DD + preschool

Spin313

DD is 3.5 and starting preschool next week. This is the same school DS went to, a language immersion Montessori. They have two classes: one that's 2-4 and one that's 4-5.

They sent the class lists last night and I was SHOCKED that they put DD in the older kids class. I don't have a problem with it, per say (the teacher is awesome!), but it was completely out of left field. There wasn't any kind of evaluation...probably just based on the students that were returning/space + knowing certain families/second siblings.

I'm just going to go with it, but I feel like DD is unprepared for this class. (When DS was in it, there was more writing and cutting and DD doesn't have a lot of practice with either). Ugh, now I'm more worried about her starting the year!

orangegoggles

They probably figured it would be the easiest transition because wouldn't she have to switch in about 6 months anyhow? Also, they probably think your DD will fit in better social/academically with that class. I'd ask about it just to make sure it wasn't a numbers decision but I don't think its a big deal. 

littlemermaid

Since she's 3.5 and girls typically develop faster than boys they probably felt it would be a better fit to bump her into the 4-5 age group than have her with the younger kids.

Spin313

littlemermaid said:

Since she's 3.5 and girls typically develop faster than boys they probably felt it would be a better fit to bump her into the 4-5 age group than have her with the younger kids.

This is probably it. DS was also 3.5 when he started there, but he spent his first year in the little kids class, even though some girls his age were moved up.

DD did go in back in April and sit in on a class. She went in just fine, but had some separation anxiety at the "end" and wanted to leave.

Spin313

@amy052006‌ - split age groups are pretty common in Montessori classrooms. Most fives are going to be in kindy anyway, so there might just be a few that missed the age cut off for elementary school.

Angela814

amy052006 said:

I just don't get this, and why preschools a make it more complicated than it has to be. Have a date, that is the cut off, end of story.

The cutting or whatever isn't what would bother me. My 3.5 year old in a class with 5 year olds would.

If she wasn't in the class with 5 year olds, she'd be in a class with 2 year olds. She's right in between both.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If they're moving some younger kids up, I'm sure they'll also make sure to teach to their level, right? Besides, so much of preschool is just social practice and practice for a school setting. And isn't Montessori supposed to be more individual based so she can work at her own pace? She'll be fine. :-)