My now 1st grader used to love school (back when it was mostly games, nap time, and recess). Now that she is in 1st grade she is not interested in school anymore. She is behind a lot of kids in her class as far as reading & math go. I try to work with her, and get her to practice and it's like pulling teeth! She whines and moans about how she doesn't want to. It's very frustrating to me, because I am starting to wonder if she has a learning disability, or if she is just being lazy. Her older sister tries to be a good example- and she loves school and learning. I am worried that my younger one is going to fall behind in school. What can I do?
Update:I feel guilty sometimes because I lose my patience with her. She complains all the time when I have her sit down and read...she wants to take the easy way out and asks "what does this say?" and I tell her to sound it out, and she gets annoyed and puts the book down and starts whining that she "just can't do it."
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As a teacher and a mother I feel your pain. Here's what I suggest-take her to the library and let her pick any kind of book that she wants to read -you can pick a few that should be at her reading level-go home and read with her-every single night-even if it's just for a few minutes before going to bed. Read to her, read with her, and let her read to you. With my son I'd let him pick a book from the bookself and then he'd read a page and I'd read a page. He loves books now that he knows that whenever we get to go to the library he gets to pick his own books :)
Sometimes snuggling up in bed to read a book she likes is a much better form of practice than sitting at the dinner table reading about stuff she isn't interested in.
Start right away-instilling a love of reading is something every parent should do at a very young age :) Hope this helps
My oldest went through a tough year of homework in first grade. If she can do it correctly when you make her, it's probably her wanting you to do it for her. My son said some of the same things and was just being difficult. Be tough and firm. Let her know she's not getting out of it, that school's important. Eventually it should get easier for you. Believe me, I thought that day would never come, but it has. We do go through a small phase at the beginning of each year though. If you still feel that she may have a learning disability, have her checked for that. Demand it. It's better to find out now then five years from now. My ex was dyslexic, not diagnosed until later in life and can only read at a fifth grade level. The earlier these things get caught, the better chance they have to thrive. Good luck, make her work hard, and it will get easier.
Don't worry I was the exact same in first grade and it was only 6 years ago so i remember clearly. Now I'm one of the smartest kids in my class and Ive been best at reading since 3rd grade (not bragging just trying to help!) But seriously in first grade the other kids were at level 20 or 26 and i was at level 6! But all of a sudden it just kind of clicked and i loved reading.Just keep trying with her but don't put her under too much pressure she is only in first grade!!II It is a big shock going into first grade and its alot of work aswell Its only early in the school year be patient.
Hope this helped :)
You can't blame her. She's very much aware it only gets harder and that she's tricked by that school looks like fun and games.
Learning disability, I think not. I can tell you right off, acting up does not mean a sickness or disability.