DS doesn't play with other kids

amother

Babypink

Wed, Nov 22 2017, 3:15 pm

DS is 5 and the teachers at school said he sits on the side and watches and doesn't interact much with the other kids, aside from the one he knows well from before.

I don't know where to start (and neither really does the school).

Anyone have any ideas for me?

Thanks!

shanabanana

Wed, Nov 22 2017, 4:21 pm

Has your son been in a school/playgroup setting before?
If yes, did his past morahs say the same?

1. A simple way to get a child to play with other children is to have him play with the morah and one or two other children. Something simple that doesn't take imaginative play, like a game. It is extremely overwhelming as a child to be told 'go play with the other kids'!
Start with games, move to table toys, then to building toys etc.
2. As an aside, some children simply do not like playing or pretend play. Does your son like projects and stimulating activity rather than play?
3. I find that if the morahs are sitting on the side and just watching (or talking together) then some of the children will sit on the side as well. If the morahs are busy interacting and playing too it makes a huge difference! I would find out about that? what are they doing while your son is sitting on the side?

Totally nothing to worry about, I just figured I would give you a few points to think about

amother

Babypink

Wed, Nov 22 2017, 4:42 pm

Yes, and his last year's morah said the same thing (although as the year went on she said it improved a lot). I tried having a lot of playdates for him and he did pretty okay one on one but... I guess long term it didn't help.

The teacher says she tries to get him involved but he refuses to join in (although he will play one on one in the classroom with his one friend) Sad

MyUsername

Wed, Nov 22 2017, 5:28 pm

Have individual play dates outside of school. Some children are just not great socially in a group setting, but if they get to know some of the children one on one, they can then easily transition into playing with them at school.