past the cut off date for kindergarden??
Answers:
I don't know what is on the test. But my guess as a student teacher and mother of a four year old, is that they would test for kindergarten readiness through writing skills (holding a utensil, tying a shoe, letter awareness, etc.) and social skills.
I understand your frustration with knowing your kid is ready and it being so ridiculously close to the cut-off, but my advice, is there really is no need to push it. He will get there and when he does, he will succeed. Allow him to be a kid, play, socialize, and maybe do a good pre-k program if you want.
my worry is if you emphasize this with him right now, whether it is even unintentionally, it may create feelings or associations of pressure in relation to school. taking a test at 4 or 5 can be pretty foreign and anxious. especially when they totally don't get it. they just want to be a kid and here is an adult, they don't know, asking them questions and having them do things and they may not even be in the mood to answer them the way the adult wants to hear it. You know what I mean?
I totally get your frustration. Don't get me wrong. My daughter is the same way. But I think, I am not gonna worry to much about it. It is only a year. What is a year in the long run? If she is ready now, I just imagine how much better she will do in school, academically, next year.
Good luck to you and your son, but remember, no matter what your decision, he will succeed.
Other Answers:
I think it has numbers, the alphabet, writing, and communication skills.
I think part of it is academic stuff. I also think part of it is to check his maturity level. My daughter is a few weeks past the cut off date. I chose to keep her home for the year and start her when her birthday meets the requirements. I met with several school counselors ( I work at school ) and also a few teachers ( including two family members who have taught school for years) Everyone's opinion was the same - keep them home until the date's are correct.
It is better to be the leader in the class than to be the child who is struggling to stay caught up. It is also beneficial ( although shouldn't be the only reason ) when it comes to boy's sports to be ahead of the game a little.
There are no benefits to starting them early or testing them into kindergarten ( according to teachers and principals ). If you are looking for a way to keep him stimulated and active while waiting for kindergarten time, enroll him in a good preschool or early learning program. Perhaps try some preschool sports or music classes.
I know your excited to have him start kindergarden, but don't rush the little man,.... then if he has trouble you'll feel bad about it. No big deal just let him start next year. And if you still want him to take the test then ask the school ? Every school might be different ya know? Make sure your child knows his address and birthday! Along with the other basic tasks of counting, cutting with scissors, recognizing shapes and colors, etc. If your child doesn't know these things now, you might want to wait until next year instead of pushing him to learn them this summer. Some kids just aren't ready, and they respond negatively to being pushed to learn things.
Why the rush? It does not matter what he knows academically. Sure you can train him to learn his numbers, colors, letter sounds, but what matters most is social and emotional development. This is something you cannot teach him. Children who start kindergarten early often fall behind. They cry more, have a hard time making friends, playing games, following directions, being on the playground. The other children often see them as the "babies." Also, a lot of children who start kindergarten early are held back. They see their peers move on. They feel something is wrong with them because they were left behind.
I have been teaching preschool for 12 years and in the case of almost every Fall born child advise the parents not to send them on.
Over the years I have contacted many former parent who decided to send their child on early. A lot of these children had the problems I mentioned. EVERY parent who sent their child on regretted their decision!
Also think about his later years. He will always be the youngest. He'll be a 16 year old in high school with 18 year olds. He will forever try and catch up.
Give him the "gift" of another year! Enjoy your son for another year. Good luck!
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