Re: 3yr old apraxic son 1st week in Integrated Preschool

January 8, 2009

Jodi: I totally get what you mean about the naps, I have a three year old

little girl and if she doesnt get a nap the whole day she is crabby. Your son's

schedule is probably being altered and she doesnt like it, and if she really

needs a nap, who can blame him, if he is the 13th in the afternoon class why

couldnt he be the 13th in the morning class. Just explain the outbursts at

home, etc. Starting school is stressful enough for parent and child, why make

it worse for yourself especially, it is so hard for us Mom's. Try not to get

too down, I am going through kind of what you are regarding finding a good

fit, and some melt down behaviors and I feel for you, hang in. Jen

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January 8, 2009

It's ok Jodi. I've been down this road too. (my 3-year-old apraxic son)

also just started Integrated preschool this year. I remember back in August, he

had a tough time with the transition. He loved school, but when he came home

everyday - post lunch - he was a bear!!! We did the morning class, but he would

fall asleep on the car ride home and then not nap - and basically, it was a

schedule adjustment for all of us (including me since I work the overnight shift

and try to be up every day by 3pm).

Anyways - did adjust and he loves school. He's still a nightmare to get

ready in the mornings sometimes and he still has some attitude in the afternoons

sometimes. But I see the progress he's making from interacting with kids at

school and his teacher, and the SLP and I promise - it will be worth it in the

long run.

The morning class may work better for you though. I pushed for it with

and repeatedly pointed out his age to educators so they would understand that he

was the youngest (not even 3 when the school year began) and needed to nap in

the afternoon. It took some muscle, but they finally got the point and enrolled

him in the morning program. I hope that helps! Good luck!

Gretchen Walsh

From: jodiphillips111 <jodiphillips111@...>

Subject: [ ] 3yr old apraxic son 1st week in Integrated

Preschool

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 4:27 PM

Hi all,

Anyone have any stories they can share about how their child behaved at

home after their first week at preschool?

My son is 3 and is attending the p.m. integrated preschool at our local

elementary school. The teacher and speech therapist have wrote me that

he is transitioning well and following the routine. He's done fine in

2 individual speech sessions.

But, when he comes home, he's acting out. I know he tired. Yesterday

he got on top of his older brother (41/2) and bit his nose because his

brother was trying to play with something. He spit (put his tongue

btwn his lips) at me 3 times after his first day. He is using his own

language more and is just overall more frustrated and is a little over

the top. He was screaming this morning, not wanting to get dressed.

I am pretty sure it's because he doesn't get his afternoon nap any more.

I know it's only week 1, but I am worried I have fought for something

for him that may not truly benefit him.

Everyday, he's said " Nobody play with me. " So I think he may be lonely

since he's used to playing nonstop with his brother at home. He is one

of two 3 year olds in the p.m. class - everyone else is 4 or 5. I

think that may add a challenge to finding a playmate.

He says he doesn't want to go to school. I want it to be a fun

experience for him but at the same time don't want to not do something

that will benefit him. I think the school speech therapist is going to

be phenomenal for him. I know some parents respect feedback and

sessions with her more than their private therapists.

I was thinking of asking again for him to be placed in the morning

(which is full). Although, the pm class is full as well, in fact, I

think my son is the 13th (one over). I just really feel he would be

acting so much better if he went in the a.m. and was able to nap if

need be.

I just feel I am at another stage of this whole journey with my son.

I'm not trying to work with EI, trying to find a SLP or trying to

figure out the whole IEP process. Now he's in a school with excellent

speech therapy and I still don't feel 100% about this placement!

If you have any experience/advice you can share, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jodi

------------------------------------

January 9, 2009

Sorry I used she in the e mail a few times, error. Sorry. Jen

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January 9, 2009

Hi Jodi,

we also had that behaviour after school. My son was NEVER a napper and for him

it

clicked right away with me that it was that he was requested to sit alot. Even

now (grade 4)

i request that he has sensory breaks during the day, and after school I have him

jump on

our little indoor trampoline. I make him carry his backpack everywhere (weight

has a calming affect)

and he has a ball instead of a chair to sit on both at home and at school.

Of course he, like most kids i know, are always better everywhere else than at

home. I now take

it as a good sign that he feels comfortable enough at home to " let loose " . i

don't take it personally (anymore!)

He holds it together all day and i can't imagine how hard that must be for him.

So when he gets home and

is really grumpy, I know he needs an outlet. And as long as he's not rude or

destructive (manners always count)

then I just let him burn off his energy.

sandy

________________________________

From: jodiphillips111 <jodiphillips111@...>

Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2009 4:27:12 PM