Teacher's Letter to Doctor

I am Ben's Classroom Teacher, and I am writing this letter to you at the request of Ben's mother, Janine. Ben is a grade three student at "...." School. There are 19 students in his class.

At the beginning of the school year, Ben experienced a great deal of difficulty transitioning into grade three. He exhibited oppositional behaviors quite early in September. Ben required cues and redirection for tone of voice, refusal to work, talking back, and put downs to others. He connected with another student, and both were extremely disruptive to the learning environment of the other students.

Ben often blurts out silly, rude, and inappropriate comments intended to make the students laugh or make someone feel badly or uncomfortable. Cues, redirection and discussions about his behaviors, shows little to no emotion during these times, and does not accept responsibility for his actions.

Ben's interaction with teachers outside of the classroom has been quite challenging. Ben doesn't always respond to adults when they are speaking with him. Many times he refuses to answer them and avoids eye contact (ignores them). Quite often, Ben does not follow the rules of the classroom. He is quiet and sneaky about his defiance. Instead of asking for permission, Ben usually does what he wants to do when he thinks you're not watching him. Other times, he outwardly defies adults, choosing to ignore them when his behavior is addressed. Many times, Ben repeats the same inappropriate behavior over and over.

Ben experiences a great deal of difficulty when working with other students (partners, or groups). At times, he is silly, off task and disruptive. Ben also wants to have things done his way. If this doesn't happen, he usually leaves and sits at his desk, or asks to work by himself. Ben is quite rigid in his thinking, and unresponsive to problem-solving strategies which are modelled and suggested to him.

During recess, he was observed to walk around, not playing with the other students. Ben didn't like going outside during the winter months, and often stayed in to play with a few other classmates. He has been going outside with the other students since the nicer weather.

When playing with toys during Indoor Recess, Activity Time, or Free Time, Ben leaves if the students won't play his way, or if he can't "control" the situation. He often plays the same activity each recess (sets up 200 domino's in a snake pattern and tips them over to watch them fall). Ben shows interest in limited topics and really focuses on those specific areas. (tunnel vision).

Ben's behavior fluctuates, and sometimes depends upon the tone of the classroom. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.

Sincerely,
Julie
Grade 3 Teacher