Preschool teacher twos

by Donna Funck
(Pensacola FL)

On open house day Patrick ran into the classroom, picked up a plastic chair and threw it. He then began his bouncing chant/yell Ahh Ahh Ahhh that I have come to know only too well. That was the beginning, and even though my assistant and I feel that we have made progress understanding Patrick and he is benefiting from our class, it is an exhausting struggle.

Patrick is everywhere and into everything. He tries to smell or taste everything not just as an initial exploratory foray but over and over and over. When he entered our class he had no concept of how to play with a puzzle, ring stack, or indeed any toy other than banging pieces together or throwing it. He still requires constant one on one supervision in order to engage in any sustained meaningful play. I have lost count of the number of toys that have been broken (sturdy toys I would have called indestructible before I met Patrick).

Patrick will be three in early March, but changing his diaper is more like changing an infant (I've had four)

He shows no sign of any readiness or interest in potty training. His language, fine motor skills, social development, and self help skills are all low on the simple Ages and Stages checklist I completed last month. His gross motor skills are very well developed which adds lots of excitement to his thrill seeking behaviors.

My director has asked me to give him time and not broach the subject of evaluation yet, but I have been a teacher for 25 years and I have never been so convinced that there is something more going on with this child. I would appreciate any feedback from teachers on how to proceed.

Thanks, "Miss Donna"