11/29/01 Question 141/ Pressure to Write

Dear Preschool Teacher,
    I'm trying to get advise about my 3 1/2 yr olds writing ability. This is his first year in a school setting. He knows the alphabet and can count to twenty. He can read words like "car, exit, and truck". The problem in he cannot write the letters. This is homework assignments sent home, so I know the other kids are at least working on this skill. It's a fairly large class (22 students, with 1 teacher and 2 aids) I'm not sure how much special attention he gets or if he needs it. I am afraid I push him too hard because he gets frustrated easily. But I don't want to be to easy on him either. I want him to try harder if he can. He recognizes the shapes of any letter but had the hardest time writing it with a crayon, pencil or marker. Sometime the letters come out legibly, but most of the time, they are just a bunch of lines. His teacher suggests coloring and working with clay or other hand activities. I don't really see how this will help to write letters.
Pressure to Write   More...

11/29/01 Question 142/ Riding The Wave

Dear Preschool Teacher,
    I need the best recipe for wave bottles. Can you help!
Riding The Wave  More...

1/27/02 Question 143/ Home and School Two Different Worlds?

Dear Preschool Teacher,
    My son is 4and 1/2 and is in his 3rd year at the same preschool. We just got his evaluation for the quarter and were startled to learn that he has been having temper tantrums, difficulty interacting with his peers.  They told me that he refuses to share and becomes so frustrated that he retreats to his cubby and sucks his thumb.  He does not do this at home and plays with friends, and is very articulate about his feelings.  I am concerned that seeing these teachers everyday, they never mentioned this to me.  I wonder if we should take him out of this classroom, out of this school, I don't want him labeled as a "baby."  They even questioned whether he should go on to kindergarten.  He is writing his name, has an excellent vocabulary.  They also mentioned that he needed work on fine motor skills and yet at home he can cut shapes from paper with no problems.
Home and School Two Different Worlds? More...

1/27/02 Question 144/ Grammar's Got Me

Dear Preschool Teacher,
     My son just turned four and has not started preschool yet.  He is having a few problems with his grammar.  My husband and I both use good grammar, so I don't believe that he has picked this up at home.  Is this at all normal for his age? and how can I help to correct this problem?  I correct him when he speaks incorrectly, but this hasn't helped as of yet.
Thanks.
Grammar's Got Me More...

1/27/02 Question 145/ Birds & the Bees at Age Three

Dear Preschool Teacher,
     My high school science student has been given the task of explaining reproduction to a group of 2-3 year olds, any ideas?  By the way, this is a group project in biology.  Help us please.
Birds & the Bees at age Three More...

1/27/02 Question 146/ Makin' Music

Dear Preschool Teacher,
     I wanted to know what instruments and things one would need in order to have a good music area for the children. If you can give me a list of what instruments and props, to make its successful I would appreciate it!
Makin' Music More...

3/22/02 Question 147/ In Trouble

Dear Preschool Teacher,
    My 3 year old son has to go to public preschool from 8-2. At least twice a week the teacher has to tell me he is not listening and/or not following directions in class. She told me today. She sits him right next to her almost all the time. It is a very structured class. She suggested I structure his home life also. I don't feel he needs to be structured every waking moment of his life. I have talked his ears off about listening and following directions, but I don't think it sinks in. Do you have any suggestions to make him listen. I am so tired of being "in trouble".
In Trouble  More...

3/22/02 Question 148/ Just Say No To Spooky!

Dear Preschool Teacher,
     A friend and I will be starting a preschool in September. One issue has come up ... Halloween. We have a problem with the "spooky" side of it but know that parents expect this holiday to be celebrated. Do you know of any sites or ideas for crafts that would satisfy the parents' desire and also not compromise our beliefs?
Thanks.
Just Say No To Spooky!  More...

3/22/02 Question 149/Young For Life

Dear Preschool Teacher,
     This is my first year teaching preschool and I absolutely love it! I am in my mid- twenties, but look like I am 18. My parents are having a trust issue with me because of my appearance. Are there any ways to settle my parent's fears that I am extremely competent in what I am doing?
Young For Life  More...

3/22/02 Question 150/ Little Scientists

Dear Preschool Teacher,
    What kind of science projects can you do with children between the ages of 2 and 3?
Little Scientists  More...