My Son Is Bored in Kindergarten

I skipped 2nd grade and HATED it.
I was the youngest of everyone in my class. All of my friends were a grade below me and it was that way all throughout school.
Everyone did everything before me.
One year doesn't seem like that big of a difference, but when you're 7-16 it is. I graduated when I was 16...that's not normal!
My mom regrets putting me through that but didn't really fully understand how much I hated it until I had my own kids and it came up.
Don't move them up a grade. It's no fun for the kids...believe me!

I was a nanny for a family with 7 kids, the youngest was just starting Kindergarten, and I also watched the wifes bosses son. The bosses son and the youngest of the families kids both started Kindergarten the same day. When I picked them up I asked how their day went. The bosses son said things like "I colored with Red", "I read a book", I got to play with new toys", etc...when I asked the families son what his day was like he said" I need to learn to sit down and be quiet and be nice to my friends"...talk about different experiences.

Each child will have different experiences and in Kindergarten they do mostly work on reading skills and some pre-skills for math and other topics.

I teach Kindergarten and this is an issue I deal with frequently. I'm sure you have spent a great deal of time working with your children and spending time building their background knowledge. It can be frustrating to know that your child is waiting to learn something new. However, there are a few things to consider before moving your child ahead a grade or two.

I would begin by meeting with your child's teacher. The teacher may be aware of your child's academic skills and already have a plan in place. You may want to ask how your child follows instructions, the routines that are in place, and how your child is getting along with the other students in the class. Academics are not the only things that children need to learn and develop in kindergarten. In today's society parents are so concerned with reading and math that they over look how their child is doing socially. Getting along with others is very important in school, neighborhoods, and work places. We can rush academics, but not maturity.

Another thing to think about is what will happen when your child is faced with issues in high school and college. Do you want all of the other students driving and your child is left out because he is to young. There are other areas where his age will come into play. Will he be the smallest kid in class? Maybe not a big deal in 1st grade, but it will be in high school sports.

Some children say they are bored because they would like to be playing more or are having trouble following the rules. This is understandable, but your child would suffer in 1st or 2nd grade if he is wanting to play more and /or can't follow instructions. He may not be used to the structure and expectations of a school setting. Unfortunately sitting for 5 to 10 min. and listening at the beginning of the kindergarten year is a typical and realistic expectation, some children struggle to adjust.

Your child may also be presenting as gifted now because of the time and energy you have put into his academic work. But when the other children catch up, or he is surrounded by other children who know more, how will he do? I have seen several children start out very strong, and then level off because the maturity and skills are not there yet. A 5 year old brain is very different than that of a 7 or 8 year old.

Is your child the only advanced student in the class or grade level? The teacher should be able to differentiate for the needs of the higher learners in the classroom. It may take a few weeks to get to that point, but it will be worth the wait.

I would speak to the teacher, honestly evaluate your child's maturity level and ability to interact with others, and go from there. If your child's teacher is unreceptive, ask for a meeting with the principal and teacher. Ask how the district assesses placement, and if your child should be tested.

Reading, writing, and math are all a part of a kindergarten curriculum and your child's needs should be met. But don't forget, academics are not the only important thing in kindergarten. Good Luck!!

I agree it would be worth talking with the teacher. You'll likely get a good feel from that as to what to expect and how he/she plans to engage the kids. I would caution though about bumping up to first grade. They may be ready for it in the academic sense, but socially/emotionally it can be problematic for them later on, especially boys. It may not show up right now, and it may not, but the emotional maturity is really important. - Hope you have a great school year. Good luck.

We never put our girls in pre-k. When our older one tested right into 2nd grade when she went for K registration, I was glad we hadn't. We had the option of putting her into the 2nd grade immediately (all our girls have Jan birthdays) and I thought long and hard about it. I'm glad we chose to keep her in K...there's some things down the road that she would just not be ready for emotionally. Now we're going through the same thing with our twins. If it were me, I'd leave your kids right were they are due to the emotional factor.

I suggest you arrange for a meeting with the teacher to find out what the expectations are for the year, and make sure the teacher knows what your children are already capable of.

If it seems as if they will only be repeating what they already know, then a skip to first grade might be appropriate. If the teacher can provide enrichment activities during kindergarten (books for your children to read that give them a chance to practice and expand on what they already know, etc.) then they might do well to stay in kindergarten with other children their own age.

Kindergarten teachers face a big challenge at the beginning of the year, since some children come in already knowing how to read, while others don't know the alphabet yet. It's sometimes hard to find a balance that meets all of the children's needs. By the end of the year, all of the children have to be ready for first grade.

Can you volunteer in the classroom once a week, to both help out the teacher and find out first-hand what goes on in the classroom? Just a thought.

I hope this helps!

Academics are only a portioin of what they teach in Kindergaten. What they really want your kids to know is how to sit and listen, how to take direction, and how to interact with other students. You should talk to the teacher and see if you can't get him on a more advanced reading set. That's what we did for our daughter, she was reading the second grade material by the end of the year. Kinder is mostly establihing skill sets to make teaching the academics in future grades easier.

It does start slow in the beginning. My daughters class (last year) was eventually learning to write sentences with periods. I would say to give it another month and see. You can ask the teacher what the curriculum is.

The first few weeks of Kindergarten are about learning routines and getting used to a school day that is VERY different from Pre K (especially a traditional Montessori program that allows children to choose their own activities rather than follow a structure) When is back to school night ? the teacher will let you now more about the goals and the curriculum. In my experience teaching K, children who are interested in reading, writing, math or science will find ways to do more of their favorite -for instance choosing to write notes during "quiet time", read more challenging books during reading time, make signs to augment creative play or create more difficult problems to be solved during math. another example: When the teachers models making patterns she will make simple and complex, as the children practice this, bright and confident students will then challenge themselves and make complex patterns. Truly gifted students are rarely bored because they challenge themselves. Ask the teacher if your son displays confidence, challenges himself, and choose reading, math or writing during choice times. Students who complain of being bored are usually students who want to play more(again this is a transition time and things should get better) Your daughter is at the same place academically? but not complaining? I like the suggestions of volunteering if possible to get a sense of what is going on in the classroom.

Every school's curriculum is different.

Speak to the Teacher.
If they can, isn't there a "gifted and talented" program at that school? Most schools have them.

If you moved them up in grade level, make sure that their emotional maturity will handle that.
Some very advanced children, moved up in grade level... but down the road, when Tweens or Preteens, the 'older' kids will be doing things that maybe a younger child is not yet ready for, for example.

Next, there is a difference in child led curriculums and Teacher led. And there is a 'transition' for the child, because the approaches are different.

just some thoughts,
All the best,
Susan

This happened to us last year, only my daughter was in Pre-K. She went in knowing how to read, add and subtract. After 2 weeks they moved her into Kindergarten, where she did fantastically well. Now she's in First Grade and of course on the first day the teacher tried to give me flack about "are you sure she's old enough?" I asked the teacher to give my daughter 2 weeks and then we'd revisit the discussion. Well, it's been a week and now the teacher says that clearly First Grade will not be a problem for my daughter!

So the bottom line is, if your kids can do everything that will be required of them in Kindergarten, it might be time to move them to First Grade. One thing that upsets me about public school (this is our first year in public) is that they do tend to take a "one size fits all" attitude about things, and I really believe that as advocates of children, we need to meet kids where they are - whether they are performing above or below expectations.

Go speak with the teacher and principal and ask about having your child assessed for First Grade. He can always repeat the year if it turns out that he needs more time to mature or whatever, but anything is better than turning him off from school or making him feel like he's a "bad" kid because he's bored. You have to do what's right for him, not what is expected out of an average child.

Good luck!

Kindergarten is pretty simplistic to those who have given their kids all the background stuff already, but I agree, it's not so much that kindergarten is too slow, it's that reading and math etc aren't necessary so young. Some countries who test WAY higher than the US in these skills for college teach reading MUCH later than we do, when it's easier and faster for kids to learn because they already have advanced knowledge of words. Reading is reading. Math is math. When he's 20, it's not going to matter if he was 4 or 6 when he started learning it. It's all a balancing act. You could always advance him. Or you could keep him with his own age group while enriching him with extra activities and studies at home. I skipped ahead when I was young, and by high school was failing since I felt bored and out of place and younger than everyone-or maybe it was totally unrelated depression who knows. But early bird parents always find kindergarten lagging. Use your judgment-I'm going through the same thing with my daughter in K4, she's already past 1st grade level in stuff, but I think I'm going to let her be with her peers and continue piano lessons etc. on the side she can always jump later or home school or something. Lots of options. Good luck!

How are their social skills Mom? If they are good and do they get along well with others of the same age, you may want to consider seeing if they can test out of Kindergarten. Just ask at theie school if this is possible tomorrow. It sounds like they were way over taught in Montessori pre-K, this can happen in that pgm and it is sometimes a disservice to the child if they are not good at socializing with others their age. My only concern would be do you want them starting middle, high school and college a yr earlier with older kids who may influence them? I would not want this but it is your decision. I know that some public schools in FL offer a gifted program that the children are referred to test into but it doesnt begin until 1st grade. Ask if there is one in your district. Hope this helps.

Back to Montessori.
Best, k

Oh, my I know. My youngest suffered in Kindergarten I totally understand. He was not about to go to the next level (1st grade) since the teacher and principal thought he wasn't mature enough. Well, later I learned I could have went above their heads and to the Board of Ed about my mainly the boss to the Principal and had more done about it. Look at your County website to see the rules about having a child tested or you requesting the child being raised to the next grade level. Don't let anyone stand in your way! If you feel this is what needs to be investigated and done the do so. Best wished to you.

Hi,

Coming from a Montessori environment it is pretty typical that they come in ahead for kindergarten (i.e. reading, writing, math etc.) also getting into a more structured schedule is a challenge when the child has been taught to self-learn. I would suggest you speak to the teacher about a) his transition from a montessori enviroment (in other words is the teacher aware what your child's previous training was?) and b) if your son isn't challenged enough with the current curriculum then perhaps she can offer him some advanced work. The other option of course is to see if he is able to be jump up to first grade if he is socially/emotionally ready. My son just started Montessori kindergarten (after going through pre-k at the same school) and we plan to keep him there through sixth grade. Some of his friends that have moved on to other schools (public or non-montessori) are having some small transition problems since it is the beginning of the school year. It remains to be seen how they will do throughout the year. Good luck!

Hello, my son had this problem last year in VPK (just the bored not the transition from Montessori school)...I would talk talk to the teacher for sure. For us, last year we were basically told they follow the vpk curriculum and that's it. My son made up work and tests he was given, in great detail, told me which words he had to spell, read, etc. which he couldn't do and which he could...he was THAT bored he was wishfully making up harder work! He got in trouble for acting like the teacher often, I was so happy to get to K. Now, here we are with them learning letters and numbers again and my son can read, spell, add, subtract, etc. Luckily, so far he is happy with his new school and the resource classes. His school has gifted and will test the kids around Christmas. Hopefully he will get in, and solve the problem. Not sure if I am helping, but I sure can relate.

I would talk with their teacher, find out about gifted, skippuing grades, all of your options. I know soon, they should assess the kids' reading and divide them into reading groups, that should help your son get the more challenging reading material he needs/wants. For us, we're not allowed to volunteer in our own child's classroom, so I cannot guage what's going on other than by what my kid tells me and what his teacher writes in his planner. I would just explore all of your options and also make sure the teacher knows your kids arecoming form a different type of learning background. Good luck toyou!

Also, we got a handout about the first 9 weeks, writing letters, tracing lines, etc. Preschool stuff BUT they will leave K (I am told) reading, writing journa, entries, etc. so I think it is a little bit about easing into the routine of all day school, etc. Wen I toured my son's school last Jan., I saw kids readihg whole books aloud, so I know the good stuff is coming...

You have to remember that while your son knows most or all of this stuff already, a lot of the kids in the class won't so they need to start at the very beginning. As far as getting you child(ren) tested for gifted, I know that most schools do not do this until they are in 2nd or 3rd grade now. My daughters teacher (kindergarden last year) said that my daughter was the smartest in her class and that she was going to have her tested for gifted but never did because she said that they wanted to wait. My daughter had a child who was reading on a 3-4th grade level in her class and they had her tested, but she wasn't gifted, she just read really well. My daughter was also very bored her kindergarden year, and I looked into homeschooling thru the virtual public school, but wanted her to go at least one more year. So far this year (3 weeks in) she is loving 1st grade and is happy to go and hasn't once said that she was bored. In the beginning of kindergarden they basically relearn everything they learned in VPK

I had a simular situation with my son. Kindergarten is great for socialization and that is important but talk to the teacher about testing them for the gifted program. They do this at most public schools for free -its $250 +/- if you do have it done privately. Once you get the results you can make a Educational plan, have them participate in the gifted classes, OR look at enrolling them in an all gifted or fundamental school. Here in Pinellas county we have a montessori public school - that might be a good option for them. I do still feel like the most valuable lesson my son learned in kindergarten was the process of school, getting along with others, etc... Encourage them to enjoy being little and feel good that you have obviously done a great job with teaching them at home! Good for you! And good luck!

I have checked into what the Kindergartend curriculms typically teach and although my child (age3 3.5) already knows most of it I know that a lot of kids don't. I fear she too will be bored.

At the beginning of the year, they are often reinforcing what they should already know and seeing what each kid does know and can do. Be sure to let him get in the groove but also talk to his teacher to see what she observes in class AND what can be done to accomodate your child's abilities.

You received a lot of GREAT information. The one thing I didn't see: Don't be surprised if you get an attitude from the teacher that is "All parents think their kids are smart". Be ready for this. If it doesn't happen great.
I have the same problem. My child is now seven and when he turned five, he was reading on about a 2nd grade level. We ended up in lots of therapy (he does have fine motor issues, but, we ended up in other therapy as well!) Because he didn't want to do things that every one else was doing. WHY? because he already knew it. I have a child that doesn't like to repeat things he already knows. The teacher now says: "I can't make an evaluation, because he does nothing." (with the information I have given you, give him something harder until it peaks his interest! sheeese.)

When he was five, I had him tested. The results came back "Typical for a six year old". He was five and one or two months. All I received was blank stares. No one got it. We ended up in a Behavioral class, because he was so bored that he started acting out. Now he is learning NEW behaviors that were worse than what he started with. This kid is smart and tests out all that he sees. What joy.
The teacher he started with in Behavioral class: recognized he was quite smart and was willing to take him the extra mile. The teacher that took over after she left, said she would, but made things worse.
My child, in K, started the 1st grade reader in Oct, finished it in March.
1st grade, new teacher. Told new teacher, everything was documented. She said she would start him on the 2nd grade reader. She did. an obsolete one. When I found out(at the end of the year!**)she said he didn't want him bored next year. I said, well you didn't help, she asked why, (again) This child does not like to repeat the things he knows, The lesson is the same, but the story is different. He understands that. and he will catch on what you are trying to teach him. So, this teacher is now giving him what he pretty much learned in P-K. You should have seen the list of three letter words for 2nd grade to learn.
Sigh.
I'm not just say this: He is the smartest in his class and he has two 3rd graders in there. They are trying to slow him down. I just don't get it.
So, If I were you and had the opportunity. I would put my child back into the Montessori from where they did pk. (at least, your child will be able to move ahead where they need to move and stay with children their own age!) I would get my child tested to see what level they were really on. I would stay on top of the teacher. You are your child's advocate.
I plan to have my child tested again this year.
No offense to the teachers that that have chimed in. I'm sure you are great!
BUT, not all teachers are created equal and neither are the schools. (Don't get me wrong, I love our school. I just hate to retrain for my child every year!) With a smart child, you will be facing a lot of issues and you need to stay on top at all cost(**). Do not put full trust in the "SYSTEM"(**). Stay in the loop!

Good Luck on your wonderful journey!
V
Ps. Don't let them slow your child down. I think in the long run, you will end up with issues trying to get your child to work. What really needs to happen is for the SYSTEM to wake up and realize that there are kids in the same age group that need to be in a higher learning group. Before anyone comments here is the issue with mine and gifted: My child is on a higher level. He is bored. He is acting out. Until!!!! He is a perfect angel, they will not introduce Gifted to him. With that being said: UNTIL: They start challenging him, he will act out and will never meet gifted.

it sounds like you may need to see if they can be moved to 1st grade.

In Kindergarten there are a lot of children that have not went to VPK so they have to start at the beginning. Sad to say but yes, children that have had previous schooling are bored out of their minds. You need to talk to the teacher and maybe he can have some extra work to to. That is what I did for both of my girls at several different grade levels. When I was a child my teachers did this for me. At second grade I was doing fourth grade math for example. They also can test your son and see if he needs to be moved into the next grade. I honestly don't suggest moving a child up at any time because it is best for them mentally if they are with children their own age. Talk to the teacher and let him/her know that he is bored.

I think it's time to have them tested for first grade. If they are socially advanced as well they will be fine.
I have an advanced daughter and am kicking myself for not bumping her up more than just one grade. She would rather be in a college class right now than a junior, she is 15 and still bored silly with 4 AP classes and two language classes. .
Follow your gut.

Perhaps your children are ready for 1st grade instead? My daughter was, and she didn't even attend Pre-K, I just taught her at home (I'm a SAHM). So her first year in school, will be as a first grader. I had some reservations about it, but then I didn't want her to be bored and loose her excitement about learning and school. There was a placement test she took, is there something like that available to your kids?

I have boy/girl twins too that just started Kindergarten! They went to a school that accelerated the learning process. What they are doing now is what they did in the three year old program. They too are bored but are not acting out, yet. The teacher realizes that they are smart since they always have a book in their hands when they completed their teacher's work. I supply them with the books that are at their levels. They write and draw pictures on the back of their papers too. This helped the teacher see that they already know how to read and write. When I talked with their teacher, I told her to test them for the whole list of sight words to third grade since their other school had them read and spell them weekly during spelling tests. My daughter knew how to spell them before she even was tested on them, since she was reading at three. In math, right now they are leaning numbers 0-5. They knew this when they were 2 and went to twenty. Now they can write their numbers 1-299, write and count by 2's, 5's, and 10's. They add/subtract two-digit numbers with no trouble. Since I talked and showed the teacher their work, she decided to contact the gifted teacher to get them into the Talented Development program. The gifted teacher called me saying that she doesn't have any kindergarteners in this program. However, she can get one of my two in this month. I of course jumped on getting one of them in. Maybe you can try talking to the teacher and get them challenged by the gifted teacher. I understand how you feel since you don't want them to slip backwards to fit in. I challenge my two at home and give them some of "my homework" so they can continue working at their levels. Good luck!