Learning Issues in Junior Kindergarten?

[vibrantflame]

My oldest son will be 5 in March, he just started junior kindergarten in September. The middle of November they received their first progress reports, and my son's teacher mentioned that he was behind in terms of knowing what the other children know. For example, he was having trouble learning his letters, she said he couldn't count (I said oh he definitely CAN count, I know for a fact, but he won't do it if you ask him to...), and that he was having trouble focusing. He's been assigned an EA to sit with him so he can be one-on-one with someone.

Anyways, I thought he had improved since then. I have seen massive improvements in certain skills, like his colouring and his computer skills. He's learning his French (caught him a few times counting to himself in French). We've worked at home with him to help him learn his letters. But his teacher asked me tonight if me and my husband could come in to talk about what they want to do to help him. Now I'm freaking out and really worried that he could have a learning disability. Should I be concerned? He was never around children much before he went to JK and I wonder if that has something to do with it (like he has trouble focusing on what he's being asked to do because he's watching all the other kids).

[poppleton]

Try not to worry! The teacher probably has some awesome strategies that could really help him out. And even if he has some challenges to overcome, it's fantastic that the school and teacher are so supportive, as help at this age could make a huge difference!

[slayer_glade]

Does he feel nervous or anxious when he's in class or around other kids? It could be why he's able to perform well at home and shuts down a bit while at school.

Have you tried setting up some play dates so he can get more comfortable?

Even if it's a learning disability, it'll be caught early and there's a greater chance. Go in with an open mind and see what they have to say. It's only pre-k so it might also be just something that he needs to grow out of.

Especially if he's able to do things at home and not school.

[safielstar]

it could just be a case of him still getting used to things in JK; or he could be a late-bloomer, when they're this young it's still possible (it's less likely if they're say 9).

I tell parents to trust their instincts, in most cases they know deep down if something's not quite right with their kid, especially if they're involved parents. A lot of kids with minor focus issues do really well with one-on-one attention with an EA, so that might be all he needs to catch up to speed, but the teacher might be able to give you better recommendations.

If you know your DS can do certain skills (case of he'll do it at home but won't at school), let the teacher know, she's going on the assumption that if he won't do it at school that he can't do it at all, I've seen kids like that where they are perfectly capable but just won't do it at school due to shyness or other social issues.

[lekate]

He could be shy. When I was 6 my teacher thought I couldn't read, my mom said no she can read, reads everything and anything at home. I was just shy. I did do one on one reading lessons with a teacher for a bit and got over it.

[Natalka]

My oldest son will be 5 in March, he just started junior kindergarten in September. The middle of November they received their first progress reports, and my son's teacher mentioned that he was behind in terms of knowing what the other children know. For example, he was having trouble learning his letters, she said he couldn't count (I said oh he definitely CAN count, I know for a fact, but he won't do it if you ask him to...), and that he was having trouble focusing. He's been assigned an EA to sit with him so he can be one-on-one with someone.

Anyways, I thought he had improved since then. I have seen massive improvements in certain skills, like his colouring and his computer skills. He's learning his French (caught him a few times counting to himself in French). We've worked at home with him to help him learn his letters. But his teacher asked me tonight if me and my husband could come in to talk about what they want to do to help him. Now I'm freaking out and really worried that he could have a learning disability. Should I be concerned? He was never around children much before he went to JK and I wonder if that has something to do with it (like he has trouble focusing on what he's being asked to do because he's watching all the other kids).

First off, it has nothing to do with whether he's been around other children at all - and always remember that as his parents, you know him best! You know what he does know (and he probably knows more than he lets on!).
Don't jump to an assumption about being a LD, those have very strict criteria that need to be met. However, should it be, it's something all teachers and schools are well-prepared to deal with - and when they catch students early, there is often great success.
For now, don't be overly concerned. Sounds like she's a great teacher that she noticed after a few months that something was up, and was right on it. She'll probably have some strategies to explain to you at the meeting, and hopefully will also give suggestions as to what you can be doing at home.
Really work with him on his letters - both saying them, and their sounds. Not just sitting down 'lessons', but in everyday things - from breakfast to reading at bedtime. This includes play as well, and things like shopping and any activities you do at all - it's fun!

Now just a question - is he in French immersion, or a bilingual program? Is there a reason he must be in one (e.g. are you French speakers at home?)?

Anything else I can help you with, just PM me - I used to teach primary.

[Jasminenicole]

Let me start off by saying there is nothing wrong with having a learning disability and often they don't really impact a person in a negative way it simply means they have to get a little creative with their learning
When I was in kindergarten I wrote all of my letters backwards and showed early signs of dyslexia, however my school did not take the kind of steps in which your sons teacher is taking and I only found out in my 2nd year of University that I actually had a learning disability. I have a form that effects my working memory, in other words I have trouble remembering how to spell or remembering new math formulas and other things like that. BUT I got creative and found ways of learning that work for me (throughout the years) and am now in my last year of my BBA and will graduate with honors a year early.

This being said, your son is 5. This is his first year of school and as you said he has not been socialized much with other children. Children learn in all different types of ways, and you as a parent know your child best. You now what he is capable of and what he likes, and it will be a good thing to sit down with his teacher and tell her that he does all this stuff (counting ext) at home, by sharing that kind of information you will be able to find something that works best for your son. I would not be concerned, this is his first year of school it's a big adjustment and it's a big learning curve.

[vibrantflame]

Let me start off by saying there is nothing wrong with having a learning disability and often they don't really impact a person in a negative way it simply means they have to get a little creative with their learning

Oh I hope I didn't sound like I was saying there is something wrong with having a learning disability I didn't mean it like that! For sure I realize it's usually not a big issue. I guess it's just that as a parent I worry.

[vibrantflame]

Thank you all for the kind comments and suggestions. I'm a worrier by nature, so anything that pops up tends to set me off worrying He does have a wonderful teacher, and I have no doubt that she'll be able to get him any help he does need. And for sure we are going to do activities and lessons etc. at home to help him also. He's always had what I felt to be a hard time to focus, and he's always been the type of kid to hide what he actually knows (I always say he's much smarter then he pretends to be! lol). Anyways, thank you all for listening and understanding, it means a lot

[Shwa Girl]

it could just be a case of him still getting used to things in JK;

Was thinking the same thing.

Great that OP's son is able to count in French by himself, at home. So that shows that he is learning -- in English and in French.

[Insane]

They don't diagnose learning disabilities at 5 for a number of reasons. The big one being that the psych ed assessments are not done that young. I really wouldn't worry (although I personally have obessed that my 5 year old has a learning disability!) They also won't diagnosis ADHD that young either.

I'm wondering if it has more to do with the EA. EAs are expensive for schools. But a child with a diagnosis comes with funding. I wonder if the school is not just thinking of next year and how they can secure funding to make sure he's gets any services he needs. If having the EA is working for him, they may simply be trying to find ways to keep the EA for next year for him.

At the end of the day, no sense in getting all worried until you meet with the teacher. Speculation will drive you bonkers. If you are that worried, you can ask the teacher for a meeting now rather than waiting for report cards.

Also at the meeting ask the teacher whether a Speech Language Pathologist's consultation or Occupational Therapist's consulation might be beneficial. I think SLPs and OTs are the biggest resource a child with delays can access (if he truly has delays, I'm not saying he does!)

[Brynhilde]

I've read a lot in here that is simply not true. It is very difficult to get extra EA and Special Needs workers in schools (Ontario) and many schools have a limited amount. I haven't read anything here so far that suggests the school is pushing for a diagnosis but rather a teacher expressing that he/she is concerned that a child is having challenges. If that EA is there, he/she is most likely involved with other children and will not leave just because your son is not working with her anymore. I believe your child is very fortunate to be working with one without a diagnosis of any kind... My son has mild Autism and we have been fighting since he started school this year to get an EA/Special Needs worker in the classroom.

With that being said, I think its possible your child may just be getting used to JK. You said that he wasn't around many children before JK and that may be why he is not focusing. He may be watching other children, picking up language and motor skills based on what he sees. My son was not around children until he was 2-3 years old and I definitely see a difference between him and other children who have rarely been exposed to other children. If I were you, I would get your child referred to a Developmental Pediatrician (or even a reg Ped) so they can assess your child. There is nothing wrong with a child having a learning disability.. it doesn't mean their life is over. If your child has a learning disability, it is better for it to be noted earlier on than later when it may be more difficult to intervene. Just because you see the Ped, doesn't mean the outcome is going to be bad. The Pediatrician could say that everything is alright!! It's hard not to be worried but sitting down with your child's teacher is the best way to find out what progress and challenges your son is having. As a concerned parent, you will want to know what is being done and how the school will help your son meet basic goals. If you can take what the teachers are saying to the Pediatrician, that will help a lot too.

My son has worked with Speech Pathologists and Behavioural Consultants and it was a great help.. Even if your child doesn't have a learning disability, they can teach you and your child what you can do at home to help him at school. But you may want to access their services through the Community first by getting a referral from a doctor or pediatrician (or if you live in Toronto, contact TPAS). Trying to get them through the school board can be a long and difficult process and in my experience, having outside documentation and having worked with the Community Agencies/Physicians really helped in pushing the school to go straight to having their Speech Pathologists working with my son right away.

Good luck and keep us updated! And feel free to PM me if you have any questions about Special Needs Education in Ontario..

[marstec]

I agree that EA designations are not given out casually...there needs to be a formal assessment, and even that doesn't guarantee anything.

I will add that it is good that the teacher informed you about a "potential" concern. It is getting more and more difficult to teach these days because a lot of children seem to have trouble focusing; one or two children in a classroom is enough, can you imagine having many more? From the child's point of view, if he is frustrated because of learning issues, it will just compound over time. It would benefit your son to learn some coping/focusing strategies sooner rather than later.

It's good that you are inquiring about options, some parents bury their heads in the sand when it comes to their children.

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

They don't diagnose learning disabilities at 5 for a number of reasons. The big one being that the psych ed assessments are done that young. I really wouldn't worry (although I personally have obessed that my 5 year old has a learning disability!) They also won't diagnosis ADHD that young either.

I'm wondering if it has more to do with the EA. EAs are expensive for schools. But a child with a diagnosis comes with funding. I wonder if the school is not just thinking of next year and how they can secure funding to make sure he's gets any services he needs. If havine the EA is working for him, they may simply be trying to find ways to keep the EA for next year for him.

At the end of the day, no sense in getting all worried until you meet with the teacher. Speculation will drive you bonkers. If you are that worried, you can ask the teacher for a meeting now rather than waiting for report cards.

Also at the meeting ask the teacher whether a Speech Language Pathologist's consultation or Occupational Therapist's consulation might be beneficial. I think SLPs and OTs are the biggest resource a child with delays can access (if he truly has delays, I'm not saying he does!)

Insane is absolutely right, they won't diagnose any sort of learning disorder at that age. As for getting an OT- well, good luck! Two years in a row my son's teachers have recommended an OT and both times (after waiting for months and months) a phone interview determined that he "did not need help"- he does, desperately, but they don't seem to eager to give it out

That being said, it sounds like your son is just taking some time getting used to things

[Koolaid]

First off...don't worry! From experience it's better to know than to not.

My son is 7 and has a dianosis of Autism secondary to Fragile X syndrome and ADHD. He was disnosis at 3 and has been a challenge but rewarding. School I found the same thing at the kindergarden stage. The fact he has an EA is amazing....they are so hard to get! There is a program which is free to download that helped my son...it's free...it's called Zac Browser (google it). It had great links to help with letters and sounds. Plus it's designed for autistic kids (but great for normal children too) so they can't get out of the program and has great tools and character links that are safe and help learning. My doctor also had us give him extra Folic Acid which is also suppose to help calm a tad. It worked for a bit but now we are on prescription retalin to help him focus and stay still.

Let me know if you have any other questions....I've been through it all (and still going).