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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, what does the teacher say?[/quote]

He's in a dual language program and has two teachers. They each have expressed a shared frustration at his lack of follow through on the work. One teacher is more willing to work with him by having him sit next to her while he does the assignment, encourage him, etc. The other one just stated her fear that he would be left behind in first grade because they don't have time for any one-on-one. They both stated how smart he is and how clear it is that he is capable of doing the work.

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You should ask his teachers if they think your child needs to be evaluated.  I'm the poster with the older child in a dual language program and I will tell you that our school and teachers are pretty bad about telling parents about getting an evaluation.  Basically, they drop a lot of hints but never ever come right out and say so.  They do better if you ask right out.[/quote]

They did use the words "distracted" and "distractions" often enough to grab my attention. I think they are prepping me to let him repeat the year. He is the youngest in his class, but so is my daughter and she is an absolute rock star. She demonstrates a maturity that her brother does not. I think I know where this is leading. Another year of kindergarten may be the answer.

I will have to start looking at this through a different lens. As the elder child, he's not the "baby" in the family. I expect him to lead, when I should allow him to just develop at his own pace. He's a truly great kid. Perhaps he's much more of a "baby" than I have been thinking? When he was three, I would delight in his intelligence and allow for his immaturity. He was a baby!! We were just having fun while learning! He's still wicked smart, playful, and naturally curious. If I put him back into the mindset I used to have (if that makes any sense!) the problem disappears. It's only when I expect him to be a disciplined, focused learner (all value laden terms!) that he (and I) fall short.

He has until the end of the year to either show me he's capable of making this change, or not. In the meantime, I'm still looking for practical tips on how to best support him.

1) Should I continue to try and wean him from one on one instruction or embrace this as a strategy?
2) How does a parent reduce a young learner's anxiety about completing a class assignment?
3) How do I separate his academic acumen from his emotional immaturity?
4) How do I take the pressure off while also letting him know how important it is that he do the work?

I welcome the insight and would really, really appreciate very practical ways of interacting with my son. A positive outcome is whatever is best for my son, not my assumptions, expectations, or goals.

If I don't address this now it will only get worse and kindergarten seems a safe place to get this resolved.

I'm open to whatever you experienced parents can offer up as useful tips. TIA
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