My son sings while he does his schoolwork...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

He's working in a 1st grade homeschool program; and when he works independently, he hums and makes odd little sound effects.
I think it must be a left brain vs right brain thing, because he gets the job done, (though I have to remind him to work neatly).

When my older boy was in elementary school, his teachers mentioned that this same kind of behavior was distracting the other kids; so he had to learn to curtail his vocalizations.

I don't feel a pressing need to put a halt to my little guy's singing, as long as he isn't disturbing anyone. I suspect the sounds he makes may actually help him remain on-task. However, I can see where it would be a good idea at some point, so the office colleague in the next cubicle doesn't resort to violence.

Any suggestions as to how to go about it without causing or raising a fuss?

[Phillycat]

1. When I was his age, I made sounds when I was mentally occupied.

My mother used to make fun of me all the time about it, imitating the sounds I made. (She was not very nice.) I tried hard not to do it, but I felt compelled to hum a little in my throat while I was reading or watching TV. I don't know why. I grew out of it without realizing it, but I remember being ashamed about it.

I don't have any advice for you, I just wanted you to know I think this may be a common thing for kids that age.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. Thank you...

Do you recall making an effort to stop as a result of being teased? Or was it something that just fell by the wayside?

I don't remember whether I vocalized that way or not; but I wouldn't be surprised if I did. I think it's quite charming, really... :)

[Phillycat]

3. Perhaps a little of both.

I know I didn't like being teased about it, and I also think I just grew out of it.

I wonder if there is some sort of physiological reason for this--perhaps vocal cords are growing or stretching during this phase and the vocalization eases or helps this process--I am speculating, I don't know.

The other possibility is kids who get very involved in what they are doing to the point that they are unaware of their surroundings. I remember reading in class and the bell ringing and me not even noticing, even when everyone else got up and left the room.

Funny, I hadn't thought about that since I was a kid, until I read your post.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. My husband is a guitar teacher...

He mentioned one day that one of his students was working on an song, and singing something entirely different at the same time.

I also heard a story about a famous opera rehearsal accompaniest in Europe decades ago, who would read books as he was accompanying from memory.

This is fascinating to me...

[MuseRider]

5. I don't know if it is the same

but since you are a musician I would say that may be part of the influence. Both of my sons had to sit with their desks apart from the other kids until they learned to study quietly when around others. Their teachers were always very nice about it and they eased them into more quiet studay. I think as a musician that I raised them with constant music around, you most likely do the same. Mine are now both music students working on their degrees. I think by the time my two were in 4th grade they were able to stay quiet enough that the teachers didn't say or do anything any more.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. What do your kids play?

I try to be careful about pushing too hard; but I'm going to get my little guy piano lessons regardless of whether he wants them.

He's got too much natural ability...

[MuseRider]

7. My oldest

is a percussionist and the youngest is a bassist. Both are in Jazz studies at different schools. My oldest tried to study architecture but very quickly realized that he had to do more than hobby playing, he could not NOT do music. My youngest took a long time to find the right instrument for himself, we were not certain he ever would but once he discovered the bass it has been non stop. I tried to push them with piano lessons but whenever I did that they rebelled. As long as I just assumed they would practice the instrument they chose I found they would, lots. NOW they know mom was right, they would be much better off if they knew piano. Good luck, I am having so much fun watching them learn and love the thing I love the most.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. That's wonderful!

Maybe they'll work together one day!

[kitkatrose]

8. Hmmm... I make little odd sounds

when I'm very involved in something or doing something interesting (I'm 19). It's just in response to the little things that pop up in my brain as I work. I tend not to do it in public as I get odd looks from people :D, but sometimes they just slip out. I was socially trained out of making noises in public, and probably your son will be too. If he's not disturbing anyone, I say let him keep on. And it may have something to do with being musically inclined, because I used to play the violin in school.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. That's interesting...

I'm a professional violinist. While I don't recall vocalizing during Math, I do remember often having a tune stuck in my head from an early age, and being chastised for "daydreaming" in class.

I hope you'll take up the instrument again, someday! :hi:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

11. My daughter (same age as yours, IIRC) curses like a sailor.

Well, duh her dad's a retired Boatswain Mate... what do you expect. But she has learned where it is okay (at home) and where it is not (everywhere else)

Just so he does it in his head where he has to, and get along in the world.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. My 17 year old, when he was 2...

called me a bitch in front of my 80-something year old aunt, because he didn't want to leave the playground. I nearly fell over.

When we got home, I gave his dad hell for letting him watch "Aliens".

OK, so, I'm a prude. :D

[BlackVelvetElvis]

12. My father did that.

As do others in my family. They are all musically inclined and can sing very well.
Don't discourage it but channel it. He may find he has a wonderful gift.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

14. When you say "channel it",

are you talking about getting him music lessons, or are you suggesting he use his vocalizations in another way?