Thinking back over my previous post, I found that perhaps I should add a qualifier.
Since we just spent the weekend canoeing, I'll make a canoeing analogue. Sometimes you have to know when you need to paddle like crazy and when you need to coast. At the beginning of DS's second grade, I felt the sincere need to paddle my little heart out for the guy. It turns out that we had a receptive teacher, and so all went well. This year I felt the distinct need to coast, for fear of being labeled one of those parents. So I held back and did not approach the teachers, even though there was a decision to be made about the possibility of subject accelerating DS this year. It just seemed like a better idea to fly under the radar and let the teachers and the administration handle it on their end.
You just have to know what kind of water you are swimming in!
I realize that this probably doesn't help you at all. If the teacher is asking for input, then I think you are free to give it in any way that does not make the teacher feel that you are questioning his or her ability to teach. But you know your child better than the teacher does at the beginning of the year. And a wise teacher will accept your insight.
May the world be filled with wise teachers!!
