Preschooler Preschool

I think it is normal for boys...they would rather create and destroy..writing and arts and crafts is just not their thing...don't worry he will be fine especially for a stranger..he is probably use to getting away with stuff with you...

My daughter started preschool last september at age 4, she wouldn't write for me either. In her schooling they have taught her how to write her abc's, one letter a week. She is doing very well. She is very excited when she comes home on Fridays because she has a letter page and shows me what she has done. They know how to get them to work on writing and help them. I think preschool is a very good idea for any child. Good luck.

M...28 year old sahm with 3 children

Hi M.
Preschool is a place where he will learn some of the necessary skills for "big school". I would not stress over his writing, or lack of, right now. Does he color, and if so, does he hold the crayon right? That might be a good place for you to start. Sit and color with him. Watch his skills as he colors. At this point, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have a similar situation with my son. He is in kindergarden and is an excellent reader, but when I sit down to help him read, he shuts off. I know he can do it, but he won't. In my experience as a private tutor I have found that children will do a lot more with someone other than a parent. Good news for the tutor, bad news for the parent. Anyways, I really don't think this is a problem yet. And if the preschool refuses to try to teach him, I would look for a new school. Hope this helps!
A.

Pre-K sounds like an excellent option for you. It can't hurt to get him used to leaving you during the day and being with other kids. There are lots of part-time options at various churches in the area so you might want to check into those.

Hey M.,
Don't worry!
I taught preschool and they don't introduce writing with pencils until the second semester. Their little hands aren't ready for that yet. Instead, let him color worksheets with letters, and pictures that start with that letter, A with an apple. Maybe you can get him to use a red color while doing this. You can do each letter and color for a week. This will help him "recognize" his letters. You can even add numbers by putting one apple and then maybe the next week have B, the color blue and 2 bumblebees. They start learning more as they reach kindergarten. It will be unbelievable how fast he will learn. Another thing kids this age love is rhyming words. Make up sentences with rhyming words and get some books with rhyming words. Read the first sentence and then let him put in the last word that rhymes. Like "The big, fat "cat", sat on the soft, brown "mat". You say everything and then let him say mat. My kids love this! Hope this helps some. Sorry so much info.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it, you don't want to push the issue too much because then you may make your child uninterested, then you will really have a hard time. Kids will come around & once he starts school & sees other kids learingin how to write he will want to try it also. It is GREAT that you are trying, but don't force it if he doesn't want to right now, it will come to him when he is ready.

Hi M.- Preschool is when they start to write and the teacher will show him exactly how to do it!- My daughter did not even know how to hold her pencil when she started Pre school and she is writing just like all of the other children. He is going to see the other kids in his class doing it and he will just naturally want to do what the other kids are doing. If you are really worried about it, give your concerns to the teacher and she will give him help where he needs it!

you are a good mom!:)

T.

I wouldn't worry too much. Kids act VERY differently when they are at school than when they are with you. I agree about contacting the school. They should be able to provide you with an idea of where they think he should be socially, behaviorally, and academically. Believe me, there are plenty of kids who can't sit still and won't concentrate, even in middle and high school. :-) Good luck.

I would contact the school you plan to send him to. See what their standard is. I would seem to think that's pretty normal for a 4 year old. I would just practice with him when he's having a down moment. Make it fun and write with colors or markers. I wouldn't get to worried just yet! I'm sure he's doing just fine! ;)

Hi M.

I have a 4 year old boy who would not sit down to learn how to write or learn his letters. He started preschool last August and now can write his first and last name. He is also starting to read short sentences. Hang in there preschhol will be the best for him.

My son was the same way. He especially hated coloring. I would not worry about it too much. Your son will adjust and get into the swing of things once he's around other children in a preschool setting. And believe me, your son will not be the only one who does not want to write.

Also, some of the things that my son refused to do with me (i.e. writing & coloring), he did with no problem for his teacher. Go figure!

Hi,
There ARE things they need to know before starting kindergarten. Sometimes when you enroll them they will give you a whole folder of things. Not just forms to fill out, but also ideas to help them and a list of things they need to know. If you don't want to wait until you enroll him then try calling the school your son will be going to and asking exactly what he needs to know before starting. Then work with him on those specific things. The rest should come when he sees the other kids doing them. Try to make it fun and rewarding, but most of all be patient, he will eventually get it. Good luck.

When will he be 5? My son's birthday is in late September. He would have been eligible to start kindergarden this year; however, we decided to have him wait until nwxt year. He is very smart and is already reading. However, we felt that maturity wise it would be better to wait. Besides, I don't want him starting college at 17. You might start by having me try to copy simple shapes or pictures. My son has been in preschool since he was 3 (and Mom's Day out before that) and has been practicing his writing since then. I have a frinend whose son just turned 4 in August and she said he doesn't like to write either but he can if he really wants to. Hope this helps.

My son was the same way. He is a twin, and last year when they were 3, they were in preschool and his sister was beginning to write all sorts of things, or at least trying, and he wanted nothing to do with it.

This year, however, he has taken up writing quickly and doing very well with it. I'm not sure if it's because this preschool is more structured or what. I do think it's something you need to be thinking about as far as kindergarten readiness, and you might want to see if you can get him into preschool. The change of scenery, and the fact that there will be a room full of kids doing the same things, may help him get in the groove.

Having said that, I'm sure that kindergarten deals with children who have had a preschool program to prepare them, and those who haven't, so in the big scheme of things it may not make a difference in how he does in kindergarten, but it may make a difference in how quickly he adjusts and can keep up with the class.

Hope that helps.

I have a very bright 4 year old who will be starting school in August as well. She will scribble and she tries to write but of course it isn't that legible so I wouldn't be too worried about it. They will work on them with that more when they are in Kindergarten.

Hello!! I have a 4yr daughter who sometimes refuse to sit down with me while I try to teach her things she needs to know for school. I personally is going to put her in headstart a year before she starts school. She starts in 2008.
I have learn that its very typical of children not wanting to sit down and listen to the parents when it comes to consentrating on anything.
There is there options I know you can try.
Option One Find a Local YMCA program enroll your child in their preschool program. YMCA offers the best program for preschoolers. Some states ranges in prices and services but you can check with local Ymca or another Preschool in your local area.
Option 2 You can just keep working with your child going over and over. Be creative. Be fun. Dont forget to praise and reward your child when he does do good.
If u know anyone else that has a school age child take your child around them. Sometimes being around other children may have an impact on them. They will see how grow up the other child is and want to try to be a big kid like them.

I have known of many children who dont know how to write their name when they first enter school, They do fine once they get in there. Kids can be stubborn at times when being taught by the parents.Sometimes being taught by another adult is better.
If your child atleast knows their name. Their address. Their phone number, parents name. Abcs and Numbers 1-20 Shape, and color then your child should do go when he goes to school.
Some children will first going to school dont even know any of this and over time while at school they will catch on. All children are different.
Whatever you decide to do. Be patient, Use encouragement, And Be Firm. He will catch on in his own time.

GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS

Hi M., I have a 3 1/2 year old and he sometimes does not want to sit down with me either. However, we have a certain time set aside every day, about 15 minutes in the morning when we practice our letters. Then I follow that up with coloring or a game that involves the numbers, letters we just learned. I had contemplated spending a lot on preschool literature, but honestly found a preschool workbook at Walmart for about $10 that has a checklist for learning and everything from shapes to letters, etc. He loves it and they even have themed ones, such as Dora if he is into that. I just tell my son when he does not want to work, that this is his school time and play time will be AFTER we work. Hope this helps a little.