristin! Your poor little fella. I am sorry. I understand having to teach certain things, but you can certainly choose better words and better ways to handle something like this. I don’t think she was thinking very clearly or wisely.
He is a cutie…
What the????? Does this woman have children? Or has she ever interacted w/a 3 year old??? What the hell was she thinking talking to him like that? It’s her stupid fault for even bringing them to school if she wanted to keep them “safe” …dumb girl. I’m just livid…and I’m so so sorry this happened to Coop…if you don’t like preschoolers, why would you choose to teach them???