So, my big personal dilema right now is what to do with Kaitlin next year for school. Currently, she is attending preschool at Sacred Heart - St. Ben's, but we have decided that we will go public next year (nothing against Sacred Heart - she's had a wonderful time so far and has learned SO much).
We have tons of options...here's what I have it narrowed down to: 1) she could go to Jr. Kindergarten at Webster School (only location where this is offered) or 2) she could go directly to Kindergarten. With option 2, we would most like send her to Beadle Elementary as it is the closest to our home and she could feasibly walk/ride her bike as she gets older.
Sadly, this is where my decision making ability seems to end.
Here are my concerns with sending her straight to Kindergarten:
1) She will not turn five until June. This is considered a 'late' birthday and many now recommend for children with late birthdays to wait until the next year for Kindergarten (mainly due to #3).
2) She is so small for her age. Kids that are even only 6 months older than her just seem to tower over her; however, this never seems to bother her, so should I be letting it bother me?
Hmmm....
3) The expectations of 1st graders is SO MUCH higher than what they used to be when you and I went to school...I just want to make sure that she has as good of a foundation as she needs to be successful in school in the future.
4) I seem to have an adversion to believing that my little girl is growing up and could actually be ready for the Kindergarten. (FYI - This should really be listed as reason #1!)
In hopes of trying to make a decision, Kaitlin and I visited Webster Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Beadle Kindergarten, and Stewart Kindergarten (the last one just for good measure :-)) this week during the Yankton School District 'Experience Kindergarten Week'. Unfortunately, I am no more sure of what to do...all the classrooms were nice...all of the teachers were nice...what to do, what to do.
So, last night I expressed my frustration to Justin and gave him all the options, pros and cons, and asked for his opinion. Without hesitation, he said "She should go to Kindergarten."
"Okay," I said, feeling somewhat relieved that he seemed so sure of himself. "Why do you say that?"
In true Justin form, this is what he said: "Well, it's one less Christmas program we have to sit through."
Ahhhh, how sweet - NOT! He was no help whatsoever!
So, can you help? Mothers, 'involved' fathers, those who know Kaitlin best...what is your vote for Kaitlin - Jr. Kindergarten or Kindergarten?? Let me know what you think! If you didn't already notice the poll box at the top of the left sidebar, please go there now and cast your vote!
Speaking from my own experience, wait a year. Better to be the oldest in class than the youngest.
ReplyDeleteI was moved up a grade from 3rd to 4th grade. School was never again the same for me.
I would say Jr. Kindergarten because that way you know she will be ready! Even if she is ready for Kindergarten now...she will always learn more in Jr. Kindergarten too. You can always move her to Beatle school next year! I guess I was the second youngest in my class...but it didn't bother me at all!
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree w/ Lynn! Jr. Kindergarten. She's a smart cookie, but socially, it might be better to wait for K another yr, especially since she is littler. It'd give her another yr to get more comfortable w/ the school roles and expectations before gettin in w/ the bigger kids.
ReplyDeleteI have 7 children and was lucky enough to learn from my eldests experience. She had a late birthday (Nov.)but was brilliant. She could write her name at 2, read at 4 etc. Her preschool teacher was just amazed by her. When she hit around 2nd grade and she started to go downhill. She could do the work but not keep up with the maturity thing. Kids were expected to be more responsible, hand their work in...she just wasn't ready for this. Things never improved she become an A/B occasion C student. She also never fit in. When all her friends wanted to go out and do things as teens, she was never old enough. In sports she ended up on the teams with kids in grades below her because they were "her age" thus leading her to not want to play (with the "little" kids) Now, with my 2nd and 3rd children (Oct. & Nov.)I put them in kdg. twice. They are both straight A students now. My 4th and 5th have spring birthday and do well but not as well as their sisters who had the extra year. My Kindergartner has an Aug. bday and is just doing okay this year but in the bottom 1/4 of her class and we are deciding to keep her back a year. This all said...my opinion would be since she has a June birthday (which isn't real late now that most schools have changed from Sept. to Dec. deadlines) I would let her try kindergarten and you can make your decision at the end of the year to let her continue on or keep her back the extra year.
ReplyDeleteHTH- A fellow Scrapbooker =o)