Need Help with Daughter in Kindergarten

It could be nothing it could be something. Getting a second oppinion is probably not a bad idea. She just might not be able to learn off this teacher. There could be other things going on at school. I remember a teacher from the public school which we hated because we had so many report of her yelling at kids etc. Not the best teacher. Anyway she said my daughter had a speech issue and we didnt believe her because my daughters front teeth were missing. Teacher was a bad teacher. Kids who were in the room next to her would say she yelled all day at her kids. I was glad to get her out of there. But guess what even with all that she ended up right. Kid did have a slight speech issue and we missed out on the free credits etc we could have gotten in the public school. So I say get a second oppinion from another school teacher who does not go to that school.

Academically? Socially?

Kindergarten is the great leveling grade. Some kids come in knowing a LOT, others, very little (academically and socially). They tend to level out throughout the year.

Socially: review the classroom rules, life-rules (sharing, be a friend), expressing of self.

Academically -- ask the teacher for extra work in the areas of struggle. There are LOTS of websites with tons of practice sheets, etc. I'm sure the teacher can recommend some things.

Hopefully, the teacher gave you some ideas and options when she expressed her concern! If she didn't, schedule a conference.

No one could answer your question well without more information. But it is great that you are concerned which means you will investigate this out for your child's benefit.

If you haven't already, have a sit down conference with the teacher to ask for every detail you can get. Also find out how many years she has been teaching, ask for examples of her work side by side with several other pieces of work from various students.

Consider whether she had preschool or help to prepare her for school in some way.

Then ask her what she believes might be appropriate next steps for a parent. Does the school have good testing? If not, does she know of a professional who is proven to be good at that.

Know she may not be the expert at this but her input is valuable. Does she think it might e helpful for you to observe class for some partial days.

BTW, a family doctor or pediatrician may not be the right source. I've heard too many of them say ignore signs.

Good luck. Your help now will save her from feeling like a failure in school and might remedy the situation. It could help her avoid turning to drugs when she gets older to "medicate" herself from feeling poorly about herself and just hanging out with other kids who feel poorly about themselves.

Have you had an in depth conference with her teacher? Has her teacher documented anything she thinks could point to a learning disability? You can and perhaps should have her tested by the school to see if she has any learning disabilities. She may just be a "young 6." There used to be a bridge grade when I was in school called "Young Six" and it was for kids who just hadn't matured or caught onto things as fast as their peers, but they didn't have a disability. It was between kindergarten and first grade, and I wish they still had them! See where her teacher thinks she is for her age and if she thinks testing is a good idea.

This teacher may not have taught in your daughter's learning style. Sometimes the teacher is just not able to communicate the ideas to a couple of her students well.

"IF" there is a bigger issue then catching it now and starting supportive services may be the best thing that ever happened. She may have any number of issues but she can adapt to what ever she needs that will help her learn.

I would talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. They may be able to figure out what's going on. I would consider things like too little sleep, poor morning nutrition, possibly a little hyperactivity...
I know it's hard, my oldest is a straight A student and does wonderful at school and my middle son can't focus, gets detention for being rowdy, and brings home B's and C's. They are allowed to be different but I would rule out any underlying medical causes and if that's not it then maybe you could help her by meditating and helping her to achieve a better focus. It's what I had to do with my son and I know it sounds silly but it's the only way I can calm him down enough to focus and he uses to strategies at school if I keep them up at home. Some parents start their kids on ADD meds right away but I would try other techniques first and then move to that if only absolutely necessary.
C. :)

Any possibility of a learning disability? It might be worth contacting the district office and requesting an evaluation. If you request the evaluation, they're required to do it by law. If they find something, your daughter can get special accommodations at school.

While you're waiting for this evaluation, you might also talk to your daughter's pediatrician for input, too.

The teacher should give you specific ideas to help her at home. Have another conference and tell her you're hoping for lots of advice, make sure she knows you are willing to listen and try her suggestions. Some times we dont want to waste our time giving lots of extra work and coming up with specific suggestions for that child until we know that the parents will take the time to work with their child at home. You'd be surprised how many parents just say "oh it's a bad teacher" and "we're too busy to do anything at home" IF we know you will do all you can, a good teacher will spend time putting together a packet of extra work, specific suggestions, a list of websites, etc. Ask if she needs help with fine motor skills, calendar skills, memory, phonics, comprehension, math, then come back on here and get even more suggestions from us!