Hello. My oldest is 7 and in 2nd grade. For K and 1st grade she attended a Charter School. There were many things we liked about the school- but quickly realized there were many things we didn't. ie.. taking her to school every day and picking her up because they dont have busing, they keep small class sizes- so they only have 1 class for each grade so they are stuck with the same kids in class year after year after year. So those were 1 big issues.. So anyways after her Kindergarten year we talked a little about switching her schools- but she decided she wanted to stay- at the time that was fine. Anyways, her whole entire first grade year every day all i heard was her complaining because she wanted to change schools etc etc. Well after talking a lot this summer and weighing the pros and cons- we switched her to the public school in the suburb where we live. At first she loved it- but now everyday i hear how she wants to go back to her old school. We aren't going to switch....
2007-09-18 11:08:03 · 8 answers · asked by Amy Clark 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
but how can i help her enjoy her school experience? Should I talk to her teacher? I've tried explaining she needs to give it more time- So what encouraging / positive things can I do to help her adjust to her new school better?
2007-09-18 11:08:55 · update #1
She might miss her friends that she made at the charter school. Can you get in touch with some of the parents of those kids and get them together for a playdate? Also, encourage her to invite kids from her new school over, maybe for a sleep-over.
2007-09-18 11:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try getting to know any of the kids in her class that are somewhat close to you, see if she can make friends that way. Set up some fun goals for her at school and at home. For instance 100% on tests each week earn her points toward something she may want, like craft stuff or $5 books or something like that. For my girls, 3rd grade and 2nd grade, I encourage a reading list. For every 10 books they read they earn $1, my 3rd grader can do this in a week. If they read more challenging books this could count for more. Anyway, give her some things that challenge her and help make learning fun. Even though she may have no problems with learning, it's just something for her to look forward to that helps. Also, visit her class as often as you are able, if that's once a week or once a month, do so. Try visiting her for lunch once a week. She just needs to rely a little on you until she feels comfortable with where she is. When she complains, encourage her and empathize with her expressing to her that you understand this is hard and that it will get better and just keep helping her through it.
We've moved my girls to 4 different schools in the last few years and it was really hard on them moving so much but we're here in this school now to stay and it's helped them to be stronger and more outgoing and accepting of others. Change is good as long as you keep things positive.
2007-09-18 11:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by Jennylynn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure things are done a lot differently in public vs charter schools..I would assume that the public school is much more rigid with schedules, time allotted for work to be completed etc..This is going to be a big adjustment for her.
One good thing is that she has you on her side!
I would suggest having some of her classmates over for playdates..one at a time once a week until she finds her group of friends. The more friends she makes in the school the more she is going to want to be there.
I would also recommend checking into any after-school activities and find out if there is something that she is interested in.
It's an adjustment for her and yet it's necessary for her to learn how to adjust ..life throws changes our way every day. I am sure in time she will be just fine!
Good luck
2007-09-18 11:20:11 · answer #3 · answered by missourishol 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it'll just take sometime for her to get used to being in a new school with new kids. She has been in the same school with the same kids for 2 years. I think that it will just take sometime for her to adjust to being in a new school. I would talk with the teacher and just tell her that your daughter is having a hard time adjusting and she if there is anything that she can do to ease the transition.
I have a 7 year old in the second grade, and this year he has been having a hard time as well.
Good luck to you!
2007-09-18 11:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by Lovemykids 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem isn't the school nor the teacher, the problem is the child. She got her way and was able to switch schools now she is expecting it to happen again because this school is just like the other one...she has to pay attention in class and doesn't get her way. Obviously what she needs is to learn that the world doesn't revolve around her and that she isn't going to get her way everytime she complains. What is going to happen when she reaches college? Is she going to go from school to school for years never getting anywhere?
2007-09-19 16:41:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She just needs time to adjust. When I changed schools in fifth grade, I really wanted to change back to my old school when it first started, but then I started to enjoy it; I was in the school play, I was in the school orchestra, and I made some new friends. Just give her time, and, also, she may miss her old friends. Maybe set up a play date with them, or something like that.
2007-09-19 17:59:04 · answer #6 · answered by Annie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her she needs to finish the year
Talk to the teacher
Have her join girl scouts and other children actives that involves children in her town in 2nd grade
She needs to make a friends
Once she has friends, and feel she belongs, she may change her mind
2007-09-18 13:20:02 · answer #7 · answered by Halo Mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to encourage her to invit kids home from school. Once she has made friends she will be happier at school
2007-09-18 16:54:05 · answer #8 · answered by Rachel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋