Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Elementary School Kindergarten question/ thoughts related to school

Hi again-
Sorry I have so many questions/ concerns, but I need somewhere to voice them and everyone here is so great with so much insight and advice. My DS 5 is in kindergarten and has no testing for GT yet, although I know he's different. I've had some behavior issues at home since school started. He keeps telling me he doesnt want to go back (which never happened in preschool). I spoke to his teacher, she says he's a model student, helping others, etc. last week, he had MAP testing, saying it was his favorite part of the day, everyday. Friday, DS tells me, "Mommy, I think I should go to 1st grade now." "Why?" I say. "because I know everything in kindergarten already and I'm bored." (DS is reading late2-3 grade level and 1+ math). I am hoping that the MAP testing will help show the teacher where he is. She also told me that next week they will be grouped based on MAP testing. I hope things will get better. I have been struggling whether to get outside testing as his handwriting is awful (he is lefty), and my attempts to help him with handwriting is not working. Also, I don't know how long to let things continue as is, before contacting the teacher again. ( parent teacher conferences are in 3 more weeks.) I have asked DS if he is allowed to read in class, he told me when he can look around the room and read the signs on the walls. I don't know. I really school has only been in since August 1st, but I can't stop thinking is there something else I should be doing or do I need to just relax?
Thoughts and suggestions are as always appreciated.
Melessa
(Btw, hope this is coherent. I worked last night and thus have slept 1 hr since Friday am. I apologize if not.)

I know a week feels like a long time at this beginning of school time, but if he's just had MAP testing, the teacher is planning to change things based on it, and you have meetings scheduled in three weeks, I wouldn't push for a meeting before that. What I would do would be to go to that meeting well prepared and maybe at it, ask for a longer meeting in the next week or so, if (as here) the ordinary parent-teacher meetings are too short to have a real discussion. It may be that the teacher will get a handle on your son between now and then, and you need to give her a chance.

It was about this point of his first term at school that my DS started saying maths at school was boring, and we started his Sum Folder at home. We let him ask for a sheet of sums when he wanted one at home; he could specify the type of sum, how hard he wanted them, and how many, and we'd produce exactly what he asked for. He loved it - it helped with the frustration of not yet getting maths work at his level at school - and it gave us examples of what he liked doing to show his teacher. I think it's fine to respond to expressions of frustration by telling him you have a meeting with his teacher coming up, and asking him what he'd like you to say or ask, too. Obviously it isn't for him to come up with a plan, but he should know that you hear him and there is a system for parents and teachers to work out how to meet children's needs.

Thanks ColinsMum. Guess that's what I needed to hear. I do plan on going prepared to the meeting, yet also trying to see what the teacher says about him. I realize the key to getting my DS more of what he needs is by getting the teacher as an ally. Thanks for the tip of talking to DS about it. Currently, I've only told him that I will try to help. I have been trying to do fun learning afterschool which he loves. So, I'm trying to prepare things ahead of time, but take his lead about which he wants to do. I do keep second guessing myself and hoping I'm doing enough.

It's too bad your son didn't give you his scores as he came home each day-- then you could look them up in the score tables and see how he did. I'd politely ask at some point to get his specific scores.

Hi Lucounu-
I know right. I did try to ask him about the score, since I know they are displayed on the screen. Yet, no luck. His teacher said we will get MAP scores with report cards in 2 weeks. I have been told there is a percentage score and a actual number score on the info we receive. We'll see. Just anxious for our parent/ teacher conference.

Omgoodness!

Melessa, I could've written your post (down to my ds being a lefty too!). This is my ds' second week of K. I can already see his enthusiasm waning as he realizes how much time is spent on such basic learning. He also adored preschool, which was very hands on.

He said he is really bored at rest time (the kids can choose to nap or quietly draw) . I suggested he read a book - he was adamant this was not allowed. I told him to hang in there a little while longer, and I would talk to his teacher. They have done no placement testing of which I am aware. Parent /teacher conferences aren't until Thanksgiving!!!!!!

I am also realizing how basic first and even second grade curriculum starts (of course review....not sure how fast they start advancing) . I know ds is ahead of first grade for sure and would be soooooo young for 2nd.

I know there is nothing yo do yet but to wait, but it's hard to watch my enthusiastic learner spending so much time each day reviewing things he 's known since 2.

Sigh.