Son starting kindergarten without preschool experience
My son is 4, turning 5 in september. My in-laws have pushed and pushed me not to enroll him in kindergarten this year because they don't think he's ready, in some ways I agree, but in others, I know he wants it so bad, and I personally think kids should start formal education earlier than he has. I intended to enroll him in prek this year, at least, because my husband and I were at odds over him being ready (he is of the same mind as his parents). When I went to register him, the school told me he was too old for pre-k, so I talked it over with hubby and enrolled him in kindergarten.
I am a SAHM without a lisence, so my son has minimal opportunity for socialization, the one skill he lacks in that makes me nervous about him starting K in september, so my question is, how can I help him prepare? We have started taking him to sunday school, but that is only one day a week, and he is the youngest/smallest in the class. We have tried with some things, such as we know he will have assigned seating in the classroom that will change periodically, so we have assigned him a seat at our dining table and change it every week or two. This has helped a little with getting him to understand the concept. I have tried to institute a meal routine in my house for nearly 5 years, with no success, though we are all sitting down to supper together now where we used to eat on the go, or on the couch..ugh.
Any and all advice will be appreciated!
Most 5 year old boys can't sit still for long periods which is what public schools require. For this reason and the fact that 5K is not required in most states I would NOT send him to 5K. Particularly since he is only turning 5 in September.
You want to set him up for success if possible. Schools treat little boys like they are bad when they are normal little boys that have to move. They also encourage drugging them. If you need him in a place consider a private 4K at which he will be one of the oldest and better able to excel.
Also 4K is less about sitting and more about doing.
I strongly urge you to do that instead or just keep him home and enjoy him.
One a kid learns that he is seen as inferior at school, it's very hard for him to do well and have decent self esteem. I speak from experience with my son.
Btw, my girl was called gifted.
My son was called ADHD.
Upon testing, (which I told them they were not to do but they did anyway) he was not ADHD.
My girl IS but she was never flagged that way, only gifted.
At one time the schools were more in favor of boys. That's not the case now. Hopefully someday this sort of prejudice and divide due to sex or anything else won't exist.
Quoting BisketLiss:I personally think kids should start formal education earlier than he has.
Why?
Does your church have Vacation Bible School? That might help him. This summer my son went to VBS one week, day camp at the Y one week, and now he's in a church camp.
That's what kindergarten is for mama! Relax!
Other than the basics (Recognizing ABC's, identifying his name and possibly writing it, etc) all you need to focus on is interactions. Take him to the park as much as possible, take him to neighbor's houses, join playgroups, etc. Even if he's simply around other adults - he needs those new experiences outside of the comfort of his own home.
My son did not do preK. His birthday falls a day or four days before school. He stated kinder on day after his fifth birthday. All I did in preparation was get him a tour of the school the year beforehand.
It should be about time for new enrollees. Call the school and ask for a tour the day he is being assessed for readiness.
It will calm everyone down if you do, he sounds fine....sounds like many adults (not you) are not ready for the growing up part of their babie's life...
Good luck , you'll need some type of transportation though, kinder-second get sick frequently especially is they have been at home until now.
my daughter was in preschool for 2yrs before entering into kindergarten and she still struggled..and stil ldoes (she'll be in gr 3 this september)..as for socializing..have you ever put him in any type of sports? or swimming? cooking? science? anything where hes around other kids his age?? there are lots of summer activity camps going on..maybe check some of those out??!!
7:30-8:00 — wake up, dress, breakfast, brush teeth
8:00-8:30— art (draw, paint, sculpt, etc..)
8:30-8:45 — cleanup art things, wash hand, potty break
8:45-9:15— outside time (walk, hopscotch, etc...)
9:15-9:30 — Snacktime (list snack for the day if you want)
9:30-9:45— learning time (flashcards, reading, etc...)
....and so on. It's a great tool for kids! It helps them prepare for what's coming up, learn the concept of time and gets them used to transitions.
My 4 year old didn't get into Pre K for the coming year, so I'm homeschooling him until he goes to Kindergarten next year. And I have been worried about the same things.
Growth spurt?
- BisketLiss
on Jun. 30, 2012 at 8:58 AM