Need advice from teachers

DS is entering first grade this year. He is extremely sensitive. last year he did great in school but got anxious easily and was sensitive to others. He chews on his shirt when he is nervous or bored. We've been doing some private OT but otherwise nothing in school. anyway- my question is- as a teacher would you like to know ahead of time (before start of school) about him being highly sensitive or just wait for school to start and check in after a few weeks? I know this is how he is and it will most likely continue so I'm hoping for a good teacher who is sensitive to him. TIA!

Re: Need advice from teachers

I know your looking for teacher advice but just thought I'd share my dd did the same thing last year in K. She gets OT in school. The teacher suggested chewable jewelry. It worked like a charm. She wore it on the arm she usually chewed the sleeve on and within in 2 weeks she had stopped completely. They come in a whole bunch of colors. Those are the ones we used.

https://www.amazon.com/MyBoo-Teething-Chewable-Geometric-Bracelet/dp/B012U3TSS4/ref=sr_1_11_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471481022&sr=8-11&keywords=chewable+bracelet+for+sensory

Also I won't be saying anything unless it comes up. I'm hoping she out grew it and she won't be wearing long sleeves for a while. I might mention he is sensitive but other than that I wouldn't want to start the year off bringing up habits from last year JMO.

Message edited 8/17/2016 8:49:45 PM.

Re: Need advice from teachers

I'm not sure what is the norm, as my DS is just starting K, but I teach 3rd in a private school.We send home letters a week before school and in it we include a "getting to know your child," where we ask parents to share anything they would want us to know about their child. We also talk to the previous year teacher and the student support team, before the year begins.

Re: Need advice from teachers

I'd definitely share it with the teacher ahead of time. I'm sure she will appreciate knowing more about your son's situation so she can help him if he gets anxious or whatever.

Need advice from teachers

Yes 100% also, ask your OT if chewing gum may help anxiety especially because he seems to have a sensory issue...my friend went through this and the teacher was very supportive Of her child chewing gum to avoid anxiety. She also allowed her to put Velcro under her desk to replace the oral fixation. She does not have a 504 though I strongly suggested she get one if it continues. Your son may not be as severe as her though. In any event, tell the teacher and perhaps the school psychologist or nurse to make them aware. It may seem like overkill but in my experience anxiety can be overlooked if the school is not aware. Good luck to your son

Message edited 8/18/2016 9:23:00 AM.

Re: Need advice from teachers

Posted by StarsStripes

Yes 100% also, ask your OT if chewing gum may help anxiety especially because he seems to have a sensory issue...my friend went through this and the teacher was very supportive Of her child chewing gum to avoid anxiety. She also allowed her to put Velcro under her desk to replace the oral fixation. She does not have a 504 though I strongly suggested she get one if it continues. Your son may not be as severe as her though. In any event, tell the teacher and perhaps the school psychologist or nurse to make them aware. It may seem like overkill but in my experience anxiety can be overlooked if the school is not aware. Good luck to your son

Re: Need advice from teachers

Posted by lvb626

Posted by StarsStripes

Yes 100% also, ask your OT if chewing gum may help anxiety especially because he seems to have a sensory issue...my friend went through this and the teacher was very supportive Of her child chewing gum to avoid anxiety. She also allowed her to put Velcro under her desk to replace the oral fixation. She does not have a 504 though I strongly suggested she get one if it continues. Your son may not be as severe as her though. In any event, tell the teacher and perhaps the school psychologist or nurse to make them aware. It may seem like overkill but in my experience anxiety can be overlooked if the school is not aware. Good luck to your son

I agree. I am a first grade teacher and would appreciate kniwing this information when school starts. It definitely sounds like it could be a sensory issue. I had a student who used to chew his shirt collar all day and had major anxiety. I put velcro on the sides of his chair and allowed him to chew gum or suck on a mint when needed. The parents supplied them and I held onto them and only gave to him at my discretion

Re: Need advice from teachers

Posted by spooks

Posted by lvb626

Posted by StarsStripes

Yes 100% also, ask your OT if chewing gum may help anxiety especially because he seems to have a sensory issue...my friend went through this and the teacher was very supportive Of her child chewing gum to avoid anxiety. She also allowed her to put Velcro under her desk to replace the oral fixation. She does not have a 504 though I strongly suggested she get one if it continues. Your son may not be as severe as her though. In any event, tell the teacher and perhaps the school psychologist or nurse to make them aware. It may seem like overkill but in my experience anxiety can be overlooked if the school is not aware. Good luck to your son

I agree. I am a first grade teacher and would appreciate kniwing this information when school starts. It definitely sounds like it could be a sensory issue. I had a student who used to chew his shirt collar all day and had major anxiety. I put velcro on the sides of his chair and allowed him to chew gum or suck on a mint when needed. The parents supplied them and I held onto them and only gave to him at my discretion

Thanks- this is really helpful. Someone else mentioned to me about 504- I may explore it more. Can you tell me about the Velcro thing?

Re: Need advice from teachers

Yes, I would want to know. It's always nice to have a heads up on possible student behaviors so that I can be better prepared to respond effectively.

As PP have mentioned, I have also heard about the Velcro strips on the desk to help alleviate stress, anxiety, or to just for sensory stimulation. This is something I want to try with a few of my students this year.