I am so confused about weather I should have my daughter start Kindergarten or not???

Question

She will be 5 Aug. 23 and where I live the cut off date is Sept. 1, so she just makes it, but I have had so many different opinions on it. She knows her abc's she can count to 15, she knows her colors and a few shapes she can write her name. Kindergarten here is all day everyday, thats what I am worried about and the other thing is I don't know about her maturity level but I really have nothing to compare it with, I am just looking for some feedback on this and some experiences other people have had either sending their child or waiting. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, put her in kindergarten!

Waiting would be a huge mistake, and possibly illegal. I know it's hard to let go of your baby, but it's time.

I started at age 4 and did just fine. Girls mature faster than boys, and if you wait a year, she'll be socially very different from her classmates.

Answer 2

Did your daughter go to preschool? If so, what is the recommendation of her teacher?

The cut off for our all-day kindergarten was June 1 and my daughters birthday is May 17. She had already been through 2 years of preschool and was academically ready to move on. She was just fine as far as the academics were concerned, but some of her classmates were almost a year older and a year more mature than she. In first grade, her teacher informed me that during some one-on-one testing, she was the only student who had to take a break because she became a bit tired. We have since moved to a new school district where the cutoff date is Sept.1 and Lily is no longer the youngest in her class. She has always done well in her studies, but was a bit more immature than her other classmates in her old school.

Our son has just turned 5 in July, but will not be attending kindergarten this year, although he is eligible. We know he's just not quite ready for that big step and will be starting kindergarten when he's 6.

My brother-in-law was sent to kindergarten, wasn't ready and was held back the next year and unable to move on with his friends.

My very long-winded point (sorry about that) is this...each child is different...do you think you're daughter can handle moving on to kindergarten? If you're not sure, maybe you should have her start next year when there will be no question that she's ready. Whatever you decide, your daughter will be just fine as long as her mommy and daddy are always there for her.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

Same here, Aug 29th, and 5 this month. His preschool teacher had a great point that I'll pass to you:

In school, they have teachers that know how to teach and what to look for, meaning if there are any learning difficulties, if they're not ready, etc. Your daughter will only gain experience and knowledge going this year, even if she repeats next year. In a public school (as opposed to a private preschool or simple daycare) there are specialized teachers and resources available and, if needed, a lower teach-student ratio for those who need the extra help outside of the regular classroom setting.

There's a cut off for a reason, those who make it: start; those who don't: don't! California used to have a December cut off, not just Sept 1st!

In regards to being all day, I can answer you or you can do some more research, but I've reviewed articles based on studies which show that all-day kindergarten benefits children greatly, versus half-day. It makes sense too, more and more schools are going TO all-day, and AWAY FROM half-day...there's a reason for that!

Good luck, and wish her fun at her new school this fall!

Answer 4

Oh! I am so jealous that you have all day kindergarten! But I can see your worries.

If I were you, I would look at her maturity level. Have you been around other kids her age to see where she kind of falls-in, maturity wise?

My daughter is 4 (doesn't turn 5 until next year) but I said to my husband just the other day that she is ready for kindergarten now. Not because she's really advanced or anything but because she has always had very good self control and has been in daycare forever and she just kind of gets it.

But, I can see feeling the opposite way-like I see some kids in her prek class and think that they are a long ways off from being school ready.

I would just keep your eyes open. She is likely ready, but you are smart to not be making any snap decisions.

Answer 5

If she has been at home with you for the past almost 5 years and you are worried about that, why don't you see if you can send her to a headstart program for a year? That way she will be around other kids that she will be starting school with next fall and that program (although they have some that are all day, every day) is part time. It will get her used to school and being away from you and she will be learning at the same time....and usually the headstart programs are free.

I think she will be fine either way, but if you are leaning more towards waiting until next year, this might be a good option for you to get her started in something not so overwhelming. And btw, waiting until next year to send her to school is NOT illegal....just because she falls within the cut off date, it is still YOUR decision as her mother to wait or not. Good luck!

Answer 6

My youngest two both started Kindergarten when they were 4. Their birthdays are in October. They both did great. My son is going into 2nd grade this year and he is in the accelerated reader program. My daughter is moving onto the 1st grade and she is doing well also. I think the child will be fine, but it's more your preference than anything. One thing, my kids only went to kindergarten half day, so I can't really say how I would have felt at the time if it had been all day.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

The teachers at the school are always aware of which kids need some help getting used to school. Kids are very resilient.

Likely your child is ready, especially since she is a girl. Girls tend to make friendships more easily and certainly communicate more clearly at a younger age. She already knows more than most kids her age. My son couldn't write his name until halfway through 5K, and he repeated 4K!!

I think mostly you just need some reassurance. Find out if the school has online looks into the classroom for moms. A lot of day cares are doing that, and maybe your school has that available. Or, after leaving your child the first day, get out of her line of sight and listen. If she cries, it won't last a minute. You'll feel better, she'll be in a positive learning environment and you'll get some time off from your daughter. I can tell you love her very much. But part of love is sometimes pushing your child out of the nest. She may be awkward at first, but there's no way she'll fall. You've obviously shown your daughter a lot of love and that will be such a huge benefit to her when it's time to be outside your presence.

Answer 8

I started K when I was 4, I turned 5 Sept. 12. I did just fine, but I think it depends on the child. My son turned 5 in May and he's going to K this year, he also had a year of preschool. He's ready, I feel he's ready and his preschool teacher thinks he's ready. Our K is all day everyday too. I think it's all up to you and her. If you feel she isn't ready don't send her. In my opinion when a child is old enough to ge, they should go, unless you have some reason for not sending them. Like they're behind other kids or whatever. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 9

I think she would be fine to start. My daughter knew her ABC, could count to 10 new shapes and colors and did very well in kindergarten. She can write very well now, count to 100, and can read very well. You can always ask some teachers about what she knows and what she doesn't if she ready for school. Good luck :)

Answer 10

Send her to kindergarton. She's 5 , she's old enough. Sounds like she's bright...she'll probably love it. The only thing I would be concerned about is the 'all day' thing. Do you mean 7-8 hours daily? Because when I was in kindergarten (a long time ago) they had a moring class and an afternoon class (about 3-4 hours) I don't think a 5 year old should be in class for 8 hours.

Answer 11

Well ultimately the decision is up to you and what's best for your child. Is your child socially ready for school? Sounds like she already knows alot of things which helps provide a good basis for starting school. Have you considered preschool/nursery school instead?? I am a preschool teacher and we teach the children exactly what they are learning in JK if not more!! Plus the class size is smaller and the hours are better. Just a suggestion. Last year we taught the kids phonics, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, social skills, sign language and a multitude of other things.