Early entry into Kindergarten?

Would you consider holding back especialy if your child was born within the months of Sept/Oct? I'm seeing a noticeable difference mostly on the social side of other children almost a year older than my ds that would be in his kindergarten class (for next year). He would be the youngets and is the youngest in his preschool class today. As far as his abcs, numbers etc.. he knows all what is expected for kindergarten buy to this day his socialness (?) is more on the toddler side if that makes any sense. Do you think there is more of a con on holding a child back a year?

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

If I had a child that met the deadline for enrollment (Dec. 1st where I live), then I would not even consider holding him/her back if I felt like they were ready academically for Kindergarten. My oldest boy started off very shy, took a long time to warm up in situations, etc. and it was amazing what a few short months in Kindergarten did for him. IMO, socially they catch up, it's academically I would look out for.

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

DD is at the end of August. I was a September baby.

I would never think of holding her back. It is amazing how much they "grow" when they entire Kindergarten. The skills she already has in 2 months of school versus full-time preschool is amazing.

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

I think it depends on the child but if they are academically ready, I would send them. You know your child best. My DD and DS are both October birthdays. My DD is in 1st grade and is the youngest in her class and is doing awesome. My DS is 4 and will start kindergarten in September as scheduled

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

My son is the latest of late.. hes Nov 28th (cutoff is dec 1) I was back and forth with this for a year. His nursery school teacher is the one that convinced me he'd be fine. He struggles very slightly.. but its the short 2 months since school started I see improvements in him that I know he would have never had if I had kept him back. Hes coming out of his shell and making friends and writing letters and numbers and even starting to read short books. This is my baby that 6 months ago couldnt remember the whole alphabet :)

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

My son is an October baby.. Academically, he was on par with the kids (especially good in math) but maturity wise, IMO, he was not ready.. so I held him back and it was the best decision I made. He is in first grade and he has so much confidence and loves learning! he reads and writes and is doing so well in school that it only reconfirms that I did what was best for him. Another plus is that he plays sports according to age, which means he plays with "older" kids, so IMO he is gaining from that as well.

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

It's the hardest decision I ever made as a parent.

My son's birthday is 11/13. He is crazy smart, but is socially age appropriate for his late in the year age, and is TINY compared to his peers.

After much debate I sent him to kindergarten on time and it turns out I made the right choice. He is in 3rd grade now and is doing beautifully in school.

Re: Early entry into Kindergarten?

I wouldnt hold my child back. They adjust they really do.