OT: Skipping Kindergarden

[Benducci]

Let her enjoy kindergarten. Kids grow up too fast- let her enjoy her childhood. I am sure she will get more out of kindergarten than you realize & she will be with kids her own age/.

 

[writersblock42]

One thought kept going through my mind...16 year old boys, 17 year old boys, 18 year old boys, yes, even 19 year old boys.

 

[HamTown]

Another gradeskipper chiming in....

I skipped 4th grade. At the end of the 1st 9 weeks, I was placed into the 5th grade. Everything was great. I hit puberty early so physical appearance wasn't an issue, neither were academics. But taking the written part of driver's ed at 13, not driving until the end of my junior year, not being allowed to date until way after my classmates, it really took a toll. I was in a program through Duke which offered fantastic summer programs for gifted kids, but my parents would not let me attend because I was "too young to be away on a college campus that long". I wasn't allowed to apply to the state high school for math and science because I was "too young to live away from home". You may think it a great idea now, but imagine yourself allowing your 14 yo daughter wanting to date a classmate who is almost 17 or qualifing for residential programs at 13 or 14. Would you let her go?

Also, as the mother of a 1st grader, Kindergarten rocks. 1st grade, not always so much

 

[undertheradar]

With all of the great responses here you have received much valuable information. Now let's consider the other aspects. Activities such as scouting, church youth groups, etc., are normally divided by grade - not by age(there are exceptions but the standard is by grade). Sports activities are done by birthdate. How would you like to be the child who watches all his/her friends play and then has to go to another field/gym to participate due to the age difference. During the younger years it would not be too bad, but junior high and above would be torture. It is hard enough for kids to adjust and adapt to school regularly. Add the pressure of being younger and possibly academically more advanced and the peer pressure could be disastrous. I would enjoy the kindergarten year and add stimulation at home and through playgroups. Go explore museums and zoos, enjoy playing together and realize that they grow up very quickly as it is.

 

[Tiger926]

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[perdidochas]

My daughter who will be 5 in April. Is attending preschool this year. It is a "public school preschool" Meaning, it is VERY sturctured. And they do pretty much everything they will be doing in Kindergarden here in the fall. She goes for 4 hours a day and has learned a wealth of information. She has always been "smart for her age". She had a couple of evaluations and the teachers have all said she is well above her age level for testing (she tested in October at 6 years old, as far as knowledge, speech, emotional and physical development go.) Even now, I can see that Preschool is no longer a challenge for her and she is looking for more to do, and harder things to conquer. I have recently been teaching her how to read which she has picked up so quickly, and at 4.5 she is reading MOST of the stage one books that we picked up at Walmart a few weeks ago. We don't have the money for a private school. Are there any other options? Is it wise to have a child this young SKIP kindergarden? I mean, there are alot of things that I feel she could still stand to get used to, such as a FULL day of school, being around more kids her age. And just the sheer fact that would mean a year sooner leaving the nest. I am happy she is smart and I don't want a smart kid to turn into a troubled one b/c of a lack of "challenging things to do" but I also don't know if skipping Kindergarden is the right choice.
Have you ever been in this situation??

I wouldn't advise skipping kindergarden. In a properly run kindergarden class, they should be able to accomodate all levels, including the way above average.

 

[barbmouse]

As a teacher, I would also say no. Kindergarten is NOT what it used to be. The kids are expected to read. The teacher should differentiate learning to meet each child's needs. We have alot of students who read very well in K. The socialization is very important and there will likely be several other students reading as well as your child. My dks both read early and well.. but there is no way I would want to skip them! It is so much better to be one of the older students!! While you may feel that for now she is mature for her age...will that still be true in middle school?? That is where the differences sometimes become more pronounced. Just my honest opinion!

 

[ilovepooh]

I currently teach 2nd grade, and previously taught 4th grade for 7 years. I don't recommend skipping Kindergarten. I actually had a fourth grade girl who had skipped a year, and was struggling. Maturity is another factor to think about.

I didn't read the other posts, so I apologize if this was already suggested. I wouldn't skip K, but would see what types of enrichment or Gifted/Talented programs the school has available to challenge her.