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Ideas for getting around the 5 y/o rule for K?
DD is extremely bright. Not the "I'm her mom and she's the smartest kid in the world" bright but the teachers are commenting on her bright. I want to get her into kindergarten in 2011 but since she'll be 4.5, I can't put her into public school. Many of the private schools here still adhere to the 5 before Sept 30th rule. Should I try a montessori? Anyone have success putting their child into school early?
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Re: Ideas for getting around the 5 y/o rule for K?
I don't know anything about montessori schools but I don't know that there's a way around it. Just put DD in pre-K and then K next year.
I don't get the whole pushing them into K before they reach the age limit. They put that in place for a reason.
Kaden William 11/4/06 and Dawson Michael 6/30/10
Dawson's first birthday - at the zoo
When it her birthday? There is more to consider than just how bright she is.
I think some of the really expensive, elite private schools in the area around here (e.g., where the Obama girls go) can get you around that rule. They do iq tests and such and will place the kid where appropriate.
Frankly, I don't think you should skip her so early. Give her a chance to SHOW that she's bored (and I was bored in elementary school, I know what you're saying - but I was also one of the younger in my class and I didn't skip and that really sucked).
Kaden William 11/4/06 and Dawson Michael 6/30/10
Dawson's first birthday - at the zoo
Academic readiness is only one reason the cut off for K is 5 years old. I was bright as a kid, always in AP and gifted and talented programs, etc and I had an EXTRA year in between K and 1st grade for reasons that had nothing to do with how bright I was (social, emotional maturity, etc).
Personally, having gone to college with kids who were very, very smart (Ivy League) but very, very young and immature, I would rather my children be in age-appropriate classes no matter how smart they wind up being. I don't think it does them any favors, unless they are truly a child prodigy, and probably not even then. You can do enrichment activities at home to supplement school if you're worried she's bored, but I bet she won't be. There is so much more to school than the academics.
I sympathize but let me tell you though she may be ready based on her intelligence and mastery of certain types of information her maturity level (even if she seems extremely mature) may not be quite what you think. This happened to me, I was skipped ahead because I was precocious and large and although I might have been ready for some of it, I wasn't ready for all of it, and it was very hard on me! Like I understood the content of what I was supposed to learn, but I didn't fit in with the kids...it was obvious to me that they were older.
Not saying your DD isn't ready for sure (I don't know her) but she may have issues that you might not think of socially being thrown in with kids much older than her. Montessori might be a great way to go though, because they mix ages naturally. I would look into that.
ever read Outliers?
It is usually not good to be the youngest one in the class
Obviously, you know your child better than the rest of us, but we're giving you our opinions. Again, they put the limit in for a reason, but you're ultimately going to do whatever you want anyway.
Kaden William 11/4/06 and Dawson Michael 6/30/10
Dawson's first birthday - at the zoo
My DD has a Sept. birthday and started a few weeks before her 5th birthday and did great. Sept. b-days are so on the cusp that I could see not wanting to wait a whole year. But we are talking about a significantly younger child right?
I really don't get the bored thing at all. Does she use her imagination well?
Also, at my DD's school the kids who are more advanced are offered more advanced opportunities for reading, math, art etc.
Ok, see and this is one thing. But for instance in my situation I didn't turn five until April. So I was four for most of Kindergarten. When I turned five most kids were turning six, or had been six for months. That is the situation the poster's child would be in (closer to it).
But OP knows her own kid, and maybe there would be some K situations she would thrive in...if you really want to do this just look for a school with an admin who supports this (probably private) and keep a close eye. I might try to consult with a developmental specialist too.
And, just because I'm curious and have a child close in age to yours...how and in what ways is your daughter ahead? What kinds of things can she do that make her stand out? (I'm not doubting you, just honestly curious).
One thing to consider is her age in high school. Do you really want your 16 year old daughter being a senior with 18 and 19 year old boys? I think there are TONS of ways to challenge your child and keep her interested in school than by starting her early.
I have kids in my class (K) that are reading above a 4th grade level (and have for the past few years). Trust me, they aren't just sitting around bored. While the other kids are doing CVC words, etc, they are doing readers theaters. They are definitely ways to challenge your child in the kinder enviornment.
She knows her colors, ABCs (has since about 18 months), and can count to 20. Her vocabulary is astounding, and she's very articulate. She can follow 2 and 3 step directions. I have friends who are teachers who are very impressed with her verbal ability.
Then why are you asking us ways around getting her into K early? If you have your masters in Elementary Ed why don't you just call your school district and explain how intelligent your child is and see if you can have her screened to enter school early? What's the worst they can say, NO? That would probably be the only way that you can get around it... it's not like any of us know where you live and/or have "pull" at your school district...
Kelly Monaghan's 5K - 5/15/11 - 3rd Place in AG
Walk the Talk 5K - 5/18/11 - 31:12 PR
Ridley Run 3.1 - 4/14/12 - 1st race of the year, 32:45
I know very little about Montessori schools, but I thought they taught 'classes' to a wide variety of ages all at once. I just started looking into them as I think I'm interested in sending DS in the fall (age 3.5 then). From what I understand, they don't teach lessons and such, rather the children learn at their own pace and are guided and watched by the 'teacher' and assistant in the room. It might be a good place for you to start before sending her to kindergarten young.
class 1 = infants and toddlers ages 3 months - 3 yrs
class 2 = primary, ages 3 - 6
class 3 = elementary, ages 6 - 14.
Not to be snide here but if you are higher educated in this very area, then wouldn't YOU know the ways to get around the 5 year old for Kindergarten? Wouldn't you have the accessibility with your professional networks to get your child into a program that would coincide with where she is developmentally?!?
I TTA with the other posters that the cut-off limit is there for a reason and really should be followed. If even the private schools and higher leagued programs are instituting this policy, then there's probably a very good reason for that and with your education level, I would think you would understand. If I felt that my child was very bright, then I would just anticipate her being moved onto the 1st grade when they realize that she's getting bored with the kindergarten material. If that should happen (bumping her to the 1st grade when she enters K at the appropriate age) then she'd end up in the same grade age wise that you think she should be at but get to maintain those first years of not having to attend school. Trust me -- she'll be in school for a long while and there's no reason to begin that process early.
My son can do all this too. He can also READ all of his letters and numbers- not just recite them. He can follow multi step instructions and he has a very extensive vocabulary as well. That doesn't mean that you put them into kindergarten early... I would rather wait and put him (and her) with their peers that are the same age-- I personally wouldn't want to feel like an outsider...
This seems right on target for her age.
Look, I'm sorry, and I'm not trying to be mean, but that really isn't that impressive. Most kids that I know around 2.5 y/o can do all that. I certainly wouldn't be using that list as the deciding factor in putting my kiddo into Kindergarten a year early.
Kelly Monaghan's 5K - 5/15/11 - 3rd Place in AG
Walk the Talk 5K - 5/18/11 - 31:12 PR
Ridley Run 3.1 - 4/14/12 - 1st race of the year, 32:45
Well, she sounds very bright, and based on my memory of posts you've made on here I'm sure she is. I would just be careful with putting her ahead...if you go that route find her someplace special, not just any old (even very good) public school. I know what it's like to be moved ahead (I'm not some kind of super smartie pants BUT I was a very tall, and very verbal little girl) so I just have a personal perspective on this and would just say to proceed with caution.
I'm sure she's darling. :-)
I agree. She's seems pretty typical for a 3-year-old. I'd put her in a 3's class when she's ready (next fall?) and see what the teachers say.
And to echo several PP's - being the youngest (or at least younger) in high school and college SUCKS.
My son is like that, too but I still don't see why you'd send her to K early. Are you trying to save on daycare costs? Looking to go back to work? It just doesn't make sense to me. What 4 year old is bored? That's what playing/outings are for.
ok, not to be snarky, but this isn't that advanced. There is also so much more to kindergarten than these basic skills. I would consider all factors before you push to make your child age faster than she needs too.
Kids are only little once. Enjoy it.
You just described my daughter when she was 2 years and 11 months old as well. Many people remarked about DD's abilities at that age. Our extended family got into a habit of calling her a "super genius" because she'd blow them away with her vocabulary and understanding of language. As well as her ability to count very high. She was even able to write her name at that age which was pretty amazing considering it's length. Guess what?!? Now at almost 4, she's leveled off and is very much on par with other kids her age. You have no idea where your child will be developmentally a year from now and it's pretty premature to be ready to throw her into K at an early age.
I believe that everything you have stated here is NORMAL for her age, not exceptional. DS is also very verbal, knows colors, numbers, etc and I'm not blinded by the fact that I think he's brilliant. Every child is different and while they ALL may not be able to do the things your DD can, it doesn't mean she's a genius by any means.
Kaden William 11/4/06 and Dawson Michael 6/30/10
Dawson's first birthday - at the zoo
What's her name?
is she the one who won't tell her DD's name??
Again, both MH and I were youngest in our classes and weren't scarred by it.
I don't know what her name has to do with it, but it's Maddie.