In January, Eddie enrolled in a first-grade classroom. After a week, he wandered around the classroom and did not participate in routines. He had highly developed social skills previously. What is most important for the teacher to consider?

• A. Eddie's behavior indicates attention disorders
• B. Eddie's play level will remain at the kindergarten level forever
• C. Children like Eddie often revert to less advanced play levels in response to stress
• D. Eddie should be moved to a lower grade immediately

Answer: (C)

A common way children cope with big changes is to temporarily revert to simpler, less advanced play and behaviors. Starting first grade is a big transition, and Eddie’s brief wandering and lack of participation can reflect stress rather than a fixed problem. Because he previously showed highly developed social skills, this regression is likely a temporary adjustment.

The teacher should focus on supporting the transition: keep routines clear and predictable, provide low-pressure ways to re-engage (small tasks, guided participation, peer partners), and observe Eddie over the next days and weeks to see if he stabilizes as he settles in. It wouldn’t be appropriate to diagnose an attention issue from this short snapshot or to move him to a lower grade based on this moment; those steps would overlook the normal adjustment process.