Anonymous
asks:
Q:
Help! Son hates kindergarten, loved preschool. How can I help?
Before kindergarten, my son LOVED school, and learning in general. He was really excited to start Kindergarten.
Unfortunately, he got off to a terrible start, and by week 3 told me he hated school, didn't see why he should even bother trying because he was going to get into trouble no matter what he did, and actually developed physical signs of stress. His first teacher left due to a medical condition after only a couple of months, but he's continued to struggle in terms of engagement, following the rules, and doing what he's supposed to do with the new teacher. The physical issues are better, and he doesn't talk about how much he hates school all the time anymore, but does tell his little brother how lucky he is to be in preschool instead of kindergarten, since you can have fun in preschool. It just breaks my heart to hear how he perceives school.
He's a pretty high energy kid and is also very verbal and extroverted. Unfortunately, kids are expected to be quiet and sit still, and are considered disruptive (and reprimanded) if they don't.
I think besides getting off to a very rocky start, he just struggles with this type of learning environment. He would not ever choose to be quiet, still, or work independently if he could help it! Fortunately, he's very bright and is doing well meeting the academic goals of kindergarten, but I'm worried that he's off to such a bad start in terms of how he feels about school. Does anyone have suggestions?
In Topics:
Working with my child's teacher(s), Kindergarten readiness, Discipline and behavior challenges
Unfortunately, he got off to a terrible start, and by week 3 told me he hated school, didn't see why he should even bother trying because he was going to get into trouble no matter what he did, and actually developed physical signs of stress. His first teacher left due to a medical condition after only a couple of months, but he's continued to struggle in terms of engagement, following the rules, and doing what he's supposed to do with the new teacher. The physical issues are better, and he doesn't talk about how much he hates school all the time anymore, but does tell his little brother how lucky he is to be in preschool instead of kindergarten, since you can have fun in preschool. It just breaks my heart to hear how he perceives school.
He's a pretty high energy kid and is also very verbal and extroverted. Unfortunately, kids are expected to be quiet and sit still, and are considered disruptive (and reprimanded) if they don't.
I think besides getting off to a very rocky start, he just struggles with this type of learning environment. He would not ever choose to be quiet, still, or work independently if he could help it! Fortunately, he's very bright and is doing well meeting the academic goals of kindergarten, but I'm worried that he's off to such a bad start in terms of how he feels about school. Does anyone have suggestions?
> 60 days ago
