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My 6-year old walked into the door, dropped his book bag, and jumped up on the kitchen stool.
“Guess what mom?”
“What?”
“My two friends in my class got suspended today.”
This completely grabbed my attention. Suspended? At 6-years old? And how does my son even know what ‘suspended’ means?
“Why?”
“Because they made the gun motion with their hand at recess.”
I was completely floored – a first grader suspended? For making the gun motion? Luckily my boys never do this, but they are boys. They pretend every day that they are good guys vs. bad guys and will make anything (and I mean anything) into a weapon. However, they do know right from wrong because my husband and I have sat down with them on numerous occasions to talk about what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
“Mom they were crying so bad.”
“Do you understand that you can’t do that?”
“Yes, I know guns kill people. I will never do that.”
I believe, yes, this needs to be brought to the attention of the teachers and principal especially after the horrible shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but do we go right to suspension for young children?
What about sending a letter home to the parents asking them to explain to their child why they can’t do this? Or even setting up a meeting with the parents and child?
At this age they are exploring and using their imagination through play and some children do not realize this is wrong.
I do believe that we need to talk to our children at a young age about this issue, but I think going straight to a suspension is wrong. Now I don’t know the full details, I heard this through my son, so I’m not sure what steps were actually taken.
If we were talking about junior high or high school kids, then of course I think they deserve a suspension. They know what’s acceptable and what’s not, but a first grader is still learning and needs guidance.
But what are your thoughts on this subject? Should a first grader get suspended for this? Should there be other steps taken before going straight to a suspension?
I’m linking up with Shell from Things I Can’t Say.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that suspending them is excessive and totally agree that a letter would be sufficient. Now, if they continue to do things like that then maybe take recess away or something like that but geesh… they’re little kids!
They’re playing… using their imaginations… being creative… let them play. They can play and still have fun in non-violent ways.
Jackie´s last [type] ..Wordful Wednesday ~ Winter Fun
I know, I totally agree with you. Crazy!
I think in *most* cases suspending a 6 year old for making a hand motion is totally unnecessary. BUT I have worked in some settings where it IS appropriate, and absolutely necessary. I think it really depends on the individual situation; were they making threats along with the hand motions? Given that they are your son’s friends, and their reaction to the punishment, I doubt this was the case, but I could see it being more of an issue than a simple hand motion.
Sarah´s last [type] ..“I Love Lulu” – a retro birthday party
True…like I said I heard it from my son so who knows the EXACT story. But I agree, if they are perhaps “trouble makers” then maybe it was necessary.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
Wow that is so extreme. A letter, or even a talk with the children is much more reasonable. Maybe if they continued the behavior after being told the difference, but not immediate suspension. Are they also going to be suspended for saying the word?
Venassa´s last [type] ..I have a toddler, not a baby – 16 months old.
I know – don’t know the full story only the one from a 6YO, so not exactly sure. I was just blown away.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
I think talking to a 6 year old is the best way to fix the problem. This is only going to make things worse for the child and his parents. Can you imagine the sadness of the child and the stress/frustration of the parents. They are 6 not 16. Teach them, don’t suspend them.
Kristen´s last [type] ..What Happened To Sportsmanship?
I agree! This is the time we need to teach them right from wrong and what is acceptable.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
Yeeeeah I think that was a little extreme. We can’t go so far overboard that absolutely nothing is allowed anymore, even in play, even without a weapon. And a child that age? They need to be taught better, not punished automatically. Sad.
Mrs. Jen B´s last [type] ..Change is Hard
Exactly what I think.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
I saw this on your fb and was shocked! I understand the “zero tolerance” but with first grade boys who probably don’t understand what that means, it’s unacceptable. Bring them into the office and explain why they can’t do that, talk to the parents, etc. But not suspension.
Shell´s last [type] ..Pour Your Heart Out: My Husband is an Asshole
I totally agree. Maybe there is more to the story (and I’m sure there is since my son never gives me all the details) but still it’s shocking.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
I would at an K-3 school and if this happens we talk about it. If it continued to be an issue then it would be turned over to the principal. She would most likely call the parents and discuss it with them. I have never seen if go farther then just being told not to do it.
I agree, that’s how it should be handled.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?
Wow. That does seem a bit excessive for 6 year olds. I agree that it’s a serious matter but I think that there are other ways to handle the situation, most importantly talking to the kids and helping them understand why this is a big deal and talk to the parents.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf´s last [type] ..Am I a hypocrite?
I agree with you. This is the time we should be talking to them and teaching them. Sad.
Tina @ Life Without Pink´s last [type] ..Should A 6-Year-Old Get Suspended For This?