We got a note from John David's teacher on Friday. I think she may have sent a note to each parent, but I don't know. The note explained how for the first few weeks of school she was getting to know the kids and basically being kind of lenient with the rules and discipline. Now she knows that, and I quote, "John David marches to the beat of a different drummer". She said he reads very well and she's impressed with that. But what the crud? I know that's teacher code for something like, "your child is soooo strange" or "your child really needs help".
So what am I supposed to do now? I seriously considered homeschooling yesterday. But then I'm afraid that might make the problem worse. He is just always so excited to be around other kids. Plus, he's a boy. He has energy! John just thinks he's really smart and he gets bored. I agree he's smart, but I think it comes down to self-control and attention span.
Either way, it's a discouraging thing when you want your child to do well so badly but it's not happening. He's a really good kid. He's very smart. Is he really the only 6 year old boy who has energy and trouble focusing for long periods of time? Our only thought for now (which we are implementing this week) is to not allow any tv or games on school days. He loves cartoons so this won't be easy for him. We're hoping that maybe we can encourage a longer attention span this way. Suggestions all you teachers???
He is a good boy. I don't think that is what the teacher meant...
ReplyDeletebut I will agree that is teacher 'code talk' for something -maybe you should schedule a conference with his teacher and talk about specific things she has seen or dealt with - and SPECIFIC suggestions she might have so that you could supplement her techniques for handling high energy students like John David.
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I have no doubt that you could home school and that he would probably learn even more - but you are right about his need for other kids.
I am sure that with open and honest communication, and the acknowledgement that all adults involved want only what's best for him, you and his teacher can work out a system that not only compliments the way your home functions but also enhances his ability to focus and improves impulse control.
In the end, yes, that is what little boys do. And no he's not that far off the beat of most little boys' drums...
He'll do just fine. He's got a good momma. He's in a good place.
It's gonna be fine...
A. pretty much said what I was going to say.
ReplyDeleteI do think that your on to something with the t.v. Of course you could also use cartoons as a reward for having a good day. In other words he would earn the priviledge of watching t.v. Maybe 30 minutes of t.v. if he has a good day at school.
If the teacher does not already have a system in place to let you know exactly what level of behavior he displayed for the day. You may want to ask her to use one for him. This way you can set up a system at home based on his behavior. lol
#1. attention span: Can JD watch a movie all the way thru or play a video game without flitting about or losing interest? if so, then it's truely not his "attention span".
ReplyDelete#2. self control: can he sit still during an activity he likes? again, if so, then it's not self control issues (like having an A.D.D.)
#3. yep, it's a 6 yr boy thing. Definately talk with the teacher. She'll be able to give you insight onto what she's seeing.
my landon always marched to the beat of a different drummer. It was frustrating for me, then, not now. now I can look back and see how much fun he was and how unique and fun! he was fun! his imagination was incredible and I loved to watch him in his little world. don't worry what anyone says, it's worth it, you'll see. they just can't appreciate his little mind and what's happening there. he needs this outlet and interaction, and challenge. so do you. it will be the first of many to come. confrontation may come from it in the future and thats okay. stand for your baby boy.
ReplyDeletethe thing that helped landon's attention span was grounding him from something he loved, like cartoons, or nintendo. and he really thrived from the discipline like none other. weird. and second was his maturity. it got easier for us both.
myself...i love boys that march to their very own beat. they're the greatest! amen!
Okay I have no experience in 6 yr old boys yet, but I do have an ides that goes with what Meems said about letting him watch cartoons as a reward. This is just a thought and it could be individualized to fit any kid... You get a jar (the bank) and get color coordinated buttons. One color means 10 minute or one show, another means 20 minutes, etc. As he has good days and achieves small goals set before him he can earn a button. Then he can cash his buttons in for cartoons or vidoe games.:)
ReplyDeleteI aggree with all the advice given. I would definatley ask the teacher what kind of things he is doing. For all she knows he may be GT, which means that they learn in a different way. You might want to inquire on that and then if testing is offered have him do that. It will require more on their part as far as differinciating their instuction techniques.
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