Best school environment for excitable DS

[Clare123]

i have a young DS who is in reception and struggling as he is very excitable/hyper. What environment do you think would be most suitable for this type of child? Smaller class, stricter, more structured?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

I'd be very wary about moving to a private school if your child is struggling and hyper.

If you do, make sure you check out exactly what their SN support is like - because not all private schools support kids with SN. Some of them just kick them out - which is not at all pleasant.

I have a ds like this so bookmarking! He seems to work better in smaller groups with more teacher intervention (who wouldn't?). Not sure about stricter...depends on the child. My ds is excitable because he is very sensitive, so being told off a lot actually makes things worse, causes anxiety and greater excitability. A very encouraging environment is important. Certainly quieter environments help him.

"Excitable/hyper" isn't a lot of information to go on =P

What makes him excited or hyper? What kind of behaviour does he exhibit when he is (and isn't) exited or hyper?

My instinct would be a school with a good discipline policy and high expectations of the children.

I think so much depends on the teachers they get, a good teacher will keep your DS on track.

Good luck.

treadonthecracks, that's not necessarily true. My ds has a good teacher this year and she hasn't managed to help him. Last year he had a bad teacher and too much discipline which didn't work either (in fact made it worse).

He is the youngest in the school year, and is often silly and excited. He can concentrate, but will often not listen and be midly disruptive. He is a happy little chap though!

Sounds like a four year old...

What has the teacher said to indicate that he is struggling, or that his behaviour is unusual?

I'd wait it out. Y1 is a lot calmer than YR - plus if he is the youngest he has some time to grow up a bit. But if he has the same problem this time next year then it's more of a problem.

Merry - what makes you says she's a good teacher? Is she known as a good teacher?

A boy in DD's class (yr2) has recently been moved into another class (with a fab teacher) and is a different boy.

Perhaps it's the right teacher - not a good teacher?

I hope your DS is happier soon.

She is known as a good teacher. I have also experienced the way she handles ds. She is very firm, but also very encouraging. She is very impartial too, no favouritism either of those with 'difficulties' or those who are 'good'. She is extremely experienced, been a teacher about 40years, but still seems to like it . Unfortunately she just doesn't have the energy to devote to sorting him out, and I think it may take some expertise. I am quite worried for him if he gets the 'wrong' teacher...just really hoping that doesn't happen as would probably have to remove from school.

She does sound excellent. Teachers are so stretched for time.

Is he in line for extra help?

Fingers crossed for the "right" teacher in year 1 for all our DC!

He's going into Y2 next year. His YR teacher and TA were a bit hit and miss, and it was a terrible year. I don't think we could do that again in Y2...

Clare, as long as your ds stays happy that's the main thing. If his behaviour and the way it's dealt with starts affecting his self esteem or confidence it's time to get more involved.

calm structured with lots of outdoor space.