My oldest daughter started kindergarten this year and last week she came home with some of the things she had made that day and one of them was a flag from mexico . Now, we live in the USA. So this broght questions up to me so I called and asked the teacher what the deal was I was thinking that maybe the were going to be making a different flag every month or something but no this is the only one they plan on doing as of now so My question to her was well since we live in the USA and we are americans why didnt they make a flag of the USA ya know 13 strips 50 stars but no they dont plan on doing that. This is upsetting to me am I just overreacting here or what? And before you all make any assumtions I am not racist or anything like that I just feel that my daughter being 5 years old should be making a flag of the country we live in not some other one.
__________________ If GOD brings you to it... He WILL bring you through it.
In my opinion, yes, you may be. I have an 8 year old daughter in the 3rd grade and I know that they learn about all different cultures which I believe is important. Maybe you just jumped to conclusions, meaning that just because they aren't planning on making an American Flag, doesn't mean that they aren't going to learn about the United States. I'm sure your daughter has seen many American flags before, especially lately with the war going on.
I'm sure your daughter's teacher is going to provide them a well rounded education including all different cultures but my suggestion would be that if you are that concerned to possibly ask the teacher for a copy of the lesson plan so that you can see exactly what your daughter will be studying. Good luck.
I can see why you'd be upset only because of the age of your daughter. In my opinion, they should be STARTING off with teaching them about America first and then move on to other countries and cultures. They did something similiear with my daughter when she was in Kindergarten. If this were any other country, I really don't think that they'd start off with America and then move from there (if we got mentioned at all).
OMG this exact thing happened to me, you must live in San Diego. I lived near SanYsedro My daughter was put into a special english speaking class, because the rest were all spanish or mixed. I didn't mind her learning spanish and was glad when she did but when she came home with the Mexican flag I was a bit upset. I asked the same question, are they learning about all of the countries, NO. They were celebrating the independance of mexico and since we lived only 5 minutes from the border they felt it was very important. Since my husband was overseas fighting for this country I thought that it was important to celebrate the independance of our country but since the 4th of July falls during summer, they never did learn anything about America although they spent the whole month learning about Mexico. And this is what my husband is fighting to protect, Go figure.
Last edited by SpeisFamily; 10-12-2004 at 01:20 PM.
OMG this exact thing happened to me, you must live in San Diego. I lived near SanYsedro My daughter was put into a special english speaking class, because the rest were all spanish or mixed. I didn't mind her learning spanish and was glad when she did but when she came home with the Mexican flag I was a bit upset. I asked the same question, are they learning about all of the countries, NO. They were celebrating the independance of mexico and since we lived only 5 minutes from the border they felt it was very important. Since my husband was overseas fighting for this country I thought that it was important to celebrate the independance of our country but since the 4th of July falls during summer, they never did learn anything about America although they spent the whole month learning about Mexico. And this is what my husband is fighting to protect, Go figure.
This is exactly what I am talking about no we dont live where you do we live in Iowa. However I feel exspecially with the war going on that they should be learning about america FIRST and not some other country.I wouldnt have minded it if she would have told me no we are learning about all the countries but that is not the case I dont know what to do but both me and my husband are very upset about this and I feel that we have every right to Im sure they are not making american flags in school in japan or anywhere else for that matter Im sure they all learn about there country first does this make sense to all you?
__________________ If GOD brings you to it... He WILL bring you through it.
makes sence to me...i would want my DD to learn first about her country then others,
but were they celbrating hispanic heritage month or something...i kept hearing about that on tv a week or 2 ago....if that was the case it should be okay ..but if it was the case you would think the teacher would have said so.....
I would do what the other poster said and find out what the plan is and if they are doing ALL the flags. I think anyone can be proud of their heritage but if you love it so much then GO back there! Otherwise if your living in our country and your free and working and taking advantage of what we have to offer then hang our flag beside your countries flag. Now if this teacher does not teach about other countries or flags then I think there would be a big confrence if not media. hehahaha I have become submissive in alot of ways with certain conversations but on this one I will have to stand tall. Good luck. Make sure you send her to school in a big flag shirt! lol
I am not by any means racist, but I do have major issues with the teachings. My story is different, and I am very upset by what I have experienced with my children.
My daughter is 10 and is hearing impaired and is not allowed to go to school in district because they cannot accomodate her needs, so the district is paying for her to be educated about 20 miles from our house......all because she relies on sign language in the classroom. Then they tried forcing my daughter to begin learning Spanish. Well, I threw a fit about that, because being hearing impaired.......she struggles with English!! So, finally they agreed that they would not focus on introducing a second language at this time.
Well, my son started Kindergarten at our school district this year.........and now I am more mad than ever!!! Reason is this.............I went to my sons school for an open house (which is the same school that my daughter would have started in).......and they introduced all of the teachers in the school. Well, this school is Kindergarten through 3rd grade.........and there are about 40 teachers!!! Half of them are interpreters for the Spanish speaking children!!! So, that just made me burn on the inside seeing how they have provided all of these interpreters for the Spanish speaking kids, but couldn't get another one to interpret Sign language for my daughter!!!!!
Then in my son's classroom I was very upset to see not the American alphabet posted around the classroom, but the Spanish alphabet. THIS IS AMERICA!!!!
The number line in the classroom has for example..........the number 1 with "ONE" written above it and "DOS" written below it!!!
Then I find out that the AM Kindergarten class is taught only in Spanish!!! What happened to trying to teach these kids English?????
What country are we in?????
So, to answer your question................NO I don't think you are overreacting!!!
To the first poster, my opinion would be this - our flag is a LOT harder to make (think 50 little stars) than the flag of Mexico. I agree with the response that before you get angry, ask the teacher for the lesson plan, see what they are teaching.
Yes, we live in America, but learning about other countries is important to our OWN culture. The US is and has been called the "melting pot" of the world. People who have fewer opportunities in their countries come here for freedom - of religion and other things.
Also, to the person who said, "I think anyone can be proud of their heritage but if you love it so much then GO back there!" First of all, not everyone who is proud of their heritage has come directly from a specific country. I am Irish, Scottish, Welsh -- among many others, and I am proud of all of my heritage. I was proud to learn about the countries my family came from, and if that had not been given to me, I would not be the person I am today.
Remember, the only original "Americans" are the Native Americans. Everyone else is from ANOTHER country!!
Now, if all they are teaching in a school in Iowa or wherever is about another country, whether Mexico or England, that would be a little silly, since most of the kids in that school will never even come into contact with that culture. But to exclude it, in favor of pride for America, would also be a major wrong, IMO.
The problem, gtonello, is that they are not teaching about all the other countries, they are ONLY teaching about Mexico. I would not mind if they taight all the countries but if you are going to teach about only one it should be the one we live in!!!!!
I know exactly what you mean. I am a mom in Iowa and everyone hear is speaking spanish. I guess I feel like if a person tries and they go learn english then it is not a thing. But I know what you mean. I mean if a teacher has got to learn spanish now than thats a problem. Does that mean i'm racist?
I can understand learning about other countries when the child is OLDER, but not their first day of school. Schools should focus on teaching the children about OUR country first, and learning respect for our country, THEN learn about other cultures.
Yes I think you are overreacting. Your daughter will see the american flag everyday at school and will always be a part of her life and she will have plenty of time to learn about america. Why not let them learn about a flag that they don't already know about. I mean we see the american flag all the time so it would be kind of uninteresting to make it (just my opinion). If you are concerned why don't you an her make an american flag in your home and you can explain our countries history.
It is very disturbing by the way to read some of the other posters comments. Don't you want your children to understand different cultures? Spanish people make up a large population in this country. it has become more important than ever to learn spanish. It is a huge benefit when it comes to getting jobs in this country! I want to learn spanish I cannot count the times I have needed it when it comes to communicating with others. Geez guys your kids are living in america so obviously this will be their language and culture! It is not going to hurt them to learn about others who live here! Totally overreacting everyone! And it does come off as racist that this bothers all of you so much.
Hi, I am from Canada. Back in elementary school, because of the lack of text books, I had to learn about American history and the White House, not Canadian heritage. And just to point out, American culture is a little more abstract than mexican culture. Plus you want to instill at a young age appreciation for other cultures. Not to mention statistics say that by 2011 spansih will be most popular spoken language in North America. I am glad to see your patriotism, and understand and personally appreciate your concerns however, I can also see the other said of the fence on this. Its good that you voiced your concerns to your daughter's teacher, but if you are really concerned maybe start going over your heritage/culture with your daughter yourself.
Good luck
Francesca
Last edited by franstranges; 10-19-2004 at 09:36 PM.
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So what you people are saying is that we should all homeschool our children in order for them to learn about the country they live in?????? My word people, this little girl is in kindergarden, she's not taking another laguage in high school. Keep it simple. And if you teach about 1 country only it should be the country the kindergardener lives in.
And what about the little deaf girl who was made to go to another school because they had no sign language interpreters but had over 20 interpretors for Spanish speaking students. This is still America and all people have rights, NOT JUST SPANISH SPEAKING AMERICANS!!!!! It is rediculous, our children are put into special classes for english while the mainstream classes are spanish speaking, WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???????? This is not racist, this is asking for equality of all Americans, not just mexicans or the mexican flag or the spanish language. Where are the deaf girls rights to be taught, she can not learn to speak english, the mexicans CAN!!!!!!!!!!
Then I guess the only solution you will be happy with is suing the school system. Yes, this is America. But don't forget, it is ONLY Kindergarten. She has 12 more YEARS to learn about America, and my guess is, she WILL. Just because she won't learn about it FIRST, doesn't mean she won't know anything about it EVER. Has the principal TOLD you that they will NEVER teach about the U.S. during her school life? Or is that your assumption since the teacher said he/she won't be teaching it?
I don't know if anyone remembers, but when I was 3 &4 years old, they used to teach French (instead of Spanish) on Sesame Street. You know what? I learned to read English when I was 3, and I also knew many French words. My Mom also reinforced these things, and when I went to school, I was already ahead of other kids. And MY kids watch Dora the Explorer, and did before they could speak much at all. They have learned a fair amount of Spanish, but you know what? The older 2 use near-proper English (they're 4 1/2 & 3, and 1 1/2) now when they speak to people. But, should they ever come into contact with a person who spoke Spanish, they would be able to at least say hello and please and thank you!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it never hurts a child to learn a little bit about another culture. It's not all bad.
Finally, if you don't like something that is happening in your daughter's class, then go to a few other parents, see what their views are, get a few on your side, and go to the next School Board meeting. That's the only way to do it. If that doesn't help, then by all means, sue them. Good luck!!
I don't care what grade you are in. The first culture ever even mentioned should be about AMERICA!!! We are in America!
Like Speis mentioned above...........what does anyone have to say about the little deaf girl??? Does anyone not agree that she is being treated unfair??? That little girl is my daughter!!! They have no problem providing 20 interpreters for the Spanish speaking kids.........yet they couldn't bring in 1 more for my deaf child!!!
Bottom line......IMO.......is that these other cultures should not even be brought into the picture until well into the school years. There is enough American culture to learn about to last many years into school. Do you think that Mexico focuses on American culture as much as we focus on Mexican culture????? I doubt it.
I don't care what grade you are in. The first culture ever even mentioned should be about AMERICA!!! We are in America!
Bottom line......IMO.......is that these other cultures should not even be brought into the picture until well into the school years. There is enough American culture to learn about to last many years into school. Do you think that Mexico focuses on American culture as much as we focus on Mexican culture????? I doubt it.
Ok, now I can't keep quiet anymore. I seriously doubt that this little girl walked into kindergarten and the teacher said, ok kids, welcome to your first day of school. Forget about America, we're just gonna teach you about Mexico. Give me a break. We shouldn't talk about other countries until well into the school years?? Why? Our entire country is made up of other cultures. Do you think that we are the only ones on this planet. Honestly I think that this is one of the biggest problems with our country...we are so obsessed with ourselves. I think it's so wonderful that this little girl was given the opportunity at her age to learn about another country. She is going to spend the next 13 years of her life having American history taught to her. And what if this stuff about Mexico was the first thing taught to her about any culture including her own. Do you really think she would come home and say, I learned all about Mexico today...so I don't care about America and never will?
I LOVE AMERICA!!! But I have also traveled all over the world. It has opened my eyes to the fact that America is just one country and that every country is amazing and beautiful in its own history and culture. Don't you want your kids to have a well rounded education and not become one of those American's who only cares about their country and no one elses?
And as far as other cultures learning about ours?? Take a look at poor Canada. Sit down and have a conversation with an average Canadian...they will be able to tell you 10 times as much about our country as we know about theirs. I have been to Mexico over a dozen times (and we're not just talking Cancun here people) and the majority love Americans and America! Why do we have such negative attitudes towards them, their language and their culture?
I do feel horrible for the deaf girl, it is sad that the school system did not have better resources for her. But lets not confuse that with a completely different issue.
If my son came home from his first day of school with a Mexican flag that he had made, I would be thrilled. To me it would mean that he was at a school that was open minded and that he was getting a well rounded education
I have not forgot about the original topic, because my daughter also came home with a mexican flag from her kindergarden class as I mentioned before. My problem is that she was put into a special "english speaking" class because the rest of the kindergarden classes were spanish speaking ONLY. In fact in that school there was only 1 class for every grade that spoke English. My point being that this is America, and we should have the right and opportunity to learn about other cultures, other languages, but why are the spanish children not learning how to speak English or about American culture. My daughter was 1 of 3 white kids in the whole school. There were only 2 black kids in the whole school and yet they taught about the mexican culture. Don't you think the Mexicans already have some understanding of their culture, shouldn't they be learning about the culture of the country they now live in???? Shouldn't they be learning to speak English since it is the language of this country?
I mean barton93 sent her children to a school where half of the teachers were spanish interpreters. This is not fair to the Mexican or to the American students. I understand learning to speak spanish, even a few words in kindergarden but shouldn't the Spanish speaking students be doing the same? Why is this country spending so much money on teaching in spanish instead of teaching the spanish speaking students to learn english?
Last edited by SpeisFamily; 10-21-2004 at 10:18 AM.
If GOD brings you to it... He WILL bring you through it. 
Re: Am I overreacting? 
Re: Am I overreacting? 
So what you people are saying is that we should all homeschool our children in order for them to learn about the country they live in?????? My word people, this little girl is in kindergarden, she's not taking another laguage in high school. Keep it simple. And if you teach about 1 country only it should be the country the kindergardener lives in.
