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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Clintonville, PA

My son is in kindergarten refuses to do school work. The school has started him in OT and speech but doesn't think he needs anything else. He will say I don't know, or I don't want to, or I can't. He will do things the wrong way to try to get me to stop doing work with him. Then I get frustrated then he gets frustrated. It feels like a lost cause. I'm ready to throw in the towel. Any suggestions?

December 14, 2020
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Phonics mostly. But it is getting worse. Its starting to be every subject. The books they gave us are so dry. I'm having a hard time spicing it up. He was in preschool before this so its is kindergarten but not his first time in school. I think I decided that I'm gonna ditch the boring books. I'm gonna use the lessons as outlines to my teaching and try to make things more fun and engaging for him. if we don't get through everything at least he isn't doing nothing all year and he can redo kindergarten brick and mortar style so long as they are doing that next year and if he gets through it great. I just can't see going through 6 or 7 meltdowns in a 7hr period (10 if you include mine) for kindergarten. Thanks for everybody's help

December 15, 2020 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

This is usually my specialty...I have a plethora (I've always wanted an excuse to use that in a sentence 😁) of energy and I approach school work with my energy level on max....one to make it more fun...2 because I don't want to do this all day either lol πŸ˜‚....worksheets I treat like a race I'll set up a twin worksheet and do it with them and whoever gets it done gets a treat a spoonful of frosting, a bubble party in the bath etc...seesaw or online activities I give them all elmo voices...this is "Mr. B and Mr. B comes before Mr. C and they better behave or Mrs. D will make them do push ups" no joke that was this morning. So, my advice to go at it like you've had 5 cups of coffee (also me this morning) be as creative as you can and if it's not your thing your kids will still enjoy watching you make a fool of urself 😜...it's definitely not easy and some days are "give up days" they are allowed I promise..and remember we are not teachers they don't expect us to be either

December 14, 2020 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

Have you tried adding more breaks to his day? It may help to give him a visual schedule of when his breaks will occur, too. As a teacher I see the frustrations of my "typical' students so I can only imagine how difficult it is for your child to stay focused and interested on what's happening on the screen. My daughter is in Kindergarten as well. Fortunately, my mother has been a godsend, working with her on virtual learning and her teacher has been very understanding. She takes as many breaks as needed. When she takes a break my mom sets a countdown timer so she knows when she has to return to do her school work.

December 22, 2020
A MyAutismTeam Member

For phonics try readingeggs.com
It has math section too. It’s all fun and games. Let him set the pace for learning.

December 16, 2020
A MyAutismTeam Member

School work? what type? if its handwriting- give him time, he probably has motor skill issues. read the state requirements for the end of the year assessment and work with him on those skills in a different way. E learnt numbers by playing hopscotch, Apps and videos. Forcing your child to learn in a particular way is the problem, he is either bored or disinterested. Make it fun.

December 14, 2020

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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Charleston, SC