Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Sorry-long

My daughter is all of a sudden having behavior problems in kindergarten. Since last Monday she has gotten either a "yellow" (warning) or "red" (2 mistakes). They have been for not listening to directions or talking when she is not supposed to, mainly. Once she licked the table and got a yellow.

She was in full time pre-k, where she did very well. She excelled academically; the teacher said she was literally at the top of her class.The two incidents of misbehavior in pre-k were both related to a hearing problem that has been corrected.

Every day since this has happened, she has been very sad coming out of kindergarten. According to her, she still plays with her friends all the time and all of the work they send home is very good, so I don't think she is struggling academically or socially. She did say that she feels the teacher doesn't like her. And that she feels stuck because the teacher won't like her no matter what. I just sent an e-mail to the teacher letting her know what my daughter said. I was very careful with my wording and made it clear that I was not blaming her, just giving her information she might not be aware of. I don't blame the teacher, but I know that teachers, like all of us, can get a perception in our head that can be hard to shake (I'm a college professor, so I know firsthand).

We are not punishing her at home. We did the first time she came home with a red but have reconsidered. I talk to her every day. I don't ask her specifically about behavior, but she has been telling me anyway, usually as soon as she leaves the building. I've read that I should try to play pretend school to see what she does and also ask things in a positive manner (ie, what would make school perfect). I will try those things next.

Has anybody gone through something like this? Any suggestions about how to handle this? I just can't stand seeing that sad little face every day when I pick her up.

Thanks for any help.

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

DS just started K.

He's had a few angry days.

I am pretty convinced it's because it's a longer day, new kids, MORE kids and different rules/expectations.


It's also a huge transition time.

Every day I am hearing about a kid who got their table moved.

DS also told me he didn't receive an award on Friday for award day because he needed a few reminders to listen.

Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Rules are alot stricter in K and the kids are still transitioning and learning all the new classroom rules. I'm sure she is not the only one being put on yellow or red but it may be new to her as she did so well in pre-k. I would just reminder her of the classroom rules and that she needs to try her best and that the teacher likes all the student's equally.

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Thanks for the responses! The teacher e-mailed me back. She said that DD is very bright and tends to finish work earlier than the other kids, which is when she talks and distracts others. So she is going to try to keep her challenged/busy and she thinks that, along with adjusting over time, will solve the problem. Thanks again!

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

If the situation persists, I would have a meeting with the teacher. The "Red, Yellow, Green" Behavioral management system is one of the WORST because you can never get back to Green until the next school day. It really is not effective and ends up compounding the problem because it's frustrating to the student. Catching them "Being Good" works much better because it teaches them what behavior is expected.

Message edited 9/23/2014 6:58:50 PM.

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Re: Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

Is it possible she just needs more rest? So many parents have told me that they resolved some things like this with extra sleep.

Daughter suddenly acting out in kindergarten

I really feel bad for the kids today. The work they are expected to do in kindergarten is probably what we were doing in 1st or 2nd grade years ago. these kids need more play-learning time, more recess and less seat work....not just in Kindergarten but throughout the elementary grades. I'm sorry but it is too much to expect these kids to sit for long periods at a time and not act out.