DS not bringing anything home...

[onceortwice]

DS is in Reception. He hasn't brought a single thing home since starting in September.

We walked home with a friend today and her little boy is patently bring home letters and numbers.

DS is autistic so getting anything out of him is like getting blood out of a stone. I am seriously thinking of HE'ing... He's been happier at school this week, but it appears that the school are just letting him skip anything he finds a bit tough.

Not sure what to do?

[ChocobananaBalls]

It's difficult I think at this stage (just a few weeks into reception).
We have a similar situation with our DC who has nothing in his bag each day whereas the other kids all have letters and words and phonics stuff to do. In DC's case I think it is because he is way ahead in all that stuff (can read write way beyond his years- and is probably on the HFA end of the spectrum tbh).

So far I have not said anything as I figured the teachers need time to get to know all the kids and decide how to approach things. We have a parents evening next week though and I will be bringing it up then. It's not right that those children who are either behind, or ahead (ie not fitting in with the class average) are left out.

I think half term is a good time for you to speak with his teachers. they should have a handle on how he is and his individual needs by then. I wouldn't want it to carry on after half term for him.

[onceortwice]

Thankyou Choco - DS IS HFA and can read well beyond his years... but I'm a little annoyed that he is being allowed to skip stuff or being left out of stuff...

[kilmuir]

What does the teacher say

[onceortwice]

Nothing.

I have to say, I think that's one thing I'm struggling with. My DD (3) is at a rather selective prep school. They are already doing phonics and maths. She has a link book which goes back and forth and she has designated 'homework' which is just fun stuff really, but it's very clearly set out.

By comparison, I get no feedback on what DS does during his day. It would be impossible for the teacher to deal with 30 link books every day, I do appreciate that. That is not to say they haven't been helpful regarding DS's behaviour (by this I mean simply keeping at the school, and there have been several times I have had to collect him) but there is nothing about actual schoolwork. When I have asked, I'm simply told it's play based learning.

I don't feel I can keep asking the teacher at pick up, as she really does have her hands full and she has 29 other children / sets of parents to deal with.
I am also appreciative that there are some people who disagree with the education my DD is receiving and I am aware that what I see her doing colours my judgement on what DS is / should be doing.

[Tiggles]

Maybe the school think they are being helpful? A lot of children with HFA/AS struggle with the concept of homework ie school work is only for school, why should they have to do any at home.
Does your DS have an IEP? Do you have meetings to discuss it? Or could you arrange a separate meeting with the teacher where you could discuss homework?