I need help getting my 5 yr old to do his seat work in kindergarden , smart but easily distracted?

Question

Im asking teachers becuse I figure you would know better than anyone.

Answer 1

I'm getting old, we just used to smack them if they didn't do what they were told. Seriously, maybe a bit of reverse psychology might work, "Don't you DARE do that work etc". But you HAVE to be firm, even hard sometimes, take out all the distractions, that may help , no TV in the same room

Answer 2

Trust me, as a teacher I am all for the kids getting their work done.  HOWEVER...you also need to remember that he is just 5.  He WILL be antsy...that is what Kindergarten is for...to expose them to school.  5 Year ols can be expected to do about 10-15 minutes of seat work before they need to go and do another activity.  Their attention span is not very long.  1st grade is when you need to buckle down more on seat work.  I teach 3rd grade, and I have some students who stand at their desk...as long as they are quiet and getting their work done, I don't mind at all...they are kids!!  They have energy to release, right?!?

Answer 3

Children love games. Make it into a game. For example, say "If you finish your seat work and complete it right, you will get a sticker." Or whatever really motivates him. I had some children in my Pre-K and Kindergarten classes that just needed to stand up to complete an assignment. Sitting down for some children is next to impossible. Try finding a quiet zone in your house that he can go to that doesn't have a lot of distractions. It can be his special study zone, which might make it very appealing to him; his own special place to do work:)

If standing is not possible in his class, ask the teacher if he can "wiggle" for ten to twenty seconds before starting his seat work. Maybe, everyone in the class can get their wiggles out before sitting down to start an assignment.

Answer 4

Assuming he doesn't have any mental illness, I think you just need to be firm.  Don't give him a choice.  Parents these days are very concerned about self esteem, excessive scolding, etc. etc., but in reality, your child needs to understand that there are certain things he has to do whether he wants to or not.  Try to be a little more firm and strict.  It may be difficult, but in the long run it's for his own good.