So the kids have been in school for 3 weeks and to hear them tell it they are about to be expelled

Ok, I don't really think it is as bad as they make it out to be....just tattling! They come home every day and tell me in great detail who got in trouble that day for talking, inattention, etc, etc. They take great delight in ratting out the others! Somebody is always doing something to get in trouble.

The teacher told me the first week that Grace and Gabe got into a shoving match over a book in the library. When she took them out in the hall to tell them that they can never touch another student, Grace told her she only pushed Gabe, not another student!! Then Grace proceeded to flick Gabe in the head for added emphasis

No choice about separating, only one teacher. We love the teacher and she has told us to give it a few weeks and let them adjust to the new rules and setting before worrying too much. No new talks from the teacher, just CONSTANT tattling about the daily trouble maker.

How long can I expect this? Should I step in or let them sort it out? Should I take a vacation day amd go into the classroom for a day? HELP!!

Kim

Wow, their school must be a lot smaller. There are 6 kindergarten classes where my kids go. Everyday, they get either green (good), yellow (borderline) and red (bad) colored in on their calender so you have an idea of how they behaved that day.

My kids are just the opposite. Angels out in public or in school but not at home. No helpful advice to offer. I thought it was funny that Grace said she only pushed Gabe, not another student.

Div

Kim~

Well. I'm no expert, but it's only been 3 weeks. Maybe give it some more time.

I cannot believe the Jekyl and Hides I have. They are complete angels in class. They save all of their shoving matches, tattling and brattiness for me! LOL!

I just volunteered in their classroom today and I could have cried at their sweetness.

I think a nice little talk is about the only thing you can do, KWIM? Tell them that this is school and it's their job to be kind and follow the rules. With everyone including siblings!

And a visit to the classroom is a great idea. They would love seeing you there and I bet they would be on their best behavior.

Good luck!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa & Div! I talked with them for a long time last night about my expectations. It is just such uncharted territory for me. Isabel ALWAYS did what was expected of her in school and was probably more like what you describe Lisa....an angel in school and a handful at home. I NEVER had to worry about bad reports of her at school. With these guys I cringe when they walk in the door. OK, what happened today?!?

I think I may try to go into the classroom a couple of times and see for myself what is happening. Although who knows if that will be a true representation of what they are doing, when they know I am watching. Little hooligans!! Where did my sweet babies go??

kim

Kim

It may really help the kids if you go into the classroom - so they can school as an extension of home. They need to know that the adults are all working together and that they are responsible for their behavior - not their sibs! Maybe start a bead jar for those who can come home and report some positive things that happened at school (good deed beads!)

Good luck!

Suzanne
BBB4/00

Kim~

I just have to add, too that my kids were SO excited about my being in the classroom. They weren't silly or hyper. They were totally concentrating on their activities and every so often would look up to see if I was looking at them. It was really cute.

Their behavior was so wonderful. It's like they thrived on showing me how good they could be!

And it was really fun to see what they do; all of their little projects and routines.

So, yeah. Try to visit the classroom. You won't believe how fun it will be and you'll be amazed at your kids trying to impress you.

Lisa

Kim - I was totally in your shoes a year ago! Believe me, they will settle in by Halloween. It takes a good two months for everyone to get used to the structure, the rules, their new friends, etc. And especially for each one to find his/her niche. This age is all about right/wrong and mine loved to tattle as did all their other classmates! I remember it being pretty comical at times. You'll get there. Enjoy this precious age. It gets better. First grade is heavenly!
-Camille