Sobbing thinking about school

[Zebee]

My 7yo dd (yr3) is very upset going to school. She has gone to bed tonight sobbing about going and saying her tummy hurts. She says there is no problem with other children, no one is being mean and she plays with the other girls (although isn't particularly attached to them as friends but I suspect some of that is her personality). She struggles with writing and I think this may be the underlying problem. She reads well but finds the physical act of writing difficult (as well as spelling) and I think this spills over into all areas as she has to write in all subject. (Although seems capable in other subjects such as maths). Any ideas how we can help her?

[FrameyMcFrame]

Hi, I have a 7 year old who is also sobbing about school.
I think the work is too hard for them at the moment. DS said he gets confused and feels like he can't do it. It must be stressful. DS had to miss golden time to do extra handwriting practice last week. I was about it as his behaviour is great so really he should be allowed to enjoy golden time.
I'm going to try talking to teacher tomorrow.

[Balletgirlmum]

Speak to her teacher.

Does she have any other motor co-ordination issues eg using cutlery? My ds is 12 & has just been diagnosed as having a slow processing speed & dysfluent writing (possible dyspraxia). He will now be entitled to do his exams on a laptop & use an iPad in class to take notes etc.

However it cdm take a while to get assessed etc so if there is a problem you need to start now.

[Zebee]

I will speak to her teacher although she has been not happy to go in to school for awhile and the teacher has always said she is happy at school but there has been an escalation so worth having a chat again.

Interestingly balletgirlmum mentions cutlery she is awkward with cutlery in fact I have looked at dyspraxia before but she doesn't seem to be as affected as the information about dyspraxia suggests. Although worth another look.

[Balletgirlmum]

It might not be dyspraxia it might be something as simple as she is a bit hyper mobile like my dd for example. But worth getting it all checked out.

[kesstrel]

Zebee - Dyspraxia manifests itself in different ways in each individual, and to different extents. My daughter never had any problem with handwriting, but she is quite dyspraxic in other ways. I would really urge you to get her tested ASAP. There can be long waiting lists for assessment - you need to see your GP to get on the list. Alternatively, there are private clinics that do this. In addition to getting help with any problems, having a diagnosis is usually psychologically beneficial to the child, who otherwise can start thinking they are "stupid".

[Seryph]

As kesstrel says dyspraxia looks different in each person, some people who have severe dyspraxia can't even leave their home without help as if they go any further than the end of the road they may not be able to find their way back, their spacial awareness is that bad.

For some of us though it can be as simple as finding the act of writing difficult/never learning to ride a bike. (I find hand writing painful, but enjoy doing it. Have an excellent sense of direction but an hyper sensitive to touch and sounds!)

I would definitely look into assessment, it's great to know if there is something there, and if there isn't you can still get advice on how to encourage DC.

[coco1810]

Hi, my DD has been in tears recently about school. It would appear SATs are stressing a lot of children out! Does your DC use Kinetic lettering? Is your child left handed? As a leftie myself, I can concur that writing did not come easy to me either? Have the school tried using a triangular shaped pencil or a rubber grip on the pencil to add the pincer grip?

[Zebee]

No SATs as in year 3 although being one of the youngest doesn't help.

I was always pleased the children weren't lefties - I say that as one myself but it seems being right handed isn't everything!! Have tried different grips and pencils would appreciate advice on how to stop her squeezing the pencil so hard. What is kinetic lettering?

[coco1810]

Hi, my DD has been in tears recently about school. It would appear SATs are stressing a lot of children out! Does your DC use Kinetic lettering? Is your child left handed? As a leftie myself, I can concur that writing did not come easy to me either? Have the school tried using a triangular shaped pencil or a rubber grip on the pencil to add the pincer grip?

[coco1810]

Google //www.kineticletters.co.uk. When my daughter started it at the start of year two, I did think wtf! Basically, it's based on a monkey sitting in a tree and they form the letters while thinking about the monkey's tail. It also teaches them where the 'flick' on each letter goes ready for joined up writing. Hope that helps x