learning concerns
Question and Answer
My six-year-old son has always been an energetic child with some of the symptoms of hyperactivity. He has a short attention span and flits from one activity to another. I took him to his pediatrician, who said he did not have attention deficit disorder. However, he's beginning to have learning problems in school because he can't stay in his seat and concentrate on his lessons. What should I do?
It sounds like your son is immature in comparison with his age-mates and could profit from being retained in the first grade next year. If his birthday is between December 1 and July 1, I would ask the school psychologist to evaluate his readiness to learn. Retaining an immature boy during his early school career (kindergarten or first grade) can give him a social and academic advantage throughout the remaining years of elementary school. However, it is very important to help him "save face" with his peers. If possible, he should change schools for at least a year to avoid embarrassing questions and ridicule from his former classmates. You have very little to lose by holding back an immature boy, since males tend to be about six months behind females in development at that time. The age of a child is the worst criterion on which to base a decision regarding when to begin a school career. That determination should be made according to specific neurological, psychosocial and pediatric variables.
Let me add one other suggestion that you might consider. Your son appears to be a good candidate for home schooling. Keep him in the safety of your care until he matures a bit, and then if you choose, place him in school one year behind where he would have been otherwise. He will not suffer academically and will be more secure for the experience.
Home schooling is especially helpful for the immature child — usually a boy — who is just not ready for the social competition and rejection often experienced within large groups. It is also beneficial to children who do not have this problem, if the parent is committed to it. That's why home schooling is the fastest growing educational movement in the United States today.1
Background Information
To Each His Own
It’s normal for some kids to learn at a slower pace.
Types of Learning Difficulties
If you suspect your child may have a learning disability, parents need to be aware of the symptoms that prevent learning at school.
Questions and Answers
Is retention in the same grade ever advisable for a child who is not a late bloomer? How about the slow learner?
Answer
My older child is a great student and earns straight A's year after year. Her younger sister, now in the sixth grade, is completely bored in school and won't even try. Why would she refuse to apply her ability like this?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
A Reason to Hope
Poor grades at school, inattentiveness and a failure to complete tasks might have a cause you haven't thought of.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
The Perfect Child
A little perfectionism goes a long way. Too much can be a real downer for kids.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
