Not sure if this is the right topic, but here goes…
DS1 is 5yrs (born June 08) and is in Yr1 at the village school (class of 29). He seems very able (although not compared to some children described on this board) in that he has completed the 'Read Write Inc' reading scheme books, enjoys writing long and involved stories (often the big bad wolf comes to a bad end!), and is especially interested in numbers i.e. adding, subtracting and some multiplication/times tables work. This is obviously a snapshot and by a (subjective!) mum, but he is also very chatty and interested in the world, history, maps and why everything is the way it is. However, he has always had a difficult time with impulse control and behaviour. He gets frustrated easily if things aren't perfect and can shout, or even lash out. He has a younger brother (21 month age gap) and they are very close and play together a lot, but he often hurts his brother in some way during play i.e. a sly kick or punch that seems to come out of nowhere. He can be rude and defiant. Most things from getting dressed to getting in the car involve a few requests from me and often flat refusals from him. Carrot and stick works reasonably well, a small treat for doing what I ask or removal of toy or favourite activity if he continues to argue. I also use the '123 Magic' approach for rudeness or aggression which means he spends 4 minutes in his room (I use an oven timer for this and up to now he complies and stays in his room). School have similar issues, including shouting out at carpet time to make his friends laugh. I have friends who are having similar behaviour from their sons but the behaviour isn't carried over into school. When I'm feeling a bit pessimistic I would describe him as really cocky and arrogant and his attitude seems much older than his years. His sunny side is great, he gets on well with the children at school, and spends most of his time with the high energy boys. He is a great conversationalist and has really interesting ideas. He can be very kind and helpful to his brother and his friends. He craves independence and loves it when I see him across the road so he can post a letter in the letter box on his own (I can see him the whole time!). I noticed in the summer that he really enjoyed the company of older children of 7 or 8 years old. He can concentrate for extended periods on craft work, reading, writing, or numbers work.
He is in a reading extension group at school with 4 other year 1 pupils, I'm not sure what other challenges he's given. At parents evening the teacher felt that he needed more challenging work but didn't specify what this might be. I feel reluctant to ask because I know his behaviour isn't spot on in school and I don't want them to think I'm being pushy. I know that most bright children don't behave badly so it's hard to use the excuse that he isn't being challenged enough. But I wonder if he was more stimulated in school he might behave better?
Sorry for the essay, but I was hoping for some ideas from a parent who had a similar experience? Thanks!
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8 replies
Msfreemama · 19/11/2013 20:38
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