My daughter isn't transitioning into kindergarten quite as easily as I expected. She knows no one in her class, and I suspect she's a bit shy. I'm sure she'll be happier once she makes a friend, but in the meantime I'm looking for some tips to boost her self esteem and/or to let her know she's extra loved by her family.
I talked to her about how to start a conversation with a classmate, but she hasn't taken my advice yet.
Any tips on how you helped your little one at this huge step in their lives? Thanks!
Lauren
1|1|sorry hun, PJ was the one kid in his K class that introduced himself to everyone lol|pussecat|pu55ecat@aol.com|12:44:16|09/12/2008|
it surprised the heck out of me! i'd have never guessed until the teacher told me a couple of days ago. PJ is so sweet, there is only ONE girl in his class and he's the only one who'll play dolls with her. there is also a student who has a pretty graduated form of autisim and the teacher said that when they are playing a game and the boy isn't participating PJ will go over to him, take his hand, and tell him to "come play with us" and lead him over to wherever they are playing. *shakes head* i don't know what i did to "make" (for lack of a better term) such a sweet boy but i am SO glad he is so nice to others! :)
i'm sorry, i rambled on and on! lol
i wish i had some advice for you but i don't. good luck to you and your daughter!
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2|1|see inside|soccer_mom|jhowarth@wiley.com|12:48:51|09/12/2008|
Hi..I never had this problem myself since my kids sent to daycare and were always the ones to make friends with everyone from day 1..anyway I would suggest...
that maybe you could get together with one mon and her daughter/son after school or on a weekend for a playdate (maybe go to the park, or go have pizza, or anything. This would introduct your daughter to someone in her class and then maybe she would feel more comfortable in class knowing someone. And, she would have you with her when she first meets/play with this child so she should be more comfortable also.
I hope everything works out. 3|1|Here's is something that helped my son.............|diana2|dloj@excite.com|13:37:28|09/12/2008|
For show and tell my son brought our dog to class. My husband came into the class and helped Nathan show him explaining all the different features of our pug and how we take care of him. All the kids thought Nathan had the coolest dog and kept talking to him about it before and after my husband left with the dog. That helped him make friends and to find other kids that had something in common with him. If you don't have a pet you could bring....maybe think of something else the kids would think was really cool.
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Diana 4|2|thanks for the suggestions......|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|14:02:05|09/12/2008|
Sariah is usually pretty outgoing, she made lots of friends when she was in day care a couple of years ago, but I think she's having a harder time in the larger setting. Plus she's heard a lot of "horror" stories from her brother who had the same teacher for kindergarten (and Elijah probably got yelled at a lot) so she's probably afraid to be too vocal in class.
I think this school could have a better structure. They don't have recess, so no time to socialize. They don't have show and tell, so again, no time to get to know your classmates.
We didn't get a classmates list for her class, but maybe if I ask for one, I can get one and call some of the other moms.
Thanks!
Lauren 5|3|Lauren...|sunriver|lithiasalt@cheerful.com|15:32:27|09/12/2008|
Is there any way you can volunteer in the class for a few hours? I'm remembering that when my DD's started they both had a little transitional period like you described and I went in and just helped the teacher with various tasks. While I was there I had the chance to meet the kids and I got to notice things that they had in common "Oh, I see you like dogs, Madison really loves dogs." Or whatever, you get the idea. It helped.
That and it just takes a little time for them to feel comfortable.
HTH. Vanessa
6|4|ooh, Vanessa, what a good idea !|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|15:51:03|09/12/2008|
I'm not sure the teacher will like it too much...lol...we had a few choice words with each other when Elijah was in her class and she implied that he was a rude, uncivilized child (before his ADHD diagnosis).
Now I'm excited. That would be fun for me too.
Thanks!
Lauren 7|5|What about... |Isha|tm2ewing@sbcglobal.net|17:23:09|09/12/2008|
I have 3 kids... 1 quiet 2 that can't shut up lol... With the quiet one...what we did was
1. Taped a picture of me and her dad to the inside of her backpack so she could "see" us whenever she needed. Or we'd put it in her jacket pocket. Somewhere she always had access too.
2. Put notes in her lunch and snack... I loved to draw on her brown bags. I would make it all in symbols and she and the other kids loved to try and figure out what I wrote... Like... I Love you... instead of writing it out... I'd draw and eye ball, put a heart and the letter U... etc...
3. I know you said you had problems with the teacher in the past, but I agree with someone else that volunteering in the classroom is a great way to facilitate her meeting other kids... Plus you can keep an eye on the teacher... lol
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8|1|Lauren....|cldt67|cindy123@zoominternet.net|17:44:03|09/12/2008|
I would talk to the teacher if its really bothing you. Ask if you can volunteer to read to the class once a week. Volunteer to help out with a class party and bring in special treats or games. If you daughter collects anything, ask the teacher if she can bring in her collection. Perhaps other kids asking her questions about her collection will help break the ice.
I also did the "Special messages" in my kid's lunchbox. Decorated them with markers & stickers. It lets them know that you are thinking about them even when you are separted from them.
Also on the days when they are doubting themselves and their self esteem seems low, I would tell them "Im the LUCKIEST Mom in the world!!!!!!" Of course they would ask why. And my reply would be "Of all of the kids in the world, I got the BEST 2 and wouldnt trade them for anything!!!"
Im sure she will adjust....it may just take a little longer that other kids. Good luck! Cindy 9|2|Sariah made a friend! Yeah!|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|13:05:33|09/15/2008|
And she said that she has a boyfriend too! ROFL. I know that just having a friend is going to be a big help to her.
Thanks Melissa for those tips - I love those and plan on doing them no matter what.
lauren 10|3|Yeah Sariah!!!!!!!!!!|cldt67|cindy123@zoominternet.net|14:18:29|09/15/2008|
Before you know if you'll be hearing "Mom....can I have a sleepover?!" :) Im glad things are going well for her. Cindy 11|4|thanks Cindy, and thanks for your suggestions too|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|14:57:16|09/15/2008|
I put a little "hello kitty" sticker on her lunch bag the first day of school, and everyday since then she has "recycled" the lunch bag so she could have that sticker....LOL. Little things can mean a lot :)
lauren