Teachers, I need your help!

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Re: Teachers, I need your help!

I think, in general, girl, in general, are better prepared if they started earlier. If Alex were a boy, I'd say hold her back (there are studies that say girls are ready to start school at 5, boys, much later).

I was a September baby also, and my mom said she was worried at first, and that until 5th or 6th grade she noticed how 'young' I was compared to the other kids. In middle school, she said, I seemed to catch up.

My suggestion would be to start her in a private k. See how that goes. If she seems too immature, put her into public k the next year. Holding kids back can also be detrimental. However, there are also lots of enrichment programs in schools, so that's something that Alex can be offered later.

Good luck with your decision!

Re: Teachers, I need your help!

I think starting in a private pre k is the way to go. From what I know about Alex from your posts I think she would thrive in a more challenging environment.....not only now but throughout her life

Re: Teachers, I need your help!

Hi Beth,

As a teacher and a mom of a Sept baby I would try my best to get her into the public K and if that doesn't work I would then opt to send her to the private K and transition her into the public school first grade the following year. I am a K teacher and last year my highest level kids were the ones with the late birthdays and from reading your posts about Alex she sounds like a very bright, verbal little girl who will be fine. FM if you want to chat!

Re: Teachers, I need your help!

as a former k teacher, the difference in maturity levels of some kids was incredible. although the kids may be able to read/handle the academics, socially they are not always ready. it was obvious to me who the youngest in the class were. but, it mainly depends on the child.

i don't support pushing a child ahead just because. i support it if the child is truly ready emotionally, socially and academically. if any of those pieces aren't there, they aren't ready. kindergarten is intense--in my district there isn't even play time anymore! it was academics the entire day. that's a lot for a young child. and even though girls are typically more mature than boys, it's not always the case.

as an older grade elem teacher right now, i know exactly who my youngest students are. they are still immature as compared to their classmates and many have academic problems. it's not that they aren't smart, it's that they're not ready for the rigor that is elementary school now. i always wish that 3 of them were in a younger grade--they would be doing so much better socially and academically. you can tell the difference.

when it comes down to it, it all depends on the child. districts have cut off dates for a reason. there will always be a youngest and oldest in the class, but when parents push ahead, it "messes" with that and can cause huge age gaps in the class. it can be very evident in elementary and middle school and usually evens out in high school.

although my DS isn't even born yet, as a teacher, i would have no problem letting him wait a year if he needed to. i know how important it is to be similar to the other kids in the class and how immature kids stand out academically and socially. i wouldn't want him to struggle and would hate myself for pushing him for something he wasn't ready for.

best of luck with your decision.