Almost 4 year olds not sitting at preschool

[ge78]

I have identical twin girls who will be 4 in November. They are having a hard time at school-- they will not sit in the chairs when they need to or sit on the rug for story time. One of the girls has started, but the other just outright refuses and cries, runs, etc. They are receiving speech therapy, and have a SEIT. She thinks they have some sensory stuff going on and we are in the process of the evals. Could the refusal to sit be a combination of sensory issues, communication problem and her just strong willed nature? Does anyone else have a kid who just won't follow directions at school and sit? I am at a loss...She is well behaved at home and the problems are mainly at school. She is very self-directed. Thank you- I welcome someone else who might have dealt with this and/or strategies to help us. I am going to find a new school for them as this one is unable to work with me and the girls in a proper way to help them.

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I am glad I saw this post.  My son has sensory integration disorder and wow, your post brings back preschool memories!!  That was a challenging time!  He too was diagnosed for sensory at 4 and had a rough time with some of the common preschool practices.  

We found many ways to help him in class.  One thing that helped in preschool and outside of the class was doing 'sensory activities" that they call 'heavy work'.  There is a web site that gives a good list of these types of things called SensoryProcessingDisorder.  Basically, they are like physical activity, deep pressure and muscle work.  Examples would be animal walks before school especially the crab walk, the bear walk, leap frog, etc.  These all give nervous system impact that a sensory kid needs to stay calm and focused.  It helps regulate the nervous system.  Eating a piece of thick bubble gum on the way to school (and spitting it out before they get out of the car) believe it or not helps.  In school, marching to the playground with all kids slapping there feet on the ground, teaching her how to push up on her chair to give some calming input, etc. all help.  Lots of things can be done and I'm happy to share ideas.

Also, in preschool, choices are a teacher's best friend with a sensory kid.  All the kids are sitting on the rug, she can say to your daughter, "do you want to sit by Mary or do you want to put this chair behind me so you can still listen to the story and sit there?"  Give her two or three easy options and then she chooses.  This is a way a sensory kid will comply.

Every class should have a cool down spot.  This is a place a child can go to get it together.  Our preschool had these little barrels that had an entrance in them and kids could sit in there.  Or they have a bean bag with a cassette player and headphones.  But anything will do that is off to a corner (enclosed is terrific like under a table) where no one bothers a child and they can do what they have to to get themselves together.

Anyway, I was lucky that we had a preschool that was empathetic and took identifying issues in kids and helping them seriously.  That is not to say it was always easy but they did work with my child to give him what he needed when he was there.  

peace and let me know if I can help in any way.

[ge78]

Thank you --my two are not falling into the masses sitting and staring without any engagement and the preschool is just balking. I am visiting numerous other schools. Thank you for the suggestion of the other forum! I am checking it out right now!

[Sandman2]

By the way, we have a great sensory forum here - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Sensory-Integration-Disorder-SID/show/1396
  Definitely worth your time to check it out.  The Cl has a sensory child an has lots of great ways that parents can help.

[Sandman2]

3year olds don't sit - unless they have something entertaining to do.  I think looking for another preschool is a great idea.  Try an visit them and watch the teachers in action.