LETTERS: TEACHING IS PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

To the editor:

First grade is not the magic age at which a child learns to read. Most children learn to read when they are developmentally able. Some children, sadly, are pushed into learning to read before they are ready. Most pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes teach reading readiness skills.

Prior to 8 a.m., I see teachers going over lesson plans, copying work, putting up bulletin boards and room decorations, making calls to parents, doing breakfast duty, grading papers, rearranging desks and getting supplies ready. Early mornings also are spent at stores buying supplies, sometimes out of their own pay. I haven't worked at a school yet where I've seen a teacher sitting down to a 45-minute lunch.

At the end of the day, I see teachers doing bus duty and waiting for parents who could not make it on time to get their children. Then there are the many meetings and educational programs teachers attend after school. I haven't even begun to touch on the extracurricular activities.

Teaching should be a combined effort between the school and the parents. It is this partnership that is important in a child's education.

DIANNE MEYR

Cape Girardeau