1St Graders Drastic Change in Behavior

Call the school and leave a message you must receive a call back the same day. If you don't get anywhere with the teacher, call the principal and ask for a conference with the prinicipal and the teacher.

I think its time to go to the school and meet with the teacher. Do you have a phone number for her? If you do call first. If you have to leave a message say that you need to meet with her asap and if she doesn't get back to you within a day go with your son to drop off early. If the teacher continues to be uncooperative then go to the principal. Do you have the flexibility to volunteer to help in the classroom once or twice? A couple visits may shed light on the situation at school. Also consider the root of the problem may be outside the classroom in the lunchroom or on the playground at recess. Unscheduled, lightly supervised time can be difficult for children this age. Other sources of info may be other parents whose kids your son plays with. (Also, maybe other moms have been helping in the classroom and can tell you something and can keep an eye out for you. Do you have assigned room parents? Maybe one of them can give you the volunteer schedule and you can contact one of them.) I definitely suspect something has happened to cause your son to act out. Good luck getting to the bottom of this.

Is it possible that someone may be picking on him?

As a 2nd grade teacher, I am very surprised that the teacher has not gotten back to you. I just spent the first 20 minutes of my prep period on the phone with a parent. I would reach out to her one more time, and then call the principal. Make sure you are documenting all the times you have made contact.

I agree with a PP. Be polite, but firm. You may also want to request the social worker to be present at the meeting. Good luck!
S.

Hi T....Maggie is right on! If your son is in a public school, you have every right as a parent to "observe" in his classroom. Also, if the teacher is that concerned, she should be getting back to you ASAP...and if she is not, then you need to call the principal, explain what is going on and set up a meeting w/ both to find out how to resolve this.

We had a situation when my daughter was in 1st grade and I also had to get the principal involved (and said I would bring in the board and teachers union if need be...situation was w/ teacher though) so....be your childs advocate here! Stay professional and polite, but firm! (also, I have learned to try and keep it neutral and not place blame...get better results!) Don't let it go too long. If there is something causing this, you need to get to the bottom of it for your child...best of luck!!!

I am inexperienced since my kids are younger but just wondering if someone is bullying him? Maybe the teacher is missing the instigator but seeing your son react/fight back. Also worth mentioning, I recently found out from a friend that certain medications can cause moodswings/behaviorial changes while kids are taking them. Pulimicort for asthma specifically. Just a couple of stabs in the dark but something to consider.

I wish you all the best in getting the situation straightened out.

T.,

Instead of sending notes to the teacher give her a phone call. That way you know she is getting the request to have a meeting with her. If she still does not get back to you then I would set up a meeting with her and the principal in regards to your son. There could be something going on with another kid in the class or maybe a subject has become difficult for him and so he acts out. If you feel it is not like your child to be misbehaving then I would for sure try to get to the bottom of what is going on.

Hi T.

I agree with your previous suggestions although, as a teacher, I want you to go a little further. Please do try calling the teacher one more time and try to speak with her and the principal. However, I really think you need to show up at school and see how things are going. Based on your description of your son's behavior, I really think he is struggling with his classmates. There is even a chance the teacher isn't fully aware of what is happening. Try to show up during class and see both class and recess/play time. I wouldn't even tell the teacher or your son, if you think he can handle that. It needs to be really spontaneous so you see how the kids are really interacting. Good luck!! I hope you can figure out what is going on.

Hi T., I think Maggie's advise is right on the mark. I am a stay at home mom, but also a liscensed teacher for my state. There is definitely an issue that needs to be identified and resolved, and Maggie's suggestions are very helpful. It is so important to solve these issues asap, so that your child can have a positive, successful experience in school. Communication is definitely the key, so begin by making contact with the teacher.