Is she ready for kindergarten?

Question

My daughter is 4, her birthday is in December, which means she won't go to kindergarten for another year and a half. She really seems ready NOW. This concerns me because I don't want her to get bored waiting around to learn new things. I have a bad habit of thinking that she is way too young for something, then she goes and does it no problems. She figures things out on her own all the time. For instance, she can tell time to the hour. No one taught her this, she just figured out how to do it. She started daycare in the fall, and she has really thrived in the classroom setting- listens to the teacher, follows directions, etc. She has started reading a few words, doing simple math, etc.

I think she is ready, and want to have her tested to be sure. One problem- she clams up in one-on-one situations. Her teacher says whenever she takes my daughter aside to assess her abilities, she totally shuts down. I've seen her do this many times- it's like she can't stand the

attention. How can I help her overcome this?

Answer 1

That might be her way of showing she isn't ready. Let her continue in her school (as long as it is one that is really teaching and allowing her the opportunity to learn). Don't take her out of her element. I ha the same thing happen to me, we lived in CA and could test into kindergarten at age 4. The event effects me even now, and I am 23. I remember being taken from my class, and tested, then placed in a new class where everyone was a year older. I truely believe that some resented me. I have never really socialized with my "peers" but would make friends that were my age. If you are really concerned about her having to "wait to learn" start working with her on your own. It is great to see a parent being proactive in their child's education, keep up the great work!

Answer 2

She sounds ready for school. I don't see why she couldn't start in pre-kindergarten (Some schools have this). If she does well playing with children one-on-one, then she may be shy with adults. She may need to warm up to the person who will test her first before any testing can begin. You may suggest to that person that they talk to her first and let her know that she will be doing some testing soon (ask them to make it seem like a game....I test kids regularly and when they are that little I tell them "Today we're going to play some games" because usually their tests are more hands on). You may also let her know that she will be meeting with someone who will be testing/playing games with her, and tell her if she does well, you'll reward her (whether its something tangible or just a lot of praise and acknowledgement).
Good luck!

Answer 3

first of all what you are describing may be your answer if she can only preform these tasks for you or within a group she may be copying others or getting unconcious clues to the answers from you or other adults she feels comfortable with.

most of all DO NOT PUSH her, i myself have a child who is within 5 days of the cut off date for kindergarten, we pushed for her to go (and she already had almost 2 yrs of preschool)and later we were sorry. she almost cried when all of her friends took drivers ed and went off to get jobs (some of her classmates were almost 2yrs older than she was)and she was left behind for another year.

one of the choices that were not mentioned was the option of sending her to a private school or even homeschooling her, you should look into those options. some private schools do a variety of testings(ie not all one-on-one)and homeschooling is also a good choice if you are a stay at home mom or has someone who can fill in for you.

but even if she has to spend another year in preschool not all is lost, to encourage her further be sure to add more choices in activities, encourage some(very little though)bookwork maybe 1-3 pages a day to help with all cognitive areas and add some trips to childrens museums(and other types also)

my youngest child was reading at 3, and stealing her sisters geometery book by the time she was 7 yrs (and answering the ?? correctly) we just kept encouraging her progress and let HER be the guide for when and how much to tell or "teach" her

Answer 4

Although you may feel that academically she is ready for Kindergarten, her social skills may need that extra year. It is best to follow the school's guidlines for the birthday cut off... they know what they're doing. Try finding an academically driven pre-K program where she'll be around other kids her age. As adults, we think nothing of age, especially just a few months difference. But with kids, there is a huge difference between the years. She'll be fine for another year as long as you keep her in a pre-K program!

Answer 5

She doesn't need to be tested i don't think. She seems like she's doing just what a four year old should be. Trust me, the time goes by fast enough, enjoy this year and marvel at how fast she'll be graduated! My youngest of five goes to kindergarten in the fall, and I could just cry! good luck!

Answer 6

Here you cannot even register them for Kindergarten until they are tested by the school district to see if they are "ready" (whatever the means). I would check now with the school district she'll be attending to ask if they do prior testing and when will it be done.l

Answer 7

maybe she thinks she is in trouble when she is one on one or she chokes at test time. if she is ready try putting her in a private kindergarten for a year then put her in regular school. If she isn't mature enough keep her in pre school but find 1 that does academic stuff. you don't want to push her too hard if she isn't going to school for 1 1/2 years because you don't want her to be bored at school when it is time.

Answer 8

I dont know how it works where you live, but here the children attend kinder if they have their birthday by the end of the year (end of Decmeber).

As for the one on one problem I am not sure. Maybe some more one on one practice? She needs to feel comfortable confident and safe. Hope everything works out :)

Answer 9

U SHOULD LET HER TAKE THE TEST AND U CAN CONTACT HER SCHOOL. IT WILL BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY