First Grade Frustrations

[luvmysoldier]

Hello everyone,
My 6 year old son is experiencing some problems with his first year in elementary school and I am hoping that someone can offer some words of a dvice or encouragement.

*Dillan* was enrolled in a wonderful kindergarten program in a private K-12 school last year. He loved going there it! This school allowed and encouraged prayer and had an excelled kindergarten program that included phonics, spanish, math, science, art and music. Unfortunately we have since moved and have enrolled him in public school.

Problem is....

He now hates school. This will be his third week and he has nothing good to say about first grade. He complains that the school work is boring and easy, that the teachers are grumpy, that the children are mean, etc...

I have asked if he is getting into trouble or bullied and all I get out of him is "I don't want to talk about it mom'. He pretty much clams up and stomps off. I spoke to his teacher and Mr. "B' assures me that Dillan is not a problem in class and seems to have fun.

I am getting concerned. He dreads going to school. It breaks my heart to see him so worried. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[selune]

I'd take your son's signs as a warning. It always makes me sad to see kids going from loving school to hating it. Maybe ask him for some details like "when you say the teachers are grumpy, what did the teacher do to make you come to that conclusion?" Or "What work is too easy for you?" Or "What did the kids do to make you say they're mean?" He may have clammed up because he felt he'd already told you the problem and you changed the subject to whether or not he was being bullied or getting in trouble. I have often done this, and through many trials have learned to ask questions pertaining to exactly what my kids say. Best wishes! I hope things perk up for your fella.

 

[Blindfaith316]

ask for a copy of the scheduled curriculum, he may be bored to tears!!! whats the child to teacher ratio in comparison to what the private school offered? there could be MANY things contributing to this. praying for you! and your little guy!

 

[lucypevensie]

Maybe it's just that things are so different this year than last. A new teacher, new kids (?). Is it the same school? Did he go to kindergarten all day/every day or just half-day/few days a week? Maybe it's just such a change that a little time is required to get used to things being different than they were.

I have a 1st grader this year too. She was also having a few little problems, not liking school, saying she wants to stay home, etc. It's the same school as last year and the same group of kids mostly. Teacher says she's doing fine and seems happy. Trying to talk to her about things I also got the "don't wanna talk about it" answer. Finally I just got out of her that she has a really hard time with having to go to school every single day. Kindergarten was 3 days a week and fairly simple academically. 1st grade is quite a leap for her and she was just feeling a little overwhelmed. The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. Things are looking better now that a field trip is scheduled for Friday and she got assigned a reading buddy that she really likes!

 

[inHisgrip]

I would definetly suggest talking to his teacher. Also, as others have suggested, ask probing questions. It can be very difficult to change from a small private school to public. Kids in private schools can be ahead of those in public.
In Him

 

[Entertaining_Angels]

I am so sorry and I would be very concerned as well. My son is in First and still loves school but he is in the same school in a small class (9 students). If he suddenly disliked school, I'd meet with the teacher and try to work out what the problem might be. Is enrolling him in another private school an option? Sometimes, public schools can be a little rougher.

 

[bliz]

Is it possible for him to return to his old school?

Kids only get one education.

 

[luvmysoldier]

A brief update for anyone who is interested....

I think that Dillan was/is experiencing a period of adjustment pangs. I have volunteered in his classroom twice this week and his spirits seem to be picking up. He actually has good things to say about school now. I picked up a volunteer packet at the front office and plan on spending a good deal of time helping out around the school. I am excited about the prospect actually! They need math tutors, reading tutors, lunch monetors, etc... and they seemes very enthused that I was interested in helping out around the school. Apparently not many parents volunteer.
Anyhow, you should have seen my little guy's face while I was helping out in his classroom. He was so happy and proud to have his mommy there and the kids thought he was so lucky to have his mom there. The entire experience reminded me of how envious I was of kid's whose parents helped out when I was in elementary school.

Thanks for the advice everyone and a BIG thanks for the prayers.

Mandy

 

[selune]

I'm so glad things are turning around. It's great for you to be helping in this capacity. My husband did this when our daughter was in public school. Have fun!

 

[Entertaining_Angels]

I think volunteering is an awesome way to go. I volunteer frequently at the school and I know it has helped my son quite a bit.

I am happy to hear your situation here is improving. Praise God!