son hates 1st grade

[jillpay]

At age 3 in preschool for two-half days seemed to be shy but adapted.  At age 4 returning to the same preschool class and teacher went backwards.  He didn’t talk in school, the other students were permitted to answer for him and he still got whatever he wanted.  Upon meeting with the teacher she said she didn’t know what to do with him and that we needed to have him tested for selective mutism.  He was a shy but normal child at home.  We made a decision to send him to kindergarten at age 5. My 5 year old son flourished in a half day of kindergarten.  He raised his hand and answered questions and eventually played with a few other kids on the playground.   He never cried at school or about going to school.  At age 6 he doesn’t like first grade and had a massive meltdown on day 11.  He said he would like to stay home and watch TV and play with the dogs and I said me too. I’ve already explained to him that he has to attend school the same way that mommy and daddy need to go to work.  He is very sensitive and shy and had a total meltdown on the 11th day of school.  I’m very concerned that this will be an ongoing issue.  I want school to be exciting, fun and a playful time for him.  I am a working mom and don’t have any other options than public school.    What can I do to help my son transition into a full day of school?  Is there any advice for helping his shyness while at school?  


This discussion is related to 6 year old daughter with social emotional issues.