How do I know if my child should start early in kindergarten if his/her birthday is on the “border”?
A Message to Pre-school Parents from a Fourth Grade Teacher:
This information is designed to help you make the decision about when to place your borderline birthday child in kindergarten.
One year in my fourth grade class I noticed several boys who struggled in the following areas:
--Following directions
--Being independent and responsible
--Higher-level problem-solving abilities
--Confidence
Next, I charted the children in my class according to their birthdays. Here are some things I noticed as I looked at my chart:
My youngest boys were bright, but weak in survival skills. They struggled with following directions, organization, finishing tasks, and handing work in on time. Some of this led to frustration and behavior problems. It seemed as if they were always playing catch-up.
The mature boys were approximately one year older than the boys I mentioned above. They were also bright, but easily managed the responsibilities of fourth grade. School was not stressful for them.
You’ll notice I’ve talked a lot about boys here. This also affects girls, but does seem to be more prevalent in boys.
I’ve learned that with chronological physical maturity, a child’s brain develops the ability to handle tasks that require independent thinking and personal responsibility.
Chronological maturity does not have anything to do with intelligence. If your student is a bright little button at almost five, he could become a socially-unsure-of-himself bright little button later on when school gets tougher. In this world, confidence matters. I vote for anything that encourages it.
Don’t think Kindergarten.
Think fourth grade and above—when school life demands more independence. Many young students struggle, making it hard for themselves, their parents, and their teachers.
Think junior high when students are maturing physically, emotionally, and mentally at a wide variety of speeds. One year does make a difference.
Think high school when many reach physical maturity. I’ve known boys with incredible summer growth spurts. This will affect your student if he plans to participate in sports. An extra year of physical growth, coordination management, and muscular development will make a difference. Picture your child on the basketball court trying to guard a man-sized opponent who shaves.
Think about your child’s confidence.
Think about what you want your child to be—a leader, or a follower.
Factor in family patterns of physical growth and emotional maturity. Some families have late bloomers and others have children who mature early. Consider this in your decision. Many children who go early achieve success in school. You know your child and what he or she can accomplish.
If your child will need special help, that extra year of maturing might make a difference.
Many schools offer a Pre-K option that buys children another year of preparation before they enter kindergarten, and leads to more success later on.
Talk to your child’s preschool teacher and ask for advice.
Talk to people who have borderline birthday kids who are now in upper grades. I have never met a parent who regretted waiting until his child was almost six to start kindergarten. I’ve met quite a few who wished they had waited.
And then, if you still aren’t sure--when in doubt, keep him out, especially if he’s a fall birthday. Keep him (or her) home and enjoy a memory-making year with somebody who is at the delightful age of almost five.
I am a parent and retired teacher with thirty years of experience in the classroom. This material has been prepared with the help of a learning center specialist and school administrator.
--Written by Connie Averitt Williams, author of Ants Across the Page.
--With thanks to Shelly Winter and Rocio George for their input.
To contact me go to [email protected]
A Message to Pre-school Parents from a Fourth Grade Teacher:
This information is designed to help you make the decision about when to place your borderline birthday child in kindergarten.
One year in my fourth grade class I noticed several boys who struggled in the following areas:
--Following directions
--Being independent and responsible
--Higher-level problem-solving abilities
--Confidence
Next, I charted the children in my class according to their birthdays. Here are some things I noticed as I looked at my chart:
My youngest boys were bright, but weak in survival skills. They struggled with following directions, organization, finishing tasks, and handing work in on time. Some of this led to frustration and behavior problems. It seemed as if they were always playing catch-up.
The mature boys were approximately one year older than the boys I mentioned above. They were also bright, but easily managed the responsibilities of fourth grade. School was not stressful for them.
You’ll notice I’ve talked a lot about boys here. This also affects girls, but does seem to be more prevalent in boys.
I’ve learned that with chronological physical maturity, a child’s brain develops the ability to handle tasks that require independent thinking and personal responsibility.
Chronological maturity does not have anything to do with intelligence. If your student is a bright little button at almost five, he could become a socially-unsure-of-himself bright little button later on when school gets tougher. In this world, confidence matters. I vote for anything that encourages it.
Don’t think Kindergarten.
Think fourth grade and above—when school life demands more independence. Many young students struggle, making it hard for themselves, their parents, and their teachers.
Think junior high when students are maturing physically, emotionally, and mentally at a wide variety of speeds. One year does make a difference.
Think high school when many reach physical maturity. I’ve known boys with incredible summer growth spurts. This will affect your student if he plans to participate in sports. An extra year of physical growth, coordination management, and muscular development will make a difference. Picture your child on the basketball court trying to guard a man-sized opponent who shaves.
Think about your child’s confidence.
Think about what you want your child to be—a leader, or a follower.
Factor in family patterns of physical growth and emotional maturity. Some families have late bloomers and others have children who mature early. Consider this in your decision. Many children who go early achieve success in school. You know your child and what he or she can accomplish.
If your child will need special help, that extra year of maturing might make a difference.
Many schools offer a Pre-K option that buys children another year of preparation before they enter kindergarten, and leads to more success later on.
Talk to your child’s preschool teacher and ask for advice.
Talk to people who have borderline birthday kids who are now in upper grades. I have never met a parent who regretted waiting until his child was almost six to start kindergarten. I’ve met quite a few who wished they had waited.
And then, if you still aren’t sure--when in doubt, keep him out, especially if he’s a fall birthday. Keep him (or her) home and enjoy a memory-making year with somebody who is at the delightful age of almost five.
I am a parent and retired teacher with thirty years of experience in the classroom. This material has been prepared with the help of a learning center specialist and school administrator.
--Written by Connie Averitt Williams, author of Ants Across the Page.
--With thanks to Shelly Winter and Rocio George for their input.
To contact me go to [email protected]