kid makes noise constantly in class

[Anonymous]

we are only 2 months into the school year and we are already being notified by our 1st grader's teacher that he "makes noise constantly" (drums on the desk, makes popping sound with his mouth) to the point of he has to be taken out of class and walked up and down the hallways by an IA. he's on the older side and we figured he may be bored this year, and it's a long day expected to sit back in person, but this seems way beyond boredom. we've asked him why he makes noise and he says "because I like to" and when we explain it distracts other kids and the teacher can't focus on teaching, he acts like he could not care less. i'm so confused by his lack of empathy because he's a very sensitive child and typically a pleaser.

I don't know what to do other than to send a fidget toy in with him or something in hopes he stops making loud noises. my words don't seem to be getting through to him or he doesn't care about being a problem to the entire class.


has anyone else dealt with this or have any advice? thanks.

[Anonymous]

Do you have the sense that he can't stop, or that he doesn't want to stop?

If he can't stop, as in he feels the urge well up until he just can't help but make noise, I'd recommend speaking to a specialist.

If he just won't stop, then a fidget toy will help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have the sense that he can't stop, or that he doesn't want to stop?

If he can't stop, as in he feels the urge well up until he just can't help but make noise, I'd recommend speaking to a specialist.

If he just won't stop, then a fidget toy will help.

yes, I tried to get into that but didn't get a clear response. he said "I want to do what I want to do. If I stop, they get what they want but I don't get what I want." they being the other kids/teacher. so that seems more like a power thing to me? we are considering an evaluation regardless.
-OP

[Anonymous]

I think it’s silly it’s “So distracting” he has to leave. So what he makes noises.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s silly it’s “So distracting” he has to leave. So what he makes noises.

I don't understand what you're saying. You think the teacher is overreacting?
-OP

[Anonymous]

Fidget toy for sure . A quiet one like the pop-its ones.

I'm guessing your school doesn't have optional seating in classrooms (a lot of schools are leaning towards this) where there are different types of seating options (stools, rocking chairs, pillows, etc).

At DS's ES school he has a standing desk with a foot paddle under neath that he can rock back and forth with his foot so his fidgeting is channeled into that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s silly it’s “So distracting” he has to leave. So what he makes noises.

Except there are other kids in the class who aren't making noises who are there to listen to what the teacher is trying to say. What if all of the kids sat there and made noises? The kids need to be quiet during class and should run around and make all the noises they want during recess.

OP- I'd suggest having your child evaluated for whatever by your pediatrician. Maybe they need a good run or bike ride before you take them to school each day. Or maybe they need to be placed in a more challenging environment, like a higher grade. Or maybe they need meds. But a kid who makes noise in class is distracting and shouldn't have to be tolerated.

[Anonymous]

He’s attention seeking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He’s attention seeking.

Yes he definitely is at home also. but what do I do about that? Is that something diagnosable or you just have to deal with it in the moment case by case?
-OP

[Anonymous]

I have a kid a bit like this OP. Very willful. And it becomes a power struggle with the teacher.

I think you can set up a reward system and also if the behavior doesn't improve, set up a consequence he cares about and follow through.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like he's sensory seeking and/or stimming. I'd probably get a neuropsychologist eval if it were my kid. I definitely wouldn't try to diagnose based on this information, but I think that the fact that he doesn't seem to care about the etiquette of making sounds might also be a flag onto itself.

Some other things you could try, to get him more sensory input:
Attach velcro under his desk so he can touch it

Have him carry weighted backpack to/from school (and during those hallway breaks)... could also do tasks like carrying heavy books

Get him a wiggle cushion thing for his seat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid a bit like this OP. Very willful. And it becomes a power struggle with the teacher.

I think you can set up a reward system and also if the behavior doesn't improve, set up a consequence he cares about and follow through.

Is this something that has improved with time with your child or are you suspecting something diagnosable? Thank you for the suggestions I’d love to hear more about your experience and what has worked for you.
-OP

[Anonymous]

What grade?

[Anonymous]

Are the mouth noises a tic? I had a child who has pronounced tics at that age that he eventually grew out of. Throat clearing, mouth clicks, etc. He wasn't doing it to be a jerk. Your son may not be as in control as he thinks he is and is just using the obstinance as a cover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What grade?

It says right there in the first line "1st grade".