? for parents re: preschool

[KimRaye]

I'll try to make this short. If you think your child will enjoy and/or benefit from Pre-K, then do it. If there's no harm, why not?

Both my kids went to 2 years of Pre-K, and for different reasons. They are both December babies tho, so they were 'older' than most in each class, but I think it helped each of them, regardless of the reasons.

At the very least, it's something to do, on a certain day(s), at a certain time, with loosely structured rules/schedules. I just don't see any harm in at least trying.

Best wishes in your decision!

 

[preshi]

DS has been in pre school for 2 years and has made a few really good friends. He is going to Jr Kindergarten next year because he was the youngest in his class and he's just not ready for Kindergarten right now.

 

[Beast fan]

DS6 went to a "co-op" pre-school. As a 3 yr old, he went 2 days each week (I think 2 hrs 15 minutes each session). As a 4 yr old, he went 3 days each week (I think 2 hrs 30minutes per session. DS 3.75 just finished his school yr as a "3" and will be in the "4's" next school year.

Both DS's love school, and the teacher they had. Both children had/have the same teacher each year.

It's been wonderful. DS 3.75 has known his teacher since before he was a year old, and absolutely LOVES her. And don't be mistaken.... this teacher (to use language appropriate for this board) is TOUGH. She expects the children to behave, and NOW! Strangely enough, all of the children love her.

Okay, back to what was the thought behind your question (I think.)...... My kids are thoughtful, bright, creative, and fairly well behaved (more so for others, not as much for myself and DW), in LARGE part because of their pre-school teacher. (If you're reading this, Mrs. Tandy, this family adores you!). Would they have been better without pre-school? Not a chance! But that is just my opinion.

Dave

 

[cheyita]

I'm in the camp of it not necessarily being a huge deal one way or the other.

My DDs did go to one year of preschool. The oldest was social regardless, and she learned way more at home than she did at school (like how to read, since we started teaching her phonics at home).

I was not even going to send my younger to preschool, but our Catholic elementary school switched over to a full-day kindergarten and I didn't want her to have to go from full-time with Mom to full day at school. It turned out to be the best thing we could do for her. She really blossomed socially and she LOVED it at school.

But I still don't think it's necessary. I think kids who have parents who teach them the basics at home and who have other outlets for making friends can catch up in kindergarten rather quickly. None of my older nieces or nephews went to preschool and they have all been excellent students at the tops of their classes.

So I don't think whatever decision you make will affect them for the rest of their lives.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Interesting to know Cheyita! ITA w/ you, but I find so few people in my area that feel this way. I don't want my DS to get off on the wrong foot when starting K, but my gut tells me I'm doing the right thing for him. I may change w/ my DD because they are so different. But it's nice to know your nieces and nephews did well even w/o preschool. Thanks.