RE: Preschool posts. Tell me what y'all think...honestly

winery

Jonathan turns 3 in the Fall and Gymboree P&M has a Level 7 program that's an hour and 45 minutes once a week, and it's a drop off program.

They do arts and crafts, dress up, sing songs, have snacks and, more importantly, Mommy and Daddy aren't present.

We've been doing Gymboree since he was 6 months old, so not only is he comfortable there, but I am too (which is way more important).

He'll start this in September.  In your honest opinion, do you think this once a week for almost 2 hours is enough to get him geared up for preschool?  Not as a replacement, but to get him ready?

 

j-w

DO IT!  I can almost certainly guarantee that neither of you will regret it!  It is as good a transition for you as it is for him!

winery

We definitely will, but I guess my main question is "Do you think this is enough or should I enroll him elsewhere too?".

august0605bride

Sounds super fun.

Harry's school was all learn through play, and it is next year, too. ?The 4 year old program is more academic (focusing on writing and pre-reading skills, etc), but the 2 and 3 year olds sound a lot like the program you describe.

Also, my sending him was more for me than him, so I say do what makes YOU feel good.?

AZ_Erica

I think that sounds good.  Although I don't really understand why you need to "get him ready" for preschool.  We will use preschool as a means to get DS (and DD) ready for school.  I don't plan on using anything to get him ready for preschool.  I could be way off base here too, so take my opinion worth a grain of salt.  But DS will go straight from being home with me all the time to some sort of preschool program at 3.

excitedtobemrs

I really think kids adjust WAY faster & easier than we think they will.

Do I think 2 hours once a week will get YOU ready for him to go to preschool?  Yes.  I think you should do it.

omurray

Yes!  I think its a fantastic idea!  Did you see me page you yesterday?  This is exactly the type of thing I was trying to suggest in my long-winded message.  I say go for it!

BubblyToes

That sounds a lot like the preschool program at Will's daycare.  The first two hours of the morning are spent learning through play, with structured activities, circle time, that kind of thing.  It's amazing how much he's learned.

I say definitely do it.

Andrewsgal

I think it is a great start for both of you. Don't be suprised if you end up wanting more time after you see how much he loves it! I say do it.

winery

excitedtobemrs:

I really think kids adjust WAY faster & easier than we think they will.

Do I think 2 hours once a week will get YOU ready for him to go to preschool?  Yes.  I think you should do it.

 

Yeah, that's the real question, right?  Ha ha.

wellfleet04

I don't know J, so maybe he's extra sensitive etc, but I think it is more than likely that he'll do better at preschool than you think/worry he will.  It's not really something they need to "gear up for" IMO.  It's playing with other kids, listening to cool stories, going outside, doing fun art projects, etc.  Most kids LOVE it, even if there is a brief adjustment period.

Kate is super shy around strangers and fairly attached to me.  I put her in drop off "school" at 19 months.  She cried for about 5 minutes at drop off for a couple of weeks (and is still sometimes a little clingy at drop off) but she is totally THRIVING there and LOVES it and talks about it ALL the time.

I don't think he needs any prep if you/he don't want to, but if you do, your plan sounds like a good one.  He will most likely love it!  GL!
 

omurray

winery:

We definitely will, but I guess my main question is "Do you think this is enough or should I enroll him elsewhere too?".

I think its enough for this year and then he can go to preschool for 2 yrs after this one.  I think 3 yrs of preschool is a waste when there are other options available for things to do. 

xbrooklyngrl

Yes I think that enough because all you really want this to do is A. For him to get used to being somewhere without you and B. Him get used to being with other kids for a longer period...again, without you!

I think its a great idea.

JCS2007

I think that is a perfect start   He is a great kid who will adjust better than you think, and you start with this and see where you want to go from there with his activities.  At that age, it is all about socialization, which he totally has a start on and will get there as well.  You may surprise yourself and want him to do more after he starts, or find that it is just right to have him in that program. I would start with that for now, and see what you think next fall/winter, ie if he needs more or if it is just right. 

Yodajo

I think its plenty.  You aren't starting him in kindergarten until 2012, right?  Sam is starting then too and he is going to do a preschool program this fall that is 2 days a week for 1 1/2 hours each day.  Then he'll do a longer, more traditional type preschool the next two years.  I think that is more than enough.

pincushions

Sounds good!

mrsflanigan

Do it!!! I plan on putting my DD in the same program once she is old enough, which I believe is 3 as well. I might even do twice a week. She has been going to gymboree since she was 6 months as well, and feels very comfortable there.

I just don't see this huge rush to put your kid in preschool. My DD will be ready for K, both socially and academically. I don't need to put her in preschool when she is two or even three for that matter.

FWIW, I was a teacher before SAH and I am a strong believer that most kids not need more than one year of preschool. My DD may not even go at all...GASP! In CA you do not even have to enroll your kid in K if you don't want to!! I wouldn't reccomend that, but i think you can understand what I am saying.