I was curious if any of you mother's have put your children into kindergarten a year early and what the process was like? Do you think it benefited them? Would you do it again? Are/were they in public, private, or charter?
My 3 year old (4 in May) is at the top of her preschool class and seems to have outgrown it awhile ago. My mother who is a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher took her into her class and she was at their level of learning and had to no problems getting along with everyone socially. Her father and I talked it over and decided we wanted to try and see if she would be ready for kindergarten next year. I've been researching how to go about this, but would love some advice from other mother's whose children have gone to kindergarten a year early.
Update:
Thank you all so much for the replies! We found out our state doesn't allow children to go to kindergarten early under any circumstances, so yesterday she had a meeting with a private school and she will be starting the Pre K program in two weeks. If the school and I feel she's ready they'll put her in kindergarten next year. If not she'll just do Pre K again. No biggie.
IF she is ready and enjoys it then go for it. I think you have to have some forms to start early. Plus ALL the other stuff that comes with start kindergarten.
Only you know your kid and how she handles things. If you think she's ready for it (and truly ready without the usual parental "my kid is awesome" biased opinions) then go for it. Not at all saying you have that opinion, just that it's a pretty common thing among parents.
Good luck!
We are in the same boat here. Our DD will be 4 in Nov and the cut off is Sept. Next year when she is 4 we plan to work with the Elementary School to see how we can get her in early. She is already in the older class in preschool and on top of that class.
I personally wouldnt just due to having to cope with being with older students. DD was 5 when she went and from no formal school (we couldnt afford preschool) to a full day school for kindergarten she did great. In our area there is a mini school that does a 5 yr old class for those who arent ready. I wonder instead of putting her in the school if mom could just bring home the worksheets for her to work on at home.
Do you think the benefits outweighed the draw backs for you? I only know two people who went early and they never mentioned whether they liked being a year younger or not.
Quoting macksmom716:
I went to K a year early and did well....but highschool was rough because everyone was older and I had to stay behind on a lot of social activities...call the local school and see what the process is for her
Well I do definitley think my kids are awesome :P Lol. But it's definitely more than that. I just don't think she's getting the challenge in preschool anymore and she's in the best preschool in town (though it is a small town haha) Plus my mother and her fellow teachers who saw her when she went in that day told me it wouldn't be a bad idea since she fit in so well.
I like the way the school system in your area is laid out. That's a really good idea.
Quoting Kiwismommy19:
I'd start by seeing what the process involves at the school system she'll be in. Here, in preschool-3rd grade they mix the kids up a bit. Add the younger ones that are advanced with the older kids in somethings and the older ones that are behind with the younger kids. But keep them in the grade they're supposed to be in based on age until 4th grade then either keep them with their age or hold them back or move them higher based on where they are acedemically.
Only you know your kid and how she handles things. If you think she's ready for it (and truly ready without the usual parental "my kid is awesome" biased opinions) then go for it. Not at all saying you have that opinion, just that it's a pretty common thing among parents.
Good luck!
what's the best way to...
- playfulmama
on Feb. 14, 2012 at 2:30 PM