Not paying attention at school...

Posted by Team NZ (230 days ago)

So my DS teacher takes me aside today and advises that although my 3.5 yr old is very well behaved and takes instruction clearly in English and in Cantonese when spoken to directly (one on one), he has a tendency to choose solo play rather than engage in group play during class time when the teacher addresses the class as a group (in Cantonese.)

He attends a local school and is eager to go to school each day. We are more than happy with his progress, clear sentence structure, ABC's, counting (english & cantonese) basic cantonese, generally a happy kid etc...

Ok so why am I writing, really just for feedback. Has anyone else a child at a local school that appears "disinterested in learning the language" (teachers words not mine).

I dont mind so long as he is happy, all play is learning in our world, however the teacher advises that she would like him to show more interest when part of a group.

I think, he's 3 1/2 if its not engaging him and he is intelligent enough to find something else in the room to interest him all the better.... Although of course we all at some time have to learn how to "fit the system" in order to survive school.

What do you think? Thank the teacher for feedback and forget it (really he's just 3 1/2)? or... Talk to DS, ask him to appear interested and try to listen when the teacher talks to them as a group (this is what school is about)?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by joshmomm (230 days ago)

Could it be that when the teacher talks to him one on one, she uses more simple Cantonese and when she addresses the class as a group, she might be speaking at a faster pace and probably using terms that native speakers are more easily familiar with? This might make your son tune out and appear disinterested, esp. when he feels that he can't quite "catch" what teacher is talking about.

How long has your son been in this school, been exposed to Cantonese? I ask this because my son was in a slightly similar situation. When he first started "school" and was first introduced to Mandarin (we don't speak it at home), was not responsive during the Mandarin session, esp. during Circle Time. He would rather play by himself and not join in. He loves going to school and participates well during the English session. Now, it's been 7 months and he not only participates during the Mandarin session, he also starts to speak it outside the classroom more.

You can still try to talk to your son and gently ask him why sometimes he would prefer to play by himself than engage in group play. You might or might not get an answer out of him that would help you understand. I wouldn't get too stressed out over it; as you youself said, he's only 3-1/2. :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Team NZ (229 days ago)

Hi Joshmomm

Our boy has been attending a local school for 7+ months now although recently he did just change schools and I have to say it seems as though he has been home from school more than at it since CNY with extended Easter break, public holidays etc.

Great to hear of a similar situation with Josh(?) did you talk to him about it at all? We had a light chat with our DS today just before school I too think it may be just a need for more time, different expectations from this school also. (Higher.)

I think you have a point about how she addresses a class vs solo interaction.

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)