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Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten
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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.
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Posted 5/19/11 8:58 AM  |
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smooney
Hidey Ho!
Member since 2/10 1669 total posts
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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!
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:01 AM |
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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!
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| Posted 5/19/11 11:24 AM |
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muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
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Re: Pls help a mom.... Preparing for kindergarten
Posted by FreeButterfly
I'm not sure what he needs to know before he gets to kindergarten.
I am a K teacher and my district sends home info to the parents letting them know what skills should be worked on. Some things off the top of my head are...
--Recognizing and writing their name
--Address/Phone number
--Recognizing letters and the corresponding sounds
--Proper pencil grip and letter formation
--Counting to at least 20
--Recognizing numbers 0-10 (minimum)
--Using scissors
--Shapes/Colors
--Rhyming words
There are more but I am drawing a blank. Do all kids know all of these skills when they enter in September? Absolutely not. Kids come in on ALL diff levels...some already reading simple texts, some that can't recognize their name, and everything in between.
I think it is important to have a child in a pre-k program that is somewhat structured with an emphasis on academics and routines. Some pre k programs are purely social. Of course social skills are vital at that age, but I think a program should also incorporate a large chunk of academics.
The demands increase every year and the expectations of these 5 year olds is actually a little ridiculous. Every year it becomes less and less fun for the students with all of these rigid programs (at least the real winners we use in my district  )...that's why I feel it is important to be in a pre k program that prepares the students for these types of demands.
Message edited 5/19/2011 4:53:34 PM.
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| Posted 5/19/11 4:51 PM |
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twicethefun
Loving life
Member since 7/06 4088 total posts
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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.
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| Posted 5/20/11 6:49 AM |
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