Special needs first wk in pri 1

[Audvis]

It is my boy’s 1st week too. I did not declare his ASD to the school. His teacher told me he was not following instructions. He kept on losing his things too. So we labelled all his stuff (even his pencils too!) and gave him the not so expensive versions. I think he has difficulty keeping still, his previous teachers have told me he has a lot of unnecessary movement. His OT recommended we let him have a fidget toy to play with in class. The book "Raising A Sensory Smart Child" recommends letting them sit on a rubber disc that is bouncy, so that they can "move" while remaining seated. But I am afraid he will lose it or his friends will make fun of him, so I did not buy this. Other suggestions that seem more feasible: do chair push ups - put hands on chair and lift the butt off the chair, stretching, volunteer to help teacher give out books, clean blackboard etc.

[Audvis]

Also good to have 2 separate files, clearly labelled "Homework" and "For Teacher", as they are bad in organizing their things and may misplace worksheets meant to be done at home, or worse still, done the worksheet but not hand up to teacher.

[specialboymum]

Thanks Audvis for sharing. I think the volunteer to do some chore like cleaning the board and distribution of books is a good idea. I will also ask him to do chair push up


I’m facing some problem with him not bring back his stuffs. He even left his school communication book in school, so we aren’t even aware of his homework that is suppose to due today. His stressed out teachers kept reiterate that it is impossible for them to check his school bag everyday and they would expect him to take the initiative submit his work on time. Though I think they are asking for the impossible, I kept that thought to myself. I’m cracking my head to think of a solution- how to make sure he bring the important notice/instruction from his teachers and homework back home, while minimizing extra burden on his teachers.

I have thought of hiring shadow teacher, but 1stly I’m haven’t check if the school allow that, 2ndly, I don’t know if it will cause my boy to be over reliance and end up not learning self help skills. He went through mainstream kindergarten and never require a shadow teacher.

[Audvis]

Hi specialboymum

My advice is to not put any pressure on the teachers to do this or that. Ask whether possible, but don’t insist. The teachers are the ones who will face yr boy daily and you still need a lot of help from them; the last thing u want to do is to antagonize them. As for shadow teacher, since he didn’t have one in K, then don’t use it or he will become reliant on it. As for homework notice, ask if the teachers can give u the homework schedule in advance but still make him responsible for bringing back notices. If all fail, make friends with the parents of his classmates (as many as possible) so that you can ask them when the need arises. Hope this helps.

[Audvis]

Hi specialboymum

My advice is to not put any pressure on the teachers to do this or that. Ask whether possible, but don’t insist. The teachers are the ones who will face yr boy daily and you still need a lot of help from them; the last thing u want to do is to antagonize them. As for shadow teacher, since he didn’t have one in K, then don’t use it or he will become reliant on it. As for homework notice, ask if the teachers can give u the homework schedule in advance but still make him responsible for bringing back notices. If all fail, make friends with the parents of his classmates (as many as possible) so that you can ask them when the need arises. Hope this helps.

[windie]

Actually, kids with or without special needs, tend to forget and are a bit more disorganised initially. Afterall, they have just started formal schooling.


Perhaps you could ask the FT if you could email or call him at the office so you don't miss out major things if your boy forgets. I email his FT alot and also sent him the OT report which includes recommendations on how to help my son better in son. I'm sure the FT would welcome any help you can extend to help him manage better.

I also made friends with my son's classmates moms so we can check with each other what needs to be brought to school and if there's any homework

[specialboymum]

His teachers finally have time to feedback on his behavior. It appears that he is quite disruptive, disturbing his classmates and sneaking out of the classrooms. I’m not sure if this is due to stress from new environment as he was very compliance when he was doing mainstream kindy. His teachers used to call him angel.


We are seriously considering hiring a shadow teacher and is making appointment with his school teacher and principal on the possibility of going this option. At least, the shadow teacher can be a link to help us to keep track on what is going on, and to his various therapists on the right intervention. Now, we are relying on teachers to find time to feedback to us, which make both side frustrated, on our side, we don’t receive information fast enough to help him, whereas the teachers is frustrated didn’t get the support from home to tell them how to deal with him.

[Audvis]

Oh I see… But bear in mind that a good shadow teacher will train the pupil such that in the long run, the shadow teacher is not needed anymore.

[schweppes]

specialboymum:

His teachers finally have time to feedback on his behavior. It appears that he is quite disruptive, disturbing his classmates and sneaking out of the classrooms. I'm not sure if this is due to stress from new environment as he was very compliance when he was doing mainstream kindy. His teachers used to call him angel.

Could be his way of dealing with sensory overload and being in a new environment. Maybe can use social stories (draw stick pictures with thought bubbles) to teach your son on the dos and don'ts of social behavior in school.

Kindy teachers are usually more tolerant, class size is smaller and the session shorter. But with a primary school - there are 40 kids to deal with, a syllabus and curriculum to complete and a host of other non-teaching duties, it's no wonder the teachers may not have time to handle every child. Also, the school session is longer, so the child is probably tired as well.

specialboymum:

We are seriously considering hiring a shadow teacher and is making appointment with his school teacher and principal on the possibility of going this option. At least, the shadow teacher can be a link to help us to keep track on what is going on, and to his various therapists on the right intervention. Now, we are relying on teachers to find time to feedback to us, which make both side frustrated, on our side, we don't receive information fast enough to help him, whereas the teachers is frustrated didn't get the support from home to tell them how to deal with him.

A shadow teacher might be useful. It will help put your mind at ease too. Don't be overly worried that the child will be reliant on the shadow teacher. Do what is necessary at this point of time. And when your child gets used to primary sch life, can slowly wean him off the shadow teacher.

[luvmum]

Hi parents


Care to share more abt this shadow teacher? Can parents b allowed to sit either a corner or stand outside for a longer period of time like 1-2 mths till our special child settles better in the new Environ n teacher learning to cope the child better?