Bench partner keeps copying from my 8 year old in class tests

teal_camera_949722 Aug 2026

Daughter told me at dinner that her bench partner looks at her paper in every test. Today the girl copied a whole answer, spelling mistake included, so the teacher marked both of them wrong in exactly the same place. My daughter is more upset about the spelling mistake than anything else. And bichari, the girl is her friend. She asked if she should cover her paper with her hand. I said yes without thinking, and then wondered if I should have told her to mention it to the teacher instead. What did you tell yours at this age?

2 comments

saffron_violin_390222 Aug 2026
My daughter had exactly this in class 4. She covered her paper for a few weeks, the friend got the hint, and they stayed friends. The teacher never came into it because the seating changed anyway. I'd let her cover it and see, before turning it into a teacher matter.
- teal_camera_949722 Aug 2026
  She's ok with covering. Teacher she doesn't want to tell, she says the friend will get a scolding and then won't talk to her. So covering it is, for now 🙂
- basil_diary_110423 Aug 2026
  Replying to @teal_camera_9497
  Covering is enough. I'd also give her a line ready in case the friend asks why, something like 'I get confused when someone is watching'. That keeps the friendship without her having to lie or complain to anyone.
mango_bottle_405622 Aug 2026
At 8 the one copying is usually panicking, not plotting. Covering is fine. I'd just tell her she doesn't have to be the class police either. Her job is her own paper.