Disney videos during music class for K??? Update Post 16

[Subhuti]

My daughter (aged 5) reported that for the last two weeks of music class their teacher showed "Peter Pan" while he worked on the computer.

It frightened her so much she had to run from her seat and plug her ears, both weeks.

Now -- why the hell would a teacher show an entertainment video during instructional time? Especially a disney one (super manipulative, frightening)?

How do I approach this with the teacher or the administration?

My inclination is to call the teacher/set up a meeting and simply ask why the kids were on videos and why an entertainment video was shown. And to let him know my daughter has been having nightmares from it. I am going to say many families do not believe in showing this kind of video ever, especially not in school.

What's up w/Peter Pan? Is it somehow musical?????

LIz

[Tigerchild]

Before you talk to the teacher, can you call the school secretary and find out what the school policy on showing videos during class time is?

That way you know if this violates policy (probably it does--esp if the proper licenses were not obtained). That gives you a point of strength. I wouldn't talk about how probably other families don't want it shown, to me that takes strength away--because you don't speak for other families, just your own. It really is enough that you don't want this video shown or want a proactive notification in the future, don't do the "and probably lots of people feel like me" thing because sadly he can probably do that too.

I would ask the teacher why the video was shown, esp if it violates policy, and tell them that I wanted to be notified in the future. If he was not cooperative then honestly I would involve the principal, if they are not automatically involved during a meeting between a parent and a specialist teacher.

[emilysmama]

When I met with the principal, I would ask how it is that there is so much extra time available to show movies, when the state mandates that the school cover so much stuff in the curriculum. Whenever I toured the schools to ask whether they show movies during class time, all the different principals swore up and down that they have to so much stuff that they need to cover that there is no way that a teacher would show a movie unless it was directly tied to the educational curriculum standards that the state requires by law.

[spedteacher30]

Disney is *really* strict about copyright violations and licensing. I would definitely follow up with the school--though probably not about it being too scary for your daughter. i think most schools would not take a concern like that seriously since Disney movies are widely enjoyed by most kindergarteners. We've never shown our 4 year old a Disney movie either, and don't plan to, but I know that most schools would think we are if we complained about the content of a Disney movie.

I would ask for clarification as to why the music teacher couldn't teach for two weeks though.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

I think I would start by asking the secretary if there is a policy about entertainment movies during class time, just so you know that going in. Then I'd definitely ask the teacher why he was showing a movie -- maybe there was some sort of reasoning that makes sense (though I can't come up with anything). If there was some need to show a film, I would ask if there wasn't a better choice given that the class was music. Heck, even if they wanted to show Disney, shouldn't it have been Fantasia?

If the school doesn't have a policy on entertainment movies, I would definitely ask them to at least provide advanced notice to parents of the movie they are planning on showing. I don't have a problem with an occassional movie, but I do believe that parents should be able to opt out.

[rabrog]

I'd want to know why the teacher feels he can play around on the computer instead of conducting a music class for my child. I'd be all over the principal with this one. The teacher wasn't doing his job.

Jenn

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

Originally Posted by rabrog

I'd want to know why the teacher feels he can play around on the computer instead of conducting a music class for my child. I'd be all over the principal with this one. The teacher wasn't doing his job.

Jenn

Well, maybe or maybe not. The OP doesn't know what he was doing on the computer -- maybe he was working on some special project that the principal had asked him to do or something (grant application?). NOT that I think its OK to show a Disney movie in class, but I always approach these situations by asking questions rather than making assumptions. I think sometimes a movie might be OK as an occasional thing, but this was clearly not the best movie choice.

[AFWife]

Question: How would you guys feel if it were a Disney Sing Along video? One that shows only the songs with that bouncing ball to keep time? We watched one around Christmas time (with Christmas songs) when I was in school...

[One_Girl]

We used to get to watch videos sometimes as a treat in school and at the school my dd attended the classes had the opportunity to earn music parties where they got to watch a video and bring in a healthy treat to share. Schools get blasted for having no fun things ever and it is sad that when they do something that most families are fine with and most kids view as fun that they get blasted for that too. It is sad that the movie was too scary for your child, but it isn't something most families are against and I think it is nice when teachers try to incorporate a little fun and relaxation for kids who are pushed to work their tails off in order to test well most of the year. Would you really want the school to cut out letting kids have any fun time in class or are you just upset that your son didn't handle the movie well?

[craft_media_hero]

My dd's "music class" was movies, too. I couldn't figure it out, they had all these beautiful instruments in the room, and the teacher would have them watch a movie. It really irritated me.

Just wanted you to know that apparently you dc's teacher is not the only one who doesn't take elem. music seriously.

[eepster]

Originally Posted by CatskillMtnMama

What's up w/Peter Pan? Is it somehow musical?????

Yes. Most Disney films are very musical.

I would mention something, but simply express that your DC happens to be very sensitive about these things.

My DS is pretty sensitive about scary things, too. I try to remember to let people who are taking care of him know this, since most kids are not bother by things that bother him and it just wouldn't occur to most people that a 4 yo might find Dora the Explorer too scary.

[shesaidboom]

I think your first inclination is right. I'd go to the teacher first to ask about the video. He'll be able to explain why the video was shown and speak with you about your concerns. Hopefully that would make him more aware about the materials he uses in his class and how they're affecting his students. Speaking as someone who worked in a childcare setting, it can be very upsetting when administration comes to talk to you about something that a parent didn't even bring to your attention. It's always best for everyone to give us a chance to solve the problem. If you aren't happy with your dd's teacher's response then I'd take it further and arrange a meeting with the principal.

[TiredX2]

I would be upset that Peter Pan was shown at school unless the teacher really dealt with the racist imagry.

In DS' 1st/2nd split they read Peter Pan, watched the Disney movie and then saw a play of Peter Pan. They talked about the similarities and differences. The teacher also talked to them about the racism in the Disney Movie and how that part of the movie was inappropriate. So, of many many hours and days of studying the novel no more than two hours were devoted to the movie. In this context it didn't bother me at all.

During a music class I would be livid. At the very least play some music and let the kids dance. Or have a talent show, or a "try the instruments" day or something. I would definatley be contacting the principal and teacher about this issue. I, personally, would start with the teacher to see if there could possibly be an explanation you could tolerate.

[ecoteat]

Originally Posted by shesaidboom

Speaking as someone who worked in a childcare setting, it can be very upsetting when administration comes to talk to you about something that a parent didn't even bring to your attention.

Yes! OP, did you speak with the teacher? What was his explanation? It is possible that he as on his computer because he was showing a movie, not showing a movie because he was on his computer. Or he might be lazy and not doing his job. Occasionally I have a legitimate film to show my students (never a Disney movie, but that's another issue) and I'll take advantage of the opportunity to get a worksheet ready for the next class or respond to parent emails or something. But I would not show a movie BECAUSE I had work to catch up on that I should really be doing outside of class.

[zebra15]

Could it be something other than the Disney version?

At age 5/6/7 they very well could've played some Peter Pan music, sang some songs and now are watching the movie. Maybe the (k)teacher is going to read the book next week? Sometimes the teachers get together and do a 'unit' like that?
Possibly the music teacher is doing a Peter Pan unit for all his music classes?

Have they seen any other movies in music class this year?

Its really hard to say what the intent of the lesson is with out more details. I bet if you send a quick email you will get an explaination.

[Subhuti]

Thank you all for your ideas ... this is helpful for this and in the future.

I went to speak to the teacher one on one. I decided that it was the best not to immediately go to the administration without first finding out from him what was going on.

It turns out there is a musical version of Peter Pan, a broadway version, that he is teaching the kids the songs to, and that is why he wanted to show them the video.

We had a mutually respectful conversation and it ended productively. He said he thought his sub had finished the video, and that there would be no more of it. He said he admired that we were TV free.

I am really glad I didn't jump the gun and start complaining to the administration. What kept me from doing that is that my husband is a teacher so I tend to give teachers the benefit of the doubt. I honestly would be OK with the fact that there was some special circumstance that he had to simply "put the kids on a video." I just wanted to advocate for something that was musically relevent, which I can see how the Peter Pan broadway should would be. I can't say I like the idea of them watching it ... but it is a matter of opinion.

As for the school's policy on entertainment videos within school or during instructional time, I will have to ask next time I bump into someone within the administration.

Thanks all so much. There was so much great advice there, and stuff for me to take away to other situations.

Liz

[honey-lilac]

Not to be nosy, but what about the Broadway version was scary for your LO? I remember having the Mary Martin show as a kid and I remember some bits and pieces from it, but nothing was really very frightening at all. Not saying that your son is too sensitive or anything like that, I'm just curious what bothered him so much. Again, this is just me being curious, not nosy, if there's a difference.

[MattBronsil]

Originally Posted by honey-lilac

Not to be nosy, but what about the Broadway version was scary for your LO? I remember having the Mary Martin show as a kid and I remember some bits and pieces from it, but nothing was really very frightening at all. Not saying that your son is too sensitive or anything like that, I'm just curious what bothered him so much. Again, this is just me being curious, not nosy, if there's a difference.

I remember seeing Peter Pan as a kid in a theater (doubt it was Broadway). They used a light for tinkerbell and it freaked me the crap out that a bell would be making a bell noise, dancing around, and people were talking to it.

Of course, now I'm a ventriloquist that talks to puppets....so what can I say?

[Subhuti]

Honey=

She said that there were pirates. That's all she mentioned. She and a few of the kids got freaked. I think loud, dramatic things with "big" music can get her going ... i.e. standard broadway fair!

Liz