Preschool question about rowdy boys!?

Question

Any daycare or preschool parents or teachers want to weigh in on this? My daughter just started a preschool program where the moms stay. There are 11 boys and 3 girls. The boys are very rowdy, running around and yelling like they were on the playground The teacher really doesn't do anything, and neither do the parents of the boys. It's our first week and I don't want to ruffle any feathers-is this normal for boys to act this way in a classroom? It's free play for the first 2 hours and then activities. It's a long time for them to be out of control!

Answer 1

When my daughter was in a similar preschool setting, the girls would all line up nicely to wash their hands or wait to go outside, while the boys pushed each other, made noise, and generally seemed like complete monsters. I, too, wondered why the mothers didn't do more to stop it. Then my son came along and I realized how different the two sexes are. Boys really are more physical. I don't think we need to excuse bad behavior but if it's free play for two hours, then the boys will be running and yelling. If they're supposed to sitting and they're running and yelling, it's a different matter. You might want to talk to the preschool teacher as I'm sure she's aware of the dynamics and has dealt with this before. You don't have to do it in a negative way, but could say that you are wondering whether there's a way to attract more girls to the program since you'd like to find your daughter some playmates.

Answer 2

Its how boys have fun. As long as they dont hurt your daughter just let them play.

Answer 3

Yes, it is completely true that boys are extremely more rowdy then girls and I should know as I have a 20 year old son, a 18 year old daughter and a 6 year old son.  There is no comparison as to how much louder and wilder the boys are then girls.  I just can't understand why the parents or the teacher allow them to act this way.  Maybe you should look for a different preschool.

Answer 4

This is NOT appropriate behavior in a classroom -this is how children get out of control and get hurt.  There is free play for two entire hours??  That's ridiculous.  How long is the entire day?  Rowdy behavior belongs outside and then it has limits.  Inside time is quieter time with inside voices. That mean seem crazy to some people  but an indoor classroom is not recess.  If this is a half day program, the free choices and classtime should be split in half - the children do a sit down activity (circle time) then a stand up activity (music) - the free choice time at our preschool is for a half hour and there are still rules. There is absolutely no running, yelling or throwing toys.  Behavior is anticipated before someone gets hurt - we have barely any injuries in our program, happy children and content parents.  I would not recommend this place you are at at all.  It sounds way out of control.  good luck to you - and keep looking for your daughter.

Answer 5

To be honest, the problem to me is that the parents stay.  When two authority figures (parent and daycare provider/preschool teacher) are present, the children tend to test the limits pretty strongly.  They want to see who is in charge and if anyone will stop them from being wild little fireballs - or as we call it "Busters."  

If there is no guidance and the kids run crazy, this will continue until either figure of authority steps up to stop it and is consistant with the rules and expectations.  

Check your handbook/guidleines for the program and see what it says about discipline and who is to be in charge.  If it doesn't address this, ask the teacher what the policy is.

Boys can have a lot more energy, but there is no reason for them to run and yell in a classroom.  If you don't get an answer that satisfies you, perhaps you need to look for another program.  You don't want your daughter to pick up the habit or get hurt from too rowdy play in an area not designed for rowdy rambunctious play.

Answer 6

i work with under 5s. we dont allow children to run riot for their sakes as well as our own! all the kids where i work know the rules no running or shouting indoors. if this starts to happen we sit them down and occupy them with a quiet activity e.g a puzzle or sand etc. i agree find another pre school. your child may pick up this behaviour!

Answer 7

One person's idea of rowdy may be very different from another's. Yes, boys are generally more active and noisier but that doesn't mean they should be running wild in the classroom. They can be expected to follow reasonable ules about things such as "indoor voices". Have a talk with the teacher about her plans. Two hours of free play is great but there is a difference between freedom and license.

Answer 8

I disagree.  Boys do have a lot of energy and need physical activity, but they CAN behave in a civilized manner.  

I am a mother of 2 boys, 1 girl, and there is no way I would let any of my children run and scream indoors in a classroom setting.  That behavior belongs at a park or gymnasium.

I don't see how any of the children (including the boys) will gain anything positive from this experience.  I would look for a new program if I were you.