jen2124

Yodajo

Hi!

I think I read that you're starting the boys in kindergarten in 2012.  Is that right?  Have you found that to be the case with most kids w/ fall bdays in your school district? 

I am pretty sure we are starting then.  It seems to be the norm in our district.  Are you doing 2 years of preschool?  I am debating about doing preschool next year and then jr kindergarten or just two years at a preschool.  Just curious what you polan on doing.  I am driving myself crazy going back and forth!

Jen2124

HI!

Yes, we are starting them when they are almost 6 instead of almost 5! I do think it is more common around here....I even hear of people holding their kid's back who have summer birthdays..yikes! Plus, I keep seeing what a huge difference a year makes in general (how much they change) and I would way rather they be ahead a year than behind a year....even moreso since girls seem to be more mature than boys. 

They are going to start preschool this fall. We are starting out with 2 days a week (2 1/2 hour sessions). I might add a third day in time..we will see. I don't really think it is necessary, but they could use the stimulation and they like having something to do. 

I forget...what city are you in? We are in Northville. You can email me if you want, too: jnel0403@yahoo.com

 

Yodajo

Yes, Sam has a friend with a July birthtday who is starting when he is 6.  The mom has two older boys with fall bdays who were held and she is a a big proponent of it after seeing how they did.

We are in Brighton.  I called the local school's proncipal and even she was recommending it and saying how she wished she had done it for her own boys.  From talking to other moms and the school, it seems to be what most are doing.

Right now, Sam  goes to a preschool type program two days a week for an hour and a half each day.  I did it moreso just as a MDO thing.  I am struggling with how to handle the next two years though.  Sam is constantly asking to go to school,  so I know he'll do three days next year.  Its the year after (2011) I am debating on what to do. 

Jen2124

I know what you mean because i think the boys would love school, too. They have a class they take now that they call "school', and they ask to go all the time. The thing is, I also hear 99.9% of the time from people that they recommend holding back. I almost never hear the opposite....esp from teachers. I am very sure I am holding back, but I may add more preschool days. Do you have an "early 5's" program? I am thinking of doing one of those next year.

Yodajo

Yes, an early 5s, but it is at the elementary school he would go to preschool at. Its 5 days week though and I have heard it may not be as good a program as some of the preschools. Its free though and it would be with some of the kids he would be with in kindergarten. Holding back sounds so negative. The principal referred top oit as giving them the gift of time. Sam is certainly "smart" enough for school, but its his maturity, particularly in hs that I am concerned with. For us, I think its a good decision!

Jen2124

I know what you mean, but holding back is so common, I don't even think of it as sounding negative anymore! I think it would be different if they were "held back" in school and had to repeat a grade! My sil just had a baby last September...she is also a teacher and she will also be starting him later. I also think it's a good decision for us. I also feel like so much is expected of kids these days, I will let them "be kids" for another year. I am certainly in NO HURRY for them to grow up....in fact, I feel like I could cry when I think of them going to "real school"!

Yodajo

ITA with everything you just said! I am in no hurry either!