My 5 yr old daughter Olivia will be starting Kindergarten this fall. She is currently in a private pre k class and has 5 students in her class. My sister in law who she is very close to, can possibly be her teacher which we think would be great to calm her anxiety. She is going to be co-teaching this class with another teacher -there will be 36 students. Olivia also has social anxiety. Do you think this is a good idea? My sister in law and the other teacher are excellent and are willing to accommodate Olivia 100%. Olivia also has a good friend who will be in this class as well. Avg students in each class are 23, so we are only talking 13 more kids. I don’t know what to do. Thanks so much…

Answer

Since I do not know your daughter I cannot help you answer this question for you. However, if you have teachers (and since one is her aunt!) who are 100% dedicated and willing to help your child, this is an ideal situation..since they will UNDERSTAND your child and her needs… Although a smaller class is ideal…having teachers who are willing to go that extra mile to help socialize and build comfort for your child is crucial. Perhaps she would be in a class with only 5 children, but the teacher did not truly understand SM and completely misinterpreted mutism for defiance and control. Your child’s anxiety would heighten since your child will be misunderstood and undo pressure and expectation would be placed upon her.

So, work hard over the summer to meet as many kids as possible prior to the school year. Spend time in the new classroom and spend time with her aunt…so that when she is in school in the fall she has already built comfort with the classroom, some peers and her teacher!!