Squirrelly Little Boys Adjusting to Kindergarten

Ditto Malia B. If the noisemaking is becoming bothersome to the class, a proactive call to the teacher (or schedule something face to face when she's available; you may need to take time off work, but this is worth it) will help a lot. She may be wondering how to approach you or what she might be able to do to help him. I would also ask about Debi's suggestion, if there's anything it would be acceptable for him to use in the classroom to quietly diffuse that energy. (And I have a son that can't get through a meal without humming while he eats, so I get it!)

I think at this point you need to be proactive and contact the teacher..... let her know that you are aware of his noises, and want some suggestions on how to help HIM control it...

Be sure to let her know that he is upset about possibly getting in trouble, bit is getting to the point that he doesn't want to go to school for fear that he CAN'T keep quiet.

If you aren't able to set up a meeting, send her an e-mail.. I'm sure she would appreciate that you ARE aware of it, and that it is a potential problem.

Have you worked with him at home, having him practice sitting quiet and still for a few minutes at a time, and stretching the time out?

Unfortunately, our school system frequently doesn't have the patience for the noisy, active children.......

It sounds like the noises are not really something he's doing intentionally, almost more like a nervous tic (not that it's really a tic, just in the sense that he can't control it). He probably needs something else to focus on to get out some of his nervous energy. Perhaps you could teach him to fold his hands together in his lap and twirl his thumbs around one another. It will give him something to get out some of the energy without being distracting. Or ask the teacher if he can have some kind of stress ball to squeeze when he's feeling anxious.

I do think you need to find time to go in and speak to the teacher in person. You need to meet her, talk to her, and get some advice on how to help your son.

Also, talk to your son about how well he's doing in school so far. Take out some of the work he's done and praise it. Make him feel like kinder has been a huge success so far. Maybe if he thinks he is doing well, and can see how well he's doing in some areas, he will actually start to do better in others.

You can suggest that he put his noises in an imaginary box. Go thru the steps of "making" the box with him in a visual way. They put the noise in and shut the lid.

Also tell him he's in charge of himself and he can tell himself to stop and make himself stop.

I suggest that it's still early in the adjustment process. He'll get better with time, as he gets used to the new classroom and teacher.

My son constantly makes noises with his mouth (in fact, I can hear him doing it in bed right now) and he's recently added humming/making loud train sounds, esp when he is overstimulated/in a crowd/even just playing. He starts Pre-K next week and I'm hoping it's not a big issue.

But if it is, I plan to send him with some of his fidgets so at least he's quiet. I don't think he really can control it; I think at some level he doesn't even realize he's doing it. I'm so used to it I've even managed to block it out mostly and find myself surprised when I see someone staring at him and realize how loud he is or what he is doing.

One fidget the works the best is a chew necklace. His is a star on a necklace (from sensory university, i think) that is quiet to chew and relatively unobtrusive. He used it the first week of summer camp and after that didn't need it there anymore. He also has a few hand fidgets. A special ed teacher recently suggested we get a "wobbly seat" for school (it's like a cushion that needs a bit of body movement to keep still and is supposed to redirect the attention/sensation and allow him to focus). If your son's new behaviors become a classroom issue, it could help.

Hopefully your kiddo will be able to relax soon on his own. It's only been a week+! If not, there's nothing wrong with finding a few school-approved things that satisfy his need for motion/soothing. I think a lot of kids have them now.

You will know more if his teacher contacts you about it or brings it up at back to school night. In the meantime, extra hugs never hurt! :)

I would suggest to him that he save the "noises" for recess/outdoor play time, and let it all out then.

Don't stress, the first month is an adjustment period, especially for Kindergarteners. I'd think the teacher would expect some of it & be understanding.

When she does call you, ask her to make sure that at recess that there is a place where he can run in big circles. He needs to expend a lot of energy during these breaks. That can make such a difference for these kids.

Please don't worry too much about it. As long as he is learning, that is what is important. He cares - that much is obvious. He will get through this.

Dawn

how is his diet and how much electronic time does the get?

I know that seems simplistic but I really really do think that some kids are extra sensitive to sugar and dyes and the hynotic screen time. Those are changes you can make a home.

Also, make sure he isn't picking up any stress from you at drop off, It doesn't sound like you are lingering or anything , but a quick cheery I love you, I know you are going to have a great day see you at 3 pm And Leave is the best way to quickly get him to separate.

Maybe when you talk to the teacher, you could tell her that you would be willing ot have him paired with another little guy or gal that has a calmer personality and would be able to be a settling influence on him, you know how some combos just winde each other up? if she can steer him to a clamer kid and then you can have playdates outside of school that might help.

Teach him deep breathing, Yoga is great for increasing kids concentration and ability to be still, I've used the kids yoga dvd's from our library with my 2 and they like it.

Try not to worry, the teacher really does want your kid to succeed and if you are wiling to be open and communicate with her it will go a long way.

Sounds like he's just nervous and doesn't know what to do with that energy. Definitely speak to his teacher before she contacts you. Tell her you are aware of the problem and would like her input as to how it would be best to handle. MommyC had some great ideas with the stress ball and the twirling of the thumbs. Do keep an eye out and in constant contact with his teacher, as it may be more than anxiety. If this is over by October, it was an adjustment issue, if it continues, it may be more, and you may have to consult your pediatrician. Good luck.

Hello, not sure what everyone esle said, but here's mine: I would contact her and say hello and that your son has mentioned his habait and trying to stop. Let her know you're working on that at home and to let you know how things are going. Also, continue talking with her son and explain things to him and maybe he could do something else quietly. And maybe at the end
of the week take him out for a small treat (ice cream) and tell him thanks for
trying really hard in kindergarten. This way you're not only focusing on the bad, but end with a reward. And maybe you need to talk with a dr for testing. It can't hurt, but give him help and you piece of mind. Good luck....