Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten

I'm not sure what type of preschool to put DS in - mostly because I'm not sure what he needs to know before he gets to kindergarten.

X-Post - What type of preschoool

Thanks so much.

Re: Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten

I used to teach Prek (in a traditional setting- private prek-5 school). I believe that Montessori schools, although they can be wonderful, offer a very different approach to teaching and learning. The transition can be very difficult if you will be planning to put your child in a typical public school for Kindergarden. Then again it is only one year, so it may not be that big of a deal. Both have their pros and cons and the bottom line is what you and your DH are most comfortable with. I would suggest narrowing it down to a couple and then going to visit the schools while they are in session so you can see them in action. You will be able to get the best feel for where your child will do best. Ask to speak with the principal or headmaster, some staff, or parents, take a tour, etc. Good luck!

Re: Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten

Thanks - both programs are offered at DS's daycare. He will be staying there.

Ex-H also said that DS will be in "pre-school" for 2 years so a year of each might work out too.

I hope the director lets him go to both classes. Then I don't have to make a decision!

Re: Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten

Message edited 5/19/2011 4:53:34 PM.

Re: Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten

I am a teacher and I chose a co-op for my child. They did follow the curriculum as mandated, but they took a very hands-on approach to learning. They emphasized problem solving and understanding story structure. They studied artists by pretending to paint like each one (eg, for michelangelo they taped paper to the bottom of a table and each child laid on the floor to complete their picture.) THey studied the world and planets all in a very creative and fun manner. My son still remembers those lessons and during that time he learned to think, to problem solvem, to be a friend and understand a story. He also learned his letters and numbers but it certainly was not drilled into his head. He developed a true love of school.


He went off to kindergarten and became and amazing student. He was not bored with the constant drilling of letters cause he really had not mastered them yet. He mastered all his letters in kindergarten and now in first grade, he is one of the top readers in his class. Why? cause he has an amazing vocabulary and an understanding of story structure...all he needed was to grasp the letters and he took off. SOme of his friends were bored in Kindergarten because they knew their letters way better than my son. But they do not read at his level now.

He is continuously complimented by his teacher on his behavior and maturity. I am very proud of how he has done and I know his preschool teachers had a lot to do with that. My dd is signed up there next year.