What can I do about this? (friends and school)

[eClaire]

I'm not really sure how to summarize this, but basically Gil is 3 1/2 and started in an integrated preschool class last April. His class size is 12, 6 being SN and 6 are NT "peers". He came in at the end of the school year last year, and then did the summer program with just the SN kids. He made 4 friends in his class, and wouldn't you know... ALL of them moved on to Kindergarten this year.

So Gil doesn't like to talk about school much, he kind of grudgingly goes. I think he likes his teachers, and the kids, but today he told me (as he was trying to get out of going to school, and said he never wanted to go back) that he missed the "older boys". Then he named all 4 of them, first and last name, without prompting. Then he says he likes Henry (his brother) best and wants to stay home.

So do you think it's about missing the kids? Do you think he's just realizing that his class is different? He has all this year to go in pre-k, then NEXT year too, still in pre-k, because he's a January baby. I'm afraid he's going to burn out from school before he even gets to K!

I'm not sure what to tell him, aside from pointing out all the "nice boys" in his class this year, which I think 9 of the 12 are going to be moving on to K next year, leaving him behind again. HELP! I feel so bad for him. I was going to email the teacher but I'm not sure what to say.

[BC-momla]

Unfortunately, that is just how the cards play out. I'm not sure there is much you can do except encourage him to continue making new friends. Maybe invite some of the others that will go to K WITH him over for a playdate. Or, if you feel that he is ready, move him to 1/2 time there and 1/2 time at a typical preschool in a class full of kids who will go to K with him.

[4sweeties]

That is sad for your little guy! But I would also try to arrange a few playdates.

[eClaire]

Well he woke up with a fever this morning and is home from school. Maybe he really was feeling sick yesterday, and it just made him miss the older boys more? I swear I can tell when he is going to get sick based on his behaviors for the few days before.

[Lori]

Originally Posted by eClaire

Well he woke up with a fever this morning and is home from school. Maybe he really was feeling sick yesterday, and it just made him miss the older boys more? I swear I can tell when he is going to get sick based on his behaviors for the few days before.

I totally can tell with my guy!!! Something about our special kids that really makes those behaviors go a bit more "off" that gives us the clues! ;-)