my DD5 is entering kindergarden in the fall and parents are permitted to talk to the school in "general terms" about what type of teacher would be best for their child. I have put this off and it might be too late, but i just heard from a friend that one of the teachers is extremely strict and rigid, and i have a gut feeling this type of teacher would be a disaster.
My daughter is:
-HG, with WPPSI FSIQ 147
-relative low achivement, average %tile for reading and math
-highly perfectionistic, afraid to show anyone she doesn't know how to read (so never accepts ANY instruction).
-tends to be oppositional (she is the one that "baby talk" thread was aobut. Though after reading Webb and Eide book, i don't think she is "clinically" ODD.
-has a montessori preschool background.

So my question is, do you agree that a strict, strong willed teacher would be a problem? My friend who is a gifted educator thinks she'd be best with someone "irresistably stimulating" who would pull my daugthter in (in spite of herself!)..and not the strong type. what do you guys think. anyone have a child like this?

irene

Irene - you just described my DS6 to a tee and close to the same IQ all with very close to the same issue including the montessori preschool background (he did montessori for 3 years)....we have been worried about the same thing...we homeschooled for K and he has asked to try the local public school for First grade.....I am in the same thought as you....I don't think my little guy would do very well with a strong willed, strict teacher...it would just make him either shut down or butt heads constantly.I love the description of an "irresistably stimulating" teacher. If you find one...please let me know so I can clone them!!! I know that a teacher that will go out of their way to invite a child into exploring and learning through creative approaches will be what works best for my son....keeping my fingers crossed for you!

thanks belle, i am so glad to see your post and that we're not alone!
irene

Kinder was my daughter's best year. She is now going into seventh. There were two teachers: one sweet and loving and the other strict.

I watched both classes go through elementary and I feel that we benefitted from the loving teacher.

This is their introduction to school. It sets the tone for the rest of their school years. My daughter's teacher encouraged them to bond well and introduced them to a love of learning. I have seen these students succeed so much and their interest has not waned. They also learned to work together and this has benefitted them.

This helps when they are in middle school and developing a different attitude about school.