‘Nightmare’ in Class

As a teacher, I was very surprised to read that Marjorie Eisenberg showed “Nightmare on Elm Street” to her second-grade class (Oct. 3). Even if she didn’t know it was rated R for violence, the title itself would have indicated that, at the very least, it had no educational content. She chose to waste 96 instructional minutes in order to move boxes.

In addition, teachers are never supposed to leave children in a classroom without adult supervision. What if there had been an earthquake, accident or other emergency?

Ms. Eisenbergs’ actions were very negligent, and the film she showed apparently caused psychological distress to some of her students. I hope the parents are successful in persuading the principal of Hamlin Street Elementary School to take a stronger position on this than he has to date. Children and parents deserve better.

BETH SHIH

Canoga Park