How not to offend a teacher! Options

[FullofWind]

I'm looking for advice from teachers about a problem with one of my child's instrumental teachers. I cannot read any of the notes that he writes and although my child can decode some of it based on what was said in the lesson he struggles with most of it. I'm wondering how I could ask the teacher to write more clearly without offending him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) He writes a huge amount as the lesson is lengthy, up to three pages on an A5 notepad, in paragraph format so he is trying to make sure my child is practicing properly. There is no opportunity to sit in on lessons and i havent met his teacher yet so i dont know what he is like as a person. I don't want to offend him by implying that his hand-writing is illegible as, based on my chikd's progress, he is an excellent teacher.

[katyjay]

I think this is one of those times when being direct about the problem is the only answer.

Certainly that's what people have done when my scrawl has proved beyond their deciphering.

A note to the teacher saying "I'm afraid I can't read what you've written, please could you write it more clearly?" is all that's needed. Just make sure yours is clearly legible too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Seer_Green]

I wouldn't be offended if someone told me that. I think it's just worth finding a good time for a quick chat and perhaps point these things out - it seems an awful lot to write; maybe he could try to condense some of it to bullet points - this would be much more user-friendly.

The best course of action is to be honest (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[porilo]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) My writing comes under that category too and sometimes I can't even read it myself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I tend to make notes for myself in the pupil's notebook in my own form of scribble and shorthand, and then write what I would like them to practise in capital letters (which are hopefully more legible). I then ask them to read back to me what I have written just to make sure that they know what they are supposed to be doing.

[FullofWind]

Thank you for the advice. I'm wondering if I should blame my son and say that he can't read it - which he can't! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

I thought musicians were good at fine motor control! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[fsharpminor]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.gif) to the forums FullofWind. Love your user name, just dont come near me ! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[dolce@piano]

Thank you for the advice. I'm wondering if I should blame my son and say that he can't read it - which he can't! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

I thought musicians were good at fine motor control! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

No, I wouldn't - I'd just go for the more direct but polite approach as outlined above by Katyjay, and others.

Generally teachers are all too happy at any feedback at all - after all, at least you're showing him that you're TRYING to read the notes. . . .

[notmusimum]

I think if this was one of my daughters teachers (though at 17 she would tell them herself) I'd grab them at end of lesson and ask them what some of the words are (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I'd then hope they would take the hint (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[FullofWind]

I still don't think I have the nerve to say anything...

[dolce@piano]

I still don't think I have the nerve to say anything...

If you're having trouble with the simple, direct approach, what about something more 'schmoozy' :

"Thank you so much for doing such detailed notes. We both find them very helpful and interesting. Sometimes, however, I have a bit of trouble making out your handwriting. Would it be possible to write a little bigger and clearer ? We'd really appreciate it. Many thanks"

[Seer_Green]

I still don't think I have the nerve to say anything...

It won't be solved then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Halka]

I still don't think I have the nerve to say anything...

It won't be solved then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

And the teacher is completely wasting his time writing all this stuff if you can't read it. You would be doing him a favour, I think!

[notmusimum]

I still don't think I have the nerve to say anything...

It won't be solved then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

And the teacher is completely wasting his time writing all this stuff if you can't read it. You would be doing him a favour, I think!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Just be light hearted about it and it should be ok. Teacher probably knows their handwriting isn't great. It will also show you are interested and want your child to follow instructions/advice.

[agricola]

Teachers dish out criticism so should be able to take it from others ! I quite often get asked to write more legibly, thanks to an arthritic thumb, and I'm never offended. Don't always remember to do it though.

[miffy]

Ah, go on, be blunt! I'm sure he won't mind!
And perhaps ask him to shorten the notes into bullet points, say it's easier and clearer to use them for quick reference when practising.
He'll probably appreciate someone wants to read them at all, I know some of mine don't open their notebook inbeteeen lessons.
3 pages seems a bit ott - how can he interact or listen in the lessons properly if he's doing all that writing??

I thought musicians were good at fine motor control! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Ahaha! Have you ever seen examiner's handwriting?