1st graders going to school full time

I have a question for anyone who has a DD or DS in First grade, Did your child have a hard time going to school fulltime or Did they adjust to it right away, My niece is crying hysterically on the bus. I had a talk with her and asked her'WHY' she didn't like it and she said her friends are 'NOT' in the same class as her But her teacher is nice...I know it's probably a phase right now she is going through but i hope she gets over this soon because my mom said its making her sick seeing her like this.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Awwww I'm so sorry she's having a hard time. I know we spoke about it the other night.
Has your sister called the teacher?
Maybe she can call and ask the teacher to try her best to keep an eye and ear out to see what's going on.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Thanks Dawn, I dont know if my sister can,But, I'm wondering if maybe if my sister can talk to the teacher and see if they can work it out that my niece and her bestfriend can have a class together.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

I remember being in 2nd grade and kids still crying for their mommy!!!!!

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Every year is an adjustment for them. They go in a little scared of the unknown & by October, they're fine.

As for calling the school, I can tell you there is NO chance they will switch a kid because she has no friends in her class. They get tons of calls from parents upset each year over having the teacher they didn't want to not having friends in their class. I agree you may want to send in a note to the teacher about the situation to make her aware, but they will not change her.

I know it's sad for your niece, but it's only the first week. I don't think it's so bad that her friend is not in her class - it's how you make new friends.

Maddie had a situation in daycare where she was joined at the hip with her best friend. Her friend would cry when Maddie was absent. Eventually, the friend moved to a different class because she was a little older. She had an extremely hard time adjusting to the new classroom. The mother said something to me about having Maddie put in the class. I told her that it was the best thing to separate them. I know Maddie missed her friend & that the friend was having a hard time adjusting, but they need to adjust to changes in friendships & not rely on that one person because in elementary school friendships can be very fleeting.

When your sister gets the classlist, I would suggest your sister set up some playdates. If your niece isn't involved in afterschool activities (soccer, dance, brownies), now is the time. She has to learn how to make friends.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Thank you Barbara that makes a lot of sense, I just feel so bad for her, I had a talk with her from Gomother/ Niece conversation and she told me how she felt, I told her 'Yes' Its going to be all new to her and maybe Her friend and her can meet on the playground and play... I also told her that Her mommy and I went through the same thing when we were younger and Yes it was hard in the beginning but she will be fine... I hope i said the right thing.

Message edited 9/14/2008 9:26:47 AM.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

I teach first grade. It's not uncommon for children to have a tough transition in the beginning. In my district, the kids go from 1/2 day K to full day 1st, which is hard. On top of that, many miss being home with mom & dad - that can often be a major source of tears. Definitely let the teacher know - it could even be that once your niece gets to school, she is fine.
One thing that sometimes helps is giving your niece a picture of mom & dad to carry with her (so they are always with her), or letting her bring a stuffed pal to stay in the backpack. The book The Kissing Hand is great for dealing with separation anxiety, too.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Aw I feel bad thinking of a little 6 year old crying... My DS went from 1/2 day K last year to full day of 1st grade this year and I thought he would be very surly at the end of the day, it seems so long - gone 6 1/2 hours - but he's been good. But I do know a couple kids having adjustment issues...a couple kids crying. Another Mom who knows my DS asked my DS to go comfort her DD the other day, she was hanging on the mother's leg going into school.

FWIW, my DS knew 2 kids in his class this year. 2!! I was so surprised bc last year, a lot of the kids went to PreK with him. She will make new friends. I wish that I could make friends like a 6 year old does. I don't think it's a bad idea for your sister to call the teacher to see how your niece is doing in the classroom but I bet she will adjust sooner than you think.

I love the idea of a playdate or some extra curricular stuff to "broaden her horizons". My DS is doing a few things - soccer, a cultural arts program my SD offers, religious instructions...he want to do Cub Scouts...he's getting to know more people than me & my DH do in my town - everywhere we go there's another kid he knows saying Hi and chatting with him.

I hope she has a better week this week.

Re: 1st graders going to school full time

Posted by Elizabeth

Aw I feel bad thinking of a little 6 year old crying... My DS went from 1/2 day K last year to full day of 1st grade this year and I thought he would be very surly at the end of the day, it seems so long - gone 6 1/2 hours - but he's been good. But I do know a couple kids having adjustment issues...a couple kids crying. Another Mom who knows my DS asked my DS to go comfort her DD the other day, she was hanging on the mother's leg going into school.

FWIW, my DS knew 2 kids in his class this year. 2!! I was so surprised bc last year, a lot of the kids went to PreK with him. She will make new friends. I wish that I could make friends like a 6 year old does. I don't think it's a bad idea for your sister to call the teacher to see how your niece is doing in the classroom but I bet she will adjust sooner than you think.

I love the idea of a playdate or some extra curricular stuff to "broaden her horizons". My DS is doing a few things - soccer, a cultural arts program my SD offers, religious instructions...he want to do Cub Scouts...he's getting to know more people than me & my DH do in my town - everywhere we go there's another kid he knows saying Hi and chatting with him.

I hope she has a better week this week.