So we hit some bumps on the road with baby hulk’s first month in first grade. I think the general tip to help your child transition to a new school year is to keep things routine, & familiar as much as possible right? We ( as in myself & school) tried but my son still had some hard moments. Right now he’s doing great,but in the beginning it brought memories of his first few months in a different school for kindergarten. Let’s just say in a mainstream class it was hard for him. It was a reason why I had the school do an IEP. Then he had to transfer because their autism program was already max capacity. Either way being in this new school was a godsend. The Kindergarten teacher just operated her class with a clear picture of helping each child flourish in their own way. Now it’s a big change but he is still at the same school.
Behavior Problems In The Beginning
Academically he’s doing fine to great. Socially? That’s something his teacher is working on but it is 10x better now. Common behavior problems is not listening, copying bad behavior, crying, & stimming that disturbed other students in the class. His teacher was having problems with these things, and asked me if he was like this at home. In general, he is a good kid so no, he always listen to me. Then again, home behavior is vastly different because my son knows of consequences happening at that moment. Whereas at school a teacher has to manage more than one to two children. The consequence may happen much later or not immediately,so then there is a misunderstanding in both the teacher/student’s view. Mix in my son’s speech delay it’s kind of hard to assess the situation.
I know the school has limits in terms of discipline. In the classroom it’s a group of kids they have to accommodate. When baby hulk is at home he understands discipline. Things get taken away, I talk louder, and I do question him why he did/not do things when I ask/not ask him too. His teacher doesn’t have that freedom. Sure he loses some special play time, and has to “earn” them back by behaving better. Except she has a classroom of other autistic kids to manage. Each child in that classroom probably have different behavior problems. How they deal with each child is dealt specific to that child’s needs. In his view, he may be getting disciplined more for something that his friend has more freedom to do.
Consequences
Because my son had trouble controlling himself I told him he will lose his ipad/tv privileges for the day. He will earn it back when he has a good day in school. Of course he cried, pouted, and asked repeatedly back. It took a few weeks but he has been going home with better recaps from his teacher. I’m not expecting my child to be perfect everyday. At the same time I can’t expect him to do what he wants while his teacher is tryin to do her job. He now understands his ipad/tv is a privilege.
I don’t like the idea of earning it but it’s time he understands how his actions have consequences. How just because his other friends are having trouble controlling their behavior doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try. It was tricky at first because I didn’t want him going to school hating his teacher. I asked him if he valued having his ipad/tv at home or copying his friends. I had to tell him he doesn’t have to stop being friends but stop doing what is making his teacher upset.
Progress In The End
He got better as weeks went by. Not having his ipad/tv cut off his access to videos/games/shows he found soothing. I didn’t remove access to his toys, but let’s just admit the videos/games/shows is much more fun. He had to keep himself occupied with his toys. In the morning before school we have a talk on what is more valuable to him at the end of the day. His ipad/tv or him copying bad behavior. I had to explain to him if his teacher is telling his friends to stop doing something then that’s something he shouldn’t do either.
There are still minor melt downs but it’s all for things that’s not in his control. Most melt downs are caused by a change in routine, or if his class mates has disturbed his own playtime. He doesn’t lose his ipad/tv if his teacher tells me it was minor. Though he loses it if he was having trouble controlling himself for half the day.
His teacher was so proud of his progress that he actually got the first student of the month award! I was shocked. I know he is generally a good student, but come on after the conversations we had about his behavior an award was the last thing I expected. My husband and I were so proud of him. He was too. We took him to target and treated him to a toy.
He chose this Melissa & Doug Jumbo ABC Chunky Puzzle.
Baby hulk is hyperlexic btw. The alphabet is one of his special interest.
I also bought this Melissa & Dog Nesting Alphabet Blocks set too for little princess which he took a liking to.
Additional Educational Support
Aside, from his class. His therapy sessions have been going great. I mentioned on my First Week Of Autism Class post how I’m excited about the therapy he will receive in school. As of now, he has been on target. Is it enough to be mainstreamed next year? I have no idea, but I’m happy with his progress. There’s always this question in my mind of “Is he improving because of the speech therapist or is it because of time and exposure to kids close in age?” I think it is both in his case.
Another thing I purchased this month is this Magic Ink Copybooks for Kids.
His teacher mentioned his handwriting needs practice. He actually hates writing. He found this magic ink copybook interesting at least. I like it because the pen came with grippers.
Hopeful For The School Year
Overall, I’m happy with how things are going. His teachers have been sending home with good-great progress reports. I’m also looking forward to the activities planned. Last year, because of the pandemic many family activities didn’t happen. This year they are starting to bring them back more.
Since we currently have a new health insurance I will see if there are any speech therapist/occupational therapist covered. I wish my son was attending some form of therapy outside of school for a couple of hours a week. There isn’t that many services available and the ones that are available I don’t think would help my son.
