Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

debismom Posted: Nov 30, 2007 03:07 PM

Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

Is it normal for my 11 yr. old Grandson, to say he doesn't like school? He's in the 5th gr. This is the first yr. he has not liked his teacher. Even when he had strict teachers in past yrs. he liked them! Over the yrs. he has been an A/B student, but this yr. the ratio of A's is dropping. Is 5th gr. harder, or is it that he's beginning his pre-teen yrs? I've already witnessed some changes, like in the attitude, and eye rolling!! What can I do to encourage him? TIA!!!! Mary MOB

anneandchris Posted: Nov 30, 2007 03:41 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

Hi Mary.

I am not a teacher but one of my nephews is about that age -- a little older. He seems to be going through it too. Not so much that the hates it just doesn't care as much. I think it is more of that pre-teen want to be cool and add in hormones kind of thing. Keep your eye on it and let him have some space but not too much!

babieblueeyez96 Posted: Nov 30, 2007 04:41 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

hes getting to be that age!!! i deal with 13 year olds all day and they all say the same things...they roll their eyes and are growing up and having their own opinions...i try to just make it as fun as possible for them, try to turn things into games and do fun review activities and try to relate everything i teach to something they can relate to as well...i wouldnt worry too much about it, just stick with him and make sure he still does his hw and studies!!! HTH

cbcf Posted: Nov 30, 2007 04:44 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

my brother is 10 yrs old and the same way.

he used to love love school. but now not too much. and he doesnt want to study or do anything related to school..he gets mad at my parents wehn they tell him to sit down and do his homework. def eye rolling and attitude.

but i think it is that age. just keep an eye on him and tell him you need to do your work cause he will get in trouble. that kind of works on my brohter but he isnt too bad yet.

mendi725 Posted: Nov 30, 2007 04:49 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

I'm a high school teacher so I don't deal with the little ones. sorry I couldn't be of more help!

sassygirl9 Posted: Nov 30, 2007 04:53 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

Your grandson is going through the typical preteen stage. If he hasn't given a reason why he 'hates' his teacher I would say not to worry.

Their personalities do come out more in this grade, they will talk back, roll their eyes....they're testing their boundaries. It can also be who he's friends with. If his male friends act like this it can rub off on him. It's also an awkward stage for them. They develop crushes their bodies are changing...everything is 'I don't care' 'that's boring or dumb'

HTH

ChristineAaron08 Posted: Nov 30, 2007 04:58 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

I'm not a teacher, but FMIL is. When my brother was having problems in 5th grade, she said that it is very common for kids to slack a bit b/c the work does get harder in 5th grade. Its more prep for jr high at that point.

debismom Posted: Nov 30, 2007 05:54 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

Ladies, thanks for all your responses!! Appreciate it!! I'll try to respond more in depth later. My Grandson will soon be here for his weekend visit and Debi dropped off a bazillion little gifts for me to wrap for her company Christmas party tomorrow. She's in charge of games. Thanks again!! Mary

FutureMrsCarrieri Posted: Nov 30, 2007 06:01 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

I agree with all of the above posts but you should also try to find out if a bully is picking on him.

LegoBride Posted: Nov 30, 2007 06:11 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

As teacher let me tell you to ask more questions of your grandson. First, it may have something to do with his preteen years but it may also have something to do with things happening at school. Ask him why he doesn't like his teacher or if there are new kids in his class - sometimes these factors play a role in whether or not students like school. Groups of friends start breaking up at this stage so I'd find out more if you can - hope this helps

MeaganAndJoeC Posted: Nov 30, 2007 06:18 PM

Re: Teachers, Could Use Your Input, Please

I think it is typical behavior of a child his age. I know the children in my school get lazy as they approach the preteen age. School becomes uncool to them at this stage in their life. Give him an insentive to do well. She if he willwork for a reward ( nothing huge). Good luck..