Little Boy, Big Stress

This year Isaac has been attending all day kindergarten. That means up at 7 a.m and home at 3:30 p.m. He really LOVES it and has a great teacher. In fact she is a pusher, she graduated from Purdue University and has been teaching for 9 years. She is really great at relating to the kids as well as making learning exciting. However, lately Isaac has been really stressed about school. He has always had quite a bit of homework, which is suprising to me since it is only Kindergarten.  The packets of homework she sends home seem unreasonable. For example, the last packet of work was 12 pages for the week, with one page of writing for them to write a story. On Friday, I sent a note to her explaining that Isaac was unable to write the story, but that we would work on it throughout the weekend. Her response was- that the words didn't have to be spelled correctly. Hmmm. When I spoke to her at parent teacher conference, she explained that Isaac was very bright and always gets 100 percent on the math, critical thinking, and comprehension but, he can't or won't draw a picture for some reason. I really don't know if it is something to worry about or not. When I sit down with him to help him draw a picture- he always asks "well what am I supposed to draw?" I have showed him how to draw, what to draw- even bought him a special art kit to help him develop his more creative side. But all to no avail. He only likes water color.

Technically boys are less mature than girls when it comes to development. And, Isaac is a very late birthday at the end of April. I've researched it. I've have a minor in child development. I've read the studies, the articles, taken the classes, & read several parenting books. I just know he is smart enough to do the work, but I  am concerned that he is not mature enough to handle the work, and a full day of kindergarten.

Last week Isaac was home for about 4 days because he had a fever and was extremely worn out. I decided that when the fever was over, I would keep him home to rest, relax, and have some one on one time together to assess where he is at academically. I purchased a 1st grade work book and we completed about 4 pages a day. I tested him on reading comprehension and his ability to focus. He did great. So I know he is able to do the work- and I was happy about that. But, I have noticed him crying, breaking out in cold sores (due to stress) and throwing a lot of sleep deprived fits. Some times, he will even go straight into his room to take a nap after school- and still go to bed at 8.

I know that he always has positive things to say about school and always gets a smiley face in his folder, He is making friends, and LOVES his teacher, he is excelling in school, but I fear that it is as the Berenstein Bears would call it "TOO MUCH PRESSURE" for a little 5 year old boy?

I just wish I knew how to help him better. Any advice?