Ds is starting a new school for 1st grade. For the past 2 years (for a variety of reasons), he's also changed schools at the beginning of the year. I tried to be the mom who didn't get in the teachers' way and let the transitions happen (afterall, they are the professionals who work with many children), but those transitions went very poorly. Ds's abilities were underestimated, he goofed off, got into trouble, and I spent every day of the 1st semesters praying that I would not receive a phone call from the school or that he would not spend the majority of his day in time-out (super feeling for a kindergartener/preschooler). Both years, I met with the schools after things started to go downhill, tried to get on top of things, and by 2nd semester, he'd settled in and did fine.
For this transition, I have decided to be a little proactive and meet with the principal before school starts. I want them to have an understanding of ds so that we can facilitate the transition. But I don't want to come off as "my son is SO special" or to portray ds in a negative light that invites pre-judgments. How can I do this? What do I say - how do I start? I'm just feeling nervous about how to approach the conversation and could use some suggestions.
I have made a list of ds's positive qualities and areas of difficulty, as well as what I perceive to be his needs. Ds is a very spirited child. We are pursuing some sensory issues, and I'm sure he could get an adhd dx. if we wanted one right now. He's very smart, although he hates to show it and will fool people into thinking he can do very little if they'll believe him. He's socially immature (but he reads at a 3rd grade level, so I'm moving him to 1st grade instead of kindy). Transitions are very difficult for him. He's kind, sensitive, funny, and creative. Fine motor is harder for him. He has some social anxiety, but people often just look at it as a "behavior" because he's not shy in certain other situations.
FWIW, last year was particularly hard because I had a baby in the fall (he'd been an only for 5 years). He also has general difficulties with transitions.
Any support, suggestions, etc. would be welcome and are much needed. TIA!
For this transition, I have decided to be a little proactive and meet with the principal before school starts. I want them to have an understanding of ds so that we can facilitate the transition. But I don't want to come off as "my son is SO special" or to portray ds in a negative light that invites pre-judgments. How can I do this? What do I say - how do I start? I'm just feeling nervous about how to approach the conversation and could use some suggestions.
I have made a list of ds's positive qualities and areas of difficulty, as well as what I perceive to be his needs. Ds is a very spirited child. We are pursuing some sensory issues, and I'm sure he could get an adhd dx. if we wanted one right now. He's very smart, although he hates to show it and will fool people into thinking he can do very little if they'll believe him. He's socially immature (but he reads at a 3rd grade level, so I'm moving him to 1st grade instead of kindy). Transitions are very difficult for him. He's kind, sensitive, funny, and creative. Fine motor is harder for him. He has some social anxiety, but people often just look at it as a "behavior" because he's not shy in certain other situations.
FWIW, last year was particularly hard because I had a baby in the fall (he'd been an only for 5 years). He also has general difficulties with transitions.
Any support, suggestions, etc. would be welcome and are much needed. TIA!
