His preschool teacher just informed me he was behind all the other kids. Is this normal for a 4 yo boy, hes the youngest in the class but still...what should i do?
2007-11-29 07:43:29 · 32 answers · asked by Donna T 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Preschool
This is very common in young boys, especially if he is younger than all the others in the class. I have one just like him in my class. He is the youngest at home and he is the youngest in the class. At playtime outside he plays with the 3 year olds and not his own age. He has no desire to do what the other kids are doing in my classroom. All you can do is try small things at home to try to get him on the ball. If that doesn't work and you don't think he will come around this year. You might think about holding him back a year. I don't know where you live or how your school system is done, but I know where we are it is better to hold them back in preschool than in Kindergarten. In Kindergarten he is with his peers that he will see the rest of his school years. I have learned that kids can be mean! So if you hold him back in preschool than most likely he will be ready next year and no one will know that he has to repeat preschool. I would keep the same teacher in preschool if that were an option if you think the teacher would treat him like he was a 'new' kid again and not like he should know what we are doing because he did this last year.
2007-11-29 08:35:48 · answer #1 · answered by Tara 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like you need to change preschools! If the teacher's know he is the youngest in the class, why are they comparing him to them? Plus it is up to the teachers to make school more interesting. I'm not interested in learning anything if it's presented in a boring way either.
I also would give your son the "gift of another year "of preschool. Sending your child to kindergarten as the youngest in the class will set him up for problems all through his school career. Let him be the oldest- with the advantages that come with being older.
2007-11-29 15:08:29 · answer #2 · answered by weswe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be something deeper than just not wanting to learn.. maybe he feels that he's not good enough for his class because he's so far behind (becuase hes younger)
Try to get him engaged in learning activities outside of school, and try to show to him the importance of learning through any way possible. But if it just doens't come for him to a while, don't stress too much. Just keep encouraging him and make sure he stays out of trouble.
I was exactly like him until my freshman year in high school, and by the end of the year I was a striaght A advanced placement student. Sometimes it just takes some kids longer to catch on than others.
2007-11-29 07:47:31 · answer #3 · answered by ♫ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every child learns at a different rate; Einstein was 5 before he spoke a word! Sounds like the teacher is frustrated because she has to deal with someone who isn't a "cookie cutter kid." First you need to find out what exactly he's supposed to be "learning" and then how it's being taught. At 4 he's more likely to like the sand table or fingerpainting or music (think sandpaper blocks, cymbals, etc. of a homemade band) and should be learning to socialize with other kids; and he certainly should not be having a label placed on him at that tender age of being unteachable.
If you feel you have some cause for real concern, take him to your pediatrician and ask that his cognitive skills be tested, being careful to explain the situation as to why you want it done.
2007-11-29 07:50:56 · answer #4 · answered by L.G. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to Toys R Us in the learning area and find FUN ways of teaching a 4 year old. They need to learn WITH FUN. If he's the youngest one there, give him time. He's only 4 -- he's still a baby. Most of the learning really needs to come from HOME first too. It's our job as parents to teach our children because we can not be 100% SURE what they are getting out there in school.
2007-11-29 07:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by butterfliesRfree 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hi..I am a mother of 4 girls and 2 boys, my twins are boy/girl and I can tell you I heard the samething when they were in pre school. You do have to keep an eye on his other skills but all children develop at a different pace, some are eager to learn while others still like to "play" I think my twins had an advanage because of their older brother and sisters. Don't panic if you honestly think there is a problem call his doctor and take him for a visit and see where it goes...:)
2007-11-29 07:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by dreamseverafter84 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would give it awhile. When my son was 3yr and 4yr he seemed not interested in learning. Then once in a while out of the blue he would say something that I was teaching him. Now he is 5 in pre-school and he is one of the smartest kids in the class. He in pre-school cuz his birthday falls in Aug. Where i live the child has to be 5 by July 31 to start kindergarten.
Good Luck!
2007-11-29 07:57:11 · answer #7 · answered by Stacy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He sounds immature to me and that's not his fault. He's just young for his grade and he isn't ready to settle down and do any formal learning. But, just by being there, he is learning. He is watching the other kids and listening to the teacher and learning. What should you do? First, take him to the pediatrician and ask if he seems to have any developmental problems. If he is physically normal, then I'd read to him at home and help him learn to cut with scissors, paste pictures onto paper, etc. Things he'd be learning in school, but one on one with you. You can do it in short spurts (like 10 minutes at a time) and try to stretch his attention span, which is probably very short which is why he isn't learning at school. As his attention span grows, he will begin to get ready to learn at school. Then, you can register him for another 4 year old class next year (not kindergarten). That is the biggest favor you can do for him. Children who aren't ready to sit and learn should not be forced to go to kindergarten. He probably just needs another year to mature. Many very smart children aren't ready to learn on their 4th birthdays.
2007-11-29 08:26:34 · answer #8 · answered by Wiser1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't PANIC! All kids develop at different paces. You said he was the youngest in his group.
One suggestion...do things at home that will make learning fun. You obviously care and are a good mom...more than likely he'll come around very soon with your help.
2007-11-29 07:50:44 · answer #9 · answered by earlofsnoh 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did you hear about a preschools becoming full time?
So many people are starting early education and it is so stupid. Your child is four, let it be a kid. Sure read to it, interact, but don't pressure.
I didn't want to start learning anything until i was six years old and im getting 92% in my trig and algebra class.
2007-11-29 07:47:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋