How are children extended in year 1?

[MinPinPuzzz]

Exactly that really, what are the typical methods and means of differentiating/ extending work for the more able students? The range of attainment must be so massive for such small children starting their more formal education.

The school said at a presentation for the parents that the children will be sat at tables by ability, is this a little strange for year 1?

Asking on mumsnet because I’d rather not ask the school and just observe what they do. But, curiousity has got the better of me.

I understand it will be different with every school and teacher, I’m just nosy about how these things work .

Thank you all for your kindness. He was terrible the night before, I had to lay next to him in my bed to get him to sleep (very late), he was absolutely fine and cured as soon as he had finished his first day.

Is this level of anxiety typical for a very nearly 6yo? Or should I be taking action? The following are examples from the last 24 hours...

• Recently, his nightmares have increased in frequency and intensity. He won’t go anywhere in the house alone.
• He cannot tolerate any books or films with even the mildest peril. We attempted to watch a U rated film today and had to switch it off.
• Today was his 6th birthday party - he was horrified that we were planning to light his candles, concerned about the risk of a naked flame. We were able to reasonably discuss that this was very low risk and it was fun to blow out the candle. He chose to have one candle and blew it out immediately as it was lit.

He has specific interests, doesn’t like TV and spends a lot of time playing with Lego and reading. I thought ASD before he started school - at the first parents evening I mentioned it, teacher said definitely not. He has developed deep friendships and plays very imaginative/ cooperative games. His speech is notably different, using a wide vocabulary or flowery turns of phrase.

I was thinking that perhaps I need to speak to the school again or GP but I don’t want to be OTT.

@MinPinPuzzz As a teacher who has had much more than the standard amount of training on ASD (but definitely not as much as a medical professional or edpsych!) nothing that you have mentioned screams ASD, which is why the teacher probably dismissed this. Lots of little boys have similar interests and natures to your son. We have been socialised so much to think that little boys should be screaming and leaping on everything and battering each other with a pair of Hulk hands that when they are more sensitive we can think that something is wrong! I have had many meetings with parents about this!

However- that level of anxiety does seem severe and I'm so sorry for you and your little boy. Definitely speak to your GP and please arrange a meeting with the teacher to make them aware of the home issues. After your initial meeting, please let the teaching staff know what kind of evening he has had the next morning. Make a little communication book if you don't do drop offs.

Hope he has a better week.

Your reply made me tearful, thank you for listening.

I will take your reassurance and advice.

My DS1 absolutely hated year 1 and fortunately had a much better time in year 2 thankfully.

This was predominantly down to the class teacher who was utterly awful and made his life a misery.

I have DS2 now about to go into reception and I will ask for him to be moved should heaven forbid, he gets placed with the same teacher in year 1.

Sorry to derail thread.

DD loved year1,the teacher and TA. Happily bouncing every morning into school and moaning every half term she wants to be back. She is neurotypical, sociable,happy,clever etc.
She still had a fear of floods (not helped by the kitchen actually getting flooded) which was quite mild,then a more serious one about fire. Asking a billion questions about fire alarms,checking ours constantly to check it's working,scared when the neighbour's went off (cooking), refusing to go to sleep and asking about various scenarios and what escape routes/plans we had. Because I'm a weirdo I bought her a mini fire extinguisher. Showed her how it works and she slept with it in her bed for a few weeks,then under her bed,then eventually completely got over the whole thing.

My DS continues to surprise me - he chose to audition for the school nativity (year 1 and 2 - 120 children) and has been cast as Joseph.

I’m so proud of him and hoping that he will continue to come out of his shell.

(but he is still terrified of life, death and everything else)