I probably wouldn't be concerned yet. There's a lot to process in First grade! Its possible he's an introvert and need to really assess the situation before engaging. Does he usually make friends easily? Give it some time, if you are still concerned later on, maybe speaking to his teacher to see if he/she has any insight or to a school counselor. If he's saying he's enjoying school, i wouldn't worry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My first grade son told me that he had a good first day of school, but didn't play with anyone at recess, because he just didn't feel like it. I find this sort of unusual - he was at the same school last year with the same kids (although they mixed the classes up). Would you be worried, or not yet?

Not worried. It's normal. He will get into the groove soon.

Not worried - my Kindergartner told me he wasn't playing with anyone at recess. After a few more questions, it was because he wanted to use the claiming apparatus all of recess, and no one else did.

This is absolutely normal, don't worry. My DS loves his friends but is an introvert by nature. Even last year in 3rd grade he had days where he happily played by himself and other days where he really felt like engaging in something with his friends. I can also say if it is one thing all my kids agreed on (I have three) is that having personal down time during recess was a relief (especially early in the year) after being crammed into classrooms all day shoulder to shoulder with other kids.

Anonymous wrote:My first grade son told me that he had a good first day of school, but didn't play with anyone at recess, because he just didn't feel like it. I find this sort of unusual - he was at the same school last year with the same kids (although they mixed the classes up). Would you be worried, or not yet?

Not worried. It's normal. He will get into the groove soon.

He may have just wanted a break. On the first day there is a lot going on and perhaps recess was his first chance to play by himself and take a break. Nothing wrong with that.

I think my DD does this a lot. She likes certain things on the playground that she doesn't get to do elsewhere - there are particular monkey bars that she's been trying to conquer since mid-last year, and I think she does them a lot b/c our park doesn't have them. If a friend wants to join, that's great, but she's equally fine on her own. I do think she mixes it up a bit and does play a little with others on some days. Overall, I wouldn't worry about this if he otherwise seems happy and is interacting with others during the day, on the bus, etc.

My son used to to this because his best buddies always wanted to play sports at recess, and he hates sports. So he'd hang in the shade and watch them. Eventually he found other kids to run around with at recess who also were not into sports.

Maybe this was a factor. DS doesn't exactly hate sports, but he certainly doesn't particularly like them either and would usually rather do something else if possible.

My son used to to this because his best buddies always wanted to play sports at recess, and he hates sports. So he'd hang in the shade and watch them. Eventually he found other kids to run around with at recess who also were not into sports.

Ok, thanks, I won't worry yet. It is just that he is usually pretty social (although not for prolonged times, he enjoys a bit of socializing and then moves on). Maybe the first day was just overwhelming.

My 1st grader almost always plays by himself at recess. I asked his kindergarten teacher about it last year and she said it's very normal and he was doing well socially.

It's not a big deal at all. Even 6-year-olds need a little space sometimes.

Be happy your kid doesn't mind playing by himself. It's a great skill.

This is not something to worry about. I'd say "Okay, maybe you'll feel like it tomorrow! Want to play Monopoly/catch/basketball with me now?"

Not worried. Maybe he was just overwhelmed by the fact that it was the first day.

My first grade son told me that he had a good first day of school, but didn't play with anyone at recess, because he just didn't feel like it. I find this sort of unusual - he was at the same school last year with the same kids (although they mixed the classes up). Would you be worried, or not yet?