I chose to homeschool my son, instead of sending him to preK 3. He recognizes his alphabet and the sounds they make, counting 0-15 in spanish, 1-30 in english, all colors in english and spanish, all shapes including hexagon, pentagon etc. days of the week, he is interested in geography so he knows a good bit about states and continents, I just noticed that he was adding and subtracting, he likes to write letters but only if it serves a purpose like to learn to write his name, he does not like to color and he hasn't really liked drawing since he was about 2 1/2. Here's my problem, what I felt like he was missing out on was being with other children and playing. Which he is doing fine with in Pre-k 4. What the teacher is having a problem with is, he is very talkative. He loves to talk, he is so curious about everything, what it is, how it works, why it exist. And he just loves to talk and tell you detailed information about his theory on why something exist and how it works etc. We placed him in a Ga lottery pre-k for the socialization (it's free and I'm still at home with a 2 yo) He's been in school about 2 weeks, everyday I ask him what he did, and he gives me details but he plays in the Science center looking at bugs in a glass everyday. He said he bored with the toys, he doesn't like to go to school anymore because he's bad and his teacher doesn't like to listen to him. Believe me I understand that he needs to understand that he can't have her attention 100% of the time, but he's getting the message that he is bad. The asistant teacher was out sick for a couple of days, I asked my son where she was and he said she didn't work there anymore, he guessed because she didn't like him!
He is also getting the message that school is not fun! He's excitable but not at all a hyperactive child, in fact I would say he's my more laid back child, very considerate (unusually so) all you have to do is explain something to him and he gets it. Whether it's about behavior or how a seed becomes a plant. Sometimes I just feel like I am doing him an injustice by keeping him in prek. Should I leave him there this year for the socialization but plan on homeschooling him next year. They act as if he is a behavior problem and he's just never been one at home and believe me my first born was strong willed so I know the difference. He also seemed very smart at 3 very large vocabulary, he just seemed really bright. I was a lot younger then, I didn't really try to teach him when he was young but in school he was a discpline problem, went from honor roll to D & Fs. They diagnosed him with ADD, he then believed he couldn't do it. I use to hear I have ADD, I can't, he lost all confidence in himself, he became the class clown, I sent him to a school for ADD, behavior problems and he excelled. It changed his whole outlook. I'm just really concerned about our school system! It just seems like we want them to fit into a mold. Is that really the best for our children?
Is it the school system or is it my kids? I have another son who will graduate this year, He's A & B honor roll, in honor classes etc. I'm just confused on what is the best route to take. If I were wealthy, my decisions would be easier. By the way, I am all for school vouchers! The money follows the kid! You choose which school your child attends! After all it is your child and your tax dollars!
We've opted to homeschool; perhaps that'd be a good fit for you!
Have you looked into another prek program? Since you are probably providing your own tranportation anyway, look around and see if there are openings at another school. Even though some are at "day care" centers they still have good Ga programs. It just may not be a good fit with this teacher and while you have the option of changing teachers take it. Private pre k programs are also a good option. They are not that expensive for a 4 day a week morning program. That way he will get used to a little structure and socializing skills as well. My son went to one that was 4 mornings 9-12, it did cost some, but under $150/month The one my younger son is at right now will be tax deductible as well. (it is 9-1). If he went from home schooling to all day 5 days a week it probably was a big shock. good luck
For the most part, public schools are designed for "cookie cutter" kids. Your son sounds much like my oldest son who ended up dropping out in 9th grade, had an IQ of 159 easily got his GED and now has 2 degrees. I would suggest you look into schools you might like. If you are qualified you might become employed at 1 and your child would receive either much lower or free tuition. They might also have suitable daycare for your youngest. This is a very difficult situation to deal with. I think I would find a mothers morning out group for him as you do not want him turned off to learning and it does not sound like he is in a very good situation. There are also some home-school groups you might look into to help socialize him with other children. V.
Dear KT,
First and foremost - don't let ANYONE make you feel badly about your child! You are his mother, and you know him better than anyone. Secondly, don't allow anyone to crush your child's spirit. I have a 4 year old boy who is very much like your son - very talkative, curious, and extremely intelligent. We started him in pre-K2 for the same reasons you mentioned, to be socialized with children his own age. I am also a stay at home mom but he is my only child. He was fine in school until last year (pre-K3) when he started throwing violent tantrums sometimes, i.e. knocking down chairs, kicking and screaming when picked up, etc., when he didn't get his way. The behavior was unpredictable. He is usually a very sweet and loving child. I had never witnessed this behavior at home, and his teacher didn't know how to handle him. I called a meeting to address the issue, and no one had any ideas. All they could say was that it was "not normal three year old behavior." Now, I'm telling you all of this because had I believed them I would have thought something was seriously wrong with my son. After observing him in his class I saw what the problem was - my son was bored and not being challenged. They were learning ABCs and he not only knew all of them and their sounds, but was writing his name and reading three letter words. He also saw that he could dominate the situation - they were scared of him. We began to talk to him daily about his behavior at school, helping him to understand the difference between right and wrong. We also motivated him to make 'good' decisions and not 'bad' ones with rewards and punishments. It took a little work, but he started to control himself. Talk to your son about his situation at school. Explain to him about the importance of patience, listening more and not talking as much, etc. But most important reassure him daily of his self worth and abilities. His teacher is probably over-worked and under-paid and unfortunately not thrilled about your son's inquisitiveness. Set up an appointment to talk with her about your son's needs and what both of you can do TOGETHER to meet them. Either you'll find out she's up for the challenge, or is incompetent.
