Re:Second Grade

[Guest guest]

Whenever had trouble at school, we would play " school " at home. I was

usually the teacher, , my husband, his sister, and the dog were the

kids. My husband had the role of being the bad kid who did not follow the

rules. The others were model students who got lots of praise for behaving

the right way. We had my husband mimic the behaviors that was messing

up at school. loved seeing someone else get in trouble with the

teacher. This was how learned to sit quietly and pay attention in

group time during Kindergarten.

However, it is interesting to note that when finally learned how to

behave in group time it did not generalize to another setting. When his

Kindergarten class went to the library to hear the librarian read a story,

he behaved horribly. So we played " library " at home. We even checked out

books. With a little practice, he knew what was expected in the library. He

grew to love the librarian so much that she was the first person he

spontaneously said " Hi " to in the hallway. In the beginning you really do

have to treat them like a stroke victim that has to be taught everything. I

often thought was being defiant, but he really didn't know the rules,

what to do, or what was expected of him.

Another thing that helped us was the book by Darlene Mannix Social Skills

Activities for Special Children (This activity book will help children

recognize and practice appropriate social skills both inside and outside of

the classroom.) Every night I would pick out a behavior he needed to learn.

We snuggled in the chair and followed the book's ideas. loved this

special time with mom. Hope this helps.

Marcia

[Guest guest]

Marcia & Caroline,

Thanks so much - it always helps to hear what your kids are doing / have done /

have achieved. I tend to not be too creative (just not how my mind works), then

I hear what others have done (like playing school), and I think " duh, " that was

obvious - so, THANKS!!

Alaine