Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS

 

The Whole Child
 Return to the main Parents page

Forum: The Whole Child - For Parents

Topic: My son disrupts the class
Posted By: Jamocca
Date: 10 Oct 2002 9:36 PM

Help! My 4 yr. old will not sit still in group at school and the situation always escalates to the point of removing him from class.The class is designed to have short intevals of playtime, storytelling, etc. and It's a half-day schedule This is why we chose this school.Now the teacher is suggesting that maybe he needs less structure because she feels this may be a maturity issue,and I am willing to try just about anything but I know If he doesn't do well In this class He has to leave this school.
Responses:


Subject: Disrupting
From: Heather
Date: 10 Oct 2002 10:46 PM

How does your son feel about 'school'? Is he happy where he is? You need to find out if he is having negative feelings about all this. Those feelings can have an effect on how he will view all of his school career. It is important to deal with his behaviors and attitudes in a positive way now so that when it is time for kindergarten he will be well-prepared in all areas. I'm interested to know about your son's feelings about his classroom situation.

Subject: Disrupting
From: Jamocca
Date: 10 Oct 2002 11:53 AM

Thanks for your response. Actually he likes this school. However the school he was in last year was another story. He started out fine, then all hell broke loose. He exibited some of the same behavior but way worse, my husband and I pulled him out because we suspected someone (A teacher) was being rough with him but did not have proof. We definitly know he has a problem with transition from one task to the next, he can't seem to do it without getting emotional.Even with all of this he is a very happy child but It seems he cannot handle structure,Medication wasn't even an option for us,but im afraid if this continues what chioce will we have.

Subject: Disruption
From: Heather
Date: 10 Oct 2002 9:29 PM

Have you discussed any of this with your pediatrician? Is he a young 4-year-old or closer to turning 5? I ask because I am wondering if he would be starting kindergarten in the fall of 2003.