Need Advice on Kindergarten

We were in the same boat last year. It was a difficult decision because others his age went to kindergarten while we opted for preschool. I have never heard anyone complain that they regretted holding their child back, but I have heard people complain that they would have wished they did. We felt it is better to have the oldest child in the class rather than the youngest, especially with boys who tend to develop slower. We felt it would help gain self-confidence with our son, who was also a preemie.
Either way, if you inquire at your school they will give you a list of requirements that the child is expected to know prior to entering kindergarten.

Tough call. He's right on the cusp (literally!) and being premature might have an influence--but maybe not.

I don't want to sound harsh, but had be been in some sort of preschool at this point, you would have an answer to your question. Sometimes an outsider (teacher) can give you guidance on this that you would have otherwise not known. Part of 4 year old preschool teacher's job is to "ready" them for kindergarten. That person would be able to tell you 1) Yes, he's ready, or 2) Let's do another year of preschool.

So much is expected in Kindergarten and many districts have full-day programs which is brutal for kids who have never had any "school" experiences.

Since he's never had any schooling at all (day care??) combined with his very late birthday, I would be inclined to wait another year. However, you might be able to find some sort of online "checklist" for preschoolers. See if he really does know what he's supposed to, then make a decision. Though my main concern would be is emotional readiness since hasn't been in a school setting before.

Good luck!

Why don't you enroll him in preschool now? See how he develops. You will get feedback from teachers and it will not hurt. I have had my daugher in Prek for two years. She will be five in July, but we have had her in children's French class (with me) three time a week for one hour a day since she was one. A two, she did it for a bit longer and at three, she was in a Gym and Learn three times a week from 8 until 11:30. THey learn on compuers, then do gymnastics. I love it. I am a stay at home Mom and she is my only baby. Send your little boy to school. You will be amazed how your little boy develops. Even if you put him in Pre K again next year, who will care? Your son will just look at it as more playtime!
Good Luck,
L.

I'm a teacher by trade (3rd grade) and my advice is to enroll him in a school-like environment for this next year. A place with a curriculum, a teacher and where you can drop him off. He will need the training of being in school, listening to an adult, functioning without you and feeling comfortable getting to know others he doesn't know well. Most kids who are in school before they need to be get very frustrated with themselves and end up acting out. Because he's been home with you, he really needs this first step, first. It's really not about his academic level, it's more socially. Most parents will agree that emotional and social well -being is top priortity at this age. You can contine to help him academically if you want with what will be expected of him in Kindergarden by reinforcing things. Kids easily learn and forget at this age. You might begin helping him with math and reading now. Both of these skills can be done in a play way and he'll feel confident when he gets to school. Hope this helps. m

Hi Lynn.
I currently teach 2nd grade, but I used to teach kindergarten. The district that I work for is a very academic based kindergarten program. other districts are more "play-based". I would go to the school and ask to meet with the kindergarten teacher/s to see if they think your son is ready. My experience says that it is better to be the oldest in the class, than the youngest, especially when it comes to boys, but you know your child best. Good luck.

My best advice is that you should contact the public school district for testing as soon as possible. These days kids don't just have to be prepared for the academic but be prepared overall including socially and emotionally.

The school district after testing can better tell you if he should wait a year or if he is where he needs to be. Preschool is always beneficial to all kids not just at-risk kids. My twin cousins where born two months premature as well and because they went to school due their birthday have had a rougher time in school. Schools are starting to realize that preemies sometimes need to wait a year before starting school because they will otherwise always be playing catch up.

From what you said that your son already knows I think he would be bored in preschool. From my experience with preschool its run almost like a day care. It's more for social skills I guess. I took my son out of preschool for that reason. He started kindergarten this year and goes all day. HE LOVES IT!! as do I. He's is already reading and his confidence and independence is off the charts. I know it's scary to send your baby off.....I cried for the whole first two weeks he was gone!!! Not to mention followed the bus for quite awhile too!! Yes I am one of those!! But really he is just doing so well and is so happy that it makes it all so worth it. I would say try the kindergarten and if after the first two weeks he's not happy or you aren't happy then pull him and try pre-school. You can absolutly do that. Good luck and no matter what trust your gut!!!

I think all school districts are required to offer pre-school testing. District 202 has testing 3 times a year. Next one is in the Spring. They'll help to identify if your child is ready for Kindergarten. I would also call the school and find out what the Kindergarten curriculum is. Most schools will have Kindergarten enrollment in late Spring.

I would enroll him in a pre-school program now - just to get used to being away from you and in a school environment. He needs the socialization.

Hello Lynn~
I have read all other responses and must say people are too quick to judge....none of my family went to preschool and my son didnt go to preschool....preschool is not everything....and just because your son was born premature doesnt mean he is behind for his age....sounds to me that he is very ready for Kindergarten....half day is also helpful...I would say it actually sounds as if your child is ahead of many others...I know when my son was in kindergarten there were children that couldnt do half of what you say your son is doing now....go for it.....the school should keep you informed if they think he is not ready....Good Luck!!

I was scared also when my child did not have any preschool, What i didn't know is i was doing all i could at home and i guess i done ok. She didn't know her abc's that good. She new all her colors and other stuff but not her numbers. She is doing very well in kindergarten and i told her teach from the start.
What i think you should do is get info on what he needs to know for your school and than see if he knows it. If he knows it he will do great trust me. My child is in no other kind of class and she can read and do all what the other kids are doing and she had no preschool.
On him being earily that does not matter he might be smarter than you think, i have twins that was earily and they are only 2 right now but we are in first steps and they are getting help. They have came a long way and i have a baby v-smile and love doing that with them and reading to them and going over the abc's and numbers, etc. if you have been showing him stuff don't be scared of him going in to kindergarten. Just think if he doesn't do well you can hold him back next year but than who knows he might be ahead of the class. You don't ever know. Just don't think he won't be able to handle it.

Lynn,
Academically he is ready. Preschool is for teaching social skills. Kindergarten teaches all the things you are mentioning. My son is five, and he does not know all the things your son knows. My son is in his second year of preschool. He was a preemie too, also two months early. His birthday was in October so he had to have another year of pre-k even though I feel academically he isn't challenged. His social skills are very good, and he is bright despite his lack of numerical and alphabetical expertise. From what you've said, I'd think kindergarten would be better for your son but if you think he needs to work on his social skills or gets along better with younger kids then follow your instincts.

It sounds like he knows what they will be teaching him in kindergarten. The question really is, is he emotionall ready? Can he sit still long enough and not run around and be a distraction? Can he be without you for long enough that he's not crying all day? It sounds like he's on the right track, but even kids who can do the things your son can do might be emotionally immature or not ready to enter school.

Keep in mind that if he doesn't do well, he can always repeat it and at that age, it's not a big deal. Also keep in mind though, that if you force him in and he's not ready, it could have a bad effect on him and make him hate school. It's a tough place to be in!!

Have you tried asking him about it? Does he know any kids in kindergarten already, or first grade or something? If so, you can ask him if he'd like to go to school like so-and-so does and explain what he would do all day in school. Talk to him about it a lot and see what he really thinks.

I think it sounds like he is ready. The toughest part will be for him to be seperate from you. You might want to try some preschool or drop off classes now and see how he does.

Another idea is to talk to the school where you plan to enroll him and get their perspective. You could also work with them to see what would happen if you try and it doesn't work out.

My niece is born Aug. 28th, and when she started Kingergarten she had a hard time, my sister thought about pulling her out, but after a few weeks she adjusted. But she worked with the teachers to get their opinion and advice.

Good luck.

I had to deal with this the hard way at the end of kidergarten but I still think I made the best choice for my son. Here is what happened. My son was well ahead of the game in the academic stuff. he could read most 2 and three letter words, knew his colors shapes, numbers, basic addition and subtraction (0-10) and when he got to school he was so excited to be with other kids he "played" too much. He would tell his teacher that what they were doing was to hard and then come home and finish all his papers when he didn't have any one to play with. He was like your son in the birthday thing except he was only three weeks early but that three weeks would have held him back. He is now in first grade and we have decided to hold him back because he is just not mature enough to do what the other kids are doing now. I still think it was best to put him in school because after the first month or so he got into a routine and the social aspects have been wonderful. He has gained self confidence like you wouldn't believe. What ever you decide will most likely be what is best for your child. my advice is only that you maintain weekly communication with your childs teacher, which I would recommend in the first year of school regardless of age, and that you let your childs teacher know as much about your child as you can so s/he can give him work that won't leave him bored and looking to chit-chat. Best of Luck