1/27/02
Question 143
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
My son is 4and 1/2 and is in his 3rd year at
the same preschool. We just got his evaluation for the quarter and
were startled to learn that he has been having temper tantrums,
difficulty interacting with his peers. They told me that he
refuses to share and becomes so frustrated that he retreats
to his cubby and sucks his thumb. He does not do this at home
and plays with friends, and is very articulate about his feelings.
I am concerned that seeing these teachers everyday, they never
mentioned this to me. I wonder if we should take him out of this
classroom, out of this school, I don't want him labeled as a
"baby." They even questioned whether he should
go on to kindergarten. He is writing his name, has an excellent
vocabulary. They also mentioned that he needed work on fine
motor skills and yet at home he can cut shapes from paper with no
problems.
Home and School Two Different Worlds?
Dear Home and School Two
Different Worlds?,
It sounds like something else is going on in this
situation. Have there been any other changes? A new
sibling? A new teacher? Maybe he feels like he knows this school
so well that everything is his and he doesn't want to share. It
sounds like he may be bored at this school.
It is hard to answer without knowing
more about the situation. It could be alot of things. Perhaps he
isn't getting as much attention as before.
Maybe the teacher and he have a
personality conflict. I never make judgments about Kindergarten
readiness this early in the year. It sounds like the teacher may need
more training too.
Most children act differently away from
home. But I've always seen better behavior, not worse. I
might consider another school to see if he acts the same way there.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher
Staff"
