One of my triplets has some sensory issues and was in therapy for over a year, but we stopped it for a while b/c a) he is doing fantastic and b) our insurance doesn't pay for the therapy, so we needed to give our debt a break.

Let me also say that my child is shy and I think lacks confidence. He often doesn't even want ME to watch him dance or sing at home, and gets embarrassed very easily. But just recently he has been wanting me to watch him twirl on one foot, which THRILLS me b/c I think this is the 1st time he has ever wanted me to watch him do something!

At school he does not sing or participate in "fingerplay". However, he does great in that he does finger painting and other things that I know he hesitates to do but tries it. Which is amazing! He doesn't ever participate in music class, spanish class, or motorskills. I know this is common for sensory kids. The teachers have told me that this "needs attention", but I don't know how I can help him be comfortable at school and participate.

AT home, over the last 2 years, we have done alot to address motor skills. He was behind on gross motor for a while but has been caught up for some time now. At home I would build obstacle courses, getting them crawling, jumping, rolling, pushing, pulling - and my kids love this stuff. I know that doing gross motor at home can help him build his confidence which would help him be more confident at school. But aside from that, I don't know what else I can do? Does anyone have suggestions on what they have done to help get their kids participating more in group things at school (something you have no control over b/c you aren't there)?

Mom to Jacob, Benjamin, & Eden
BBG triplets born 9/29/04 @ 35wks gestation

What about having practice sessions at home and role playing the activities so he knows exactly what to do? Maybe it would help him to go through the motions. I think with the sensory issues it may be difficult to get him to like the activities but maybe he can follow some simple cues to get him through the activites. I would also try talking more with the teacher to explain to her why he may not enjoy these activites, his shyness and that he may need some more praise and encouragement for participation than other kids.
HTH
Tracey
GGG 2/04