Should children be allowed to be placed in kindergarten whenever they are ready?

Question

I wanted to enroll my niece in school at four, because she loved the socialization, and she needed to be entertained, plus she spoke clearly and obviously was ready to learn. No one but extremely expensive Montessori schools would take her at four years old. Should they be allowed to go to school at four, perhaps have a personal interview done so the teacher can assess first?

I mean I don't expect all children to be ready for school at four. My other niece is equally smart, but in a very different way, and she is much more interested in finding things for herself to learn, than having other people introduce topics to her, so obviously starting at 4 would be a bad idea for her.

Answer 1

my son is very intelligent and started school (private school)when he was four and did very well!!! but, the difference in maturity is what got him as he got older. he had kids in his class that close to two years older than he was - that is huge when we are talking about little kids! i know that girls are different and mature in many ways quicker than boys. the school that my son went to approached me about him going to school at age four and i wish they never had! when we had to move i kept him in the same grade that he was in the year before. the work was a bore for him for that year, but socially he had a blast, made tons of new friends that were his age! don't just look at how intelligent your niece is, but also look at what it might do for her socially as this is a very important part of her education. also look at the fact that none of the schools want her to start early, they have reasons for this. schools and education isn't a new thing, they have years and years of experience that tell them that five is a more appropriate age to start school. i know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but maybe you could find her a pre-school program that gave her more challenges. find things that you can do at home with her to expand what she learns. also, when she does start school, you can always look into programs that your school offers for gifted children. good luck to you and your niece.

Answer 2

I'm sure your niece is ready for school. She probably exhibits traits of someone who's eager to discover new aspects of the world she lives in. However, it seems as though the public school system won't allow for her to enroll just yet.

As a senior in high school, I distinctly remember being enrolled in elementary school at the age of four; the initial years of learning are just as crucial as the upper level courses i take now. I suggest looking into alternative solutions to your problem: instead of going into kindergarten, my mom enrolled me into pre-kindergarten classes(pre-k), which was an elementary class for those students whose parents felt were ready for school but weren't old enough to begin kindergarten. If the school at which you're currently looking into doesn't offer pre-kindergarten classes, don't shy away from finding other area schools that provide the latter. If you, or someone else is willing to drive, I'm sure you'll find a nearby school that offers pre-kindergarten classes.

If push comes to shove, and you're not able to find any other school opportunities, don't feel like you're getting cheated if you have to enroll your niece into a Montessori school. I also attended a Montessori school (during the summer) and found that the education I received there was just as beneficial to my growth as a student, as the education I received in a regular school environment. REMEMBER: education is the most important gift you can provide a child with, no matter how they get it.

Also, it would help to start having your niece watch educational programs on television (Sesame Street, PBS kids television, etc.). I grew up on Sesame Street, and it helped me learn my alphabet a lot quicker than my grade school peers. I also encourage that someone (possibly yourself) start teaching your niece how to read. I remember that i read my first book the summer before going into kindergarten; this paved the road to many future successes down the road. I'll be attending a top tier university this coming fall (Rice Univers.), all because my mom laid down essential foundations to my education. I hope all of this helps, good luck with finding your niece a suitable school!

Answer 3

A lot of schools now have AK, Alternative Kindergarten. It is an option for those children that are young 5 year olds, or older 4 year olds, but not quite ready for Kindergarten. I've heard good things about it, and of course each child is indeed different. I would ask your school district about it.

Answer 4

No, there is no reason for her to go so early. She won't be any smarter in the long run. There are alternatives to kindergarten that is just as good for socialization. 4 yr olds are still babies in so many ways. My son was 4 for about the first 2 weeks of school till he turned 5. I wanted him to be one year behind his brother. I look at his school picture now and I want to cry because he was a baby. I can't believe that I sent him off so early

Answer 5

I wish they would consider these situations on an individual basis...but I think school districts think they will be opening a can of worms..One of my children was so so ready for school at 4 but had to wait..as it turned out he did 7th and 8th grade in one year and went to a community college for his senior year..He graduated at 16. He is almost 17 and a half now and he has 2 years of college..is now in an EMT program and works a job where he makes 25 $ per hour using his brain....some kids are just ready and you can't hold them back!

Answer 6

NO! cause I read your profile and you ask some crazy questions. Your question is to basically ask if you can manipulate a 4 year old.....



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Answer 7

please please do the world a favor and homeschool your niece. Education today is not what it claims to be, mainy indoctrination desgined to program children out as mind fodder, system serving robots who have a installed beleifs about the world that are limiting and depressive. Any you want to enroll her at four? psh. wave goodbye to her creativity'

Answer 8

I`m not an expert, but the emotional side should be considered, not only the skills the child has. If you do so, it should be ok.

Answer 9

I wonder why rules are made?
Lets just toss all the rules out...

Answer 10

Try putting her in headstart or ECFE.