How to Approach a Teacher Who Uses Punishment

I am a parent of a 6 yr. old boy in the first grade who has had a few occasions of being reprimanded for talking during class. This happened this past week and his desk was moved away from the other students (along with 3 other class talkers). I felt that this consequence was acceptable and made sense. What happened next is what is unacceptable to me. Later in the afternoon there was a birthday party and the birthday girl’s mom brought in cupcakes, chips and drinks for the kids. When the Mom was passing out the treats the teacher told the Mom to skip the 4 children who had been reprimanded earlier in the day for talking. I can’t believe the teacher did something so cruel to those children. I personally do not believe in using food as a reward or punishment for a child’s behavior. My question is, how do approach the teacher with my dissatisfaction with the way the situation was handled without alienating her from me or my son for the rest of the year? I also want to make sure she never does anything like this again. Please Help! 

Hi, My name is Jody McVittie. I am parent of 3 (11,14 and 16) and part of the team that answers these questions. I agree with Mary Hughes (see another answer that follows)…and here are a few other approaches/perspectives that might help.