Stressed about first grade

[Kate'smommy]

My ds and I are both feeling the stress of the long first grade separation. I never cried about preschool or K but he's in school for seven hours, plus bus/drive time. His sister is blossoming in preschool, where she's the only one who separates easily without tears. But he's a worrier and his stomach was in knots this morning. He did not want to go this morning, but I got him on the bus with promises of what we are going to do after school. It's such a long day for him, and only one 20 min recess. He said they've been learning "procedures" like what order to stand in line, and I couldn't help cringing, remembering something I read about our public schools creating middle management. He's waiting impatiently to either play or learn something new. They are going to have math homework several times a week, and ds is currently teaching himsef multiplication, so I'm wondering how bored he will be with the homework. There's no longer any funding for gifted programs; the school used to offer different interesting activities outside the regular classroom. I don't want to homeschool because I think ds needs some time away from me; he acts much more independent and is more willing to make connections with other kids. It's just that this is so much time. Will we both eventually get used to it?

[Mary]

Hugs mama. I would take it on a monthly or weekly basis. It might end up better than you expect. That first week is so hard. I freaked out and have a comple of posts to document that!

Your son's school sounds similar to the school we left. It was your typical big overcrowded school. Are there other options in your area? We ended up going to a great little charter school where the kids have recess 3 times a day and the kids are taught at the level they are at. I understand your feelings about homeschooling. We have many reasons to not go that route, but at the same time, I would do it in a heartbeat if I couldn't find a better solution. I hope it works out.

[Kate'smommy]

Originally Posted by Mary

Hugs mama. I would take it on a monthly or weekly basis. It might end up better than you expect. That first week is so hard. I freaked out and have a comple of posts to document that!

Your son's school sounds similar to the school we left. It was your typical big overcrowded school. Are there other options in your area? We ended up going to a great little charter school where the kids have recess 3 times a day and the kids are taught at the level they are at. I understand your feelings about homeschooling. We have many reasons to not go that route, but at the same time, I would do it in a heartbeat if I couldn't find a better solution. I hope it works out.

His school district is considered second best in the area. The best district officially teaches to each child's level, but parents say it varies a lot by teacher. I always wanted my children to go there because I went to the district he is in and felt it was big on conformity. But he has trouble with new things and would be very opposed to a new school with new kids.
Is it worth it to fight the school about recess and homework? Can I change the homework to make it more interesting for him?

[UUMom]

This might be impossible, but could you drive him to school and pick him up? For us, that shaves about an hour off the day. Plus, it gives us time to talk and he can decompress. When he was little, I also brought a snack for him to eat in the car on the way home.