Kindergarten

I can see that parenting is going to get more difficult as my kids get into school. Why can't my DD just stay in preschool forever?

Anyway, I'm looking for some advice from some been there/done that mothers. DD is going to start kindergarten in the fall. I have had several people comment to me that she is going to be terribly bored in kindergarten. So, naturally, I'm concerned about this as to whether it is a valid concern or just one of those stupid comments that people love so much. DD is 4.5 and she can read really well - hence, the "bored" comments. I hate to even talk about it because I am sooooo not one of "those" moms. DH and I really have no idea how she learned how to read so well because we haven't done anything with her except read to her. :huh: She just figured it out and took off running and now she can read any sort of book.

But kindergarten is about more than reading right? Or should I be concerned? We have the kindergarten screening in about 3 weeks (the week of my due date!) so I'm not sure what exactly that entails.

???

[samssugarmomma]

Re: Kindergarten

Mine is only 3 so I obviously havent BTDT - but have you considered looking for a school that focuses more on "learning through playing" rather than "sit down / book learning"? I have a friend of a friend that has a son that can read already and she found a kindergarten that is run through a church that focuses on learning through playing.

Re: Kindergarten

It's more than reading. A lot of it is about learning HOW to do school. That said - they do focus a lot on beginning reading. I'd make it a point to have her show them how well she can read, and ask them what options they have.

Re: Kindergarten

I thought about that (ie was looking at the Montessori) but I have realized that she loves structure. (I am under the impression that the Montessori isn't as structured? Kelly? Kelly? Let me know!) Her preschool teacher has commented that DD loves to know what is happening next and loves to have a "plan" for the day. Example: she hates gym time at preschool because it is just a free for all and she loves their specialized exercise class twice per month because the teacher comes in and leads them in activities.

[Phoebe]

Re: Kindergarten

Your daughter will love kindergarten. It is exciting being around the kids and in the classroom. There is a wide range of knowledge base (can't think of a better term) in kindergarten. Some kids may not know all their letters and some will be like your daughter. My daughter's class is just know bringing home books to read. Each child in her class is at varying levels. Besides reading, they are working on writing sentences, basic counting and basic math. My daughter's class has them work in groups and at different centers.

A lot of kindergarten is about learning to follow rules, in addition to the reading and writing. They work on a lot of units like community helpers, transportation, presidents, etc. Your daughter may be bored at times. My daughter gets bored, but it isn't because she is at the head of the class. Sometimes, she doesn't want to do the work. She says, "My teacher is so boring. She always makes us do work". She loves her teacher.

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: Kindergarten

ditto the love for KG. She'll do great. If she loves structure, she's going to love KG. Every KG class I've been to-- I think... 3 now?, starts with a "plan for the day" type of thing. The kids know their schedule, etc. My kids didn't start KG reading, but there were plenty of kids in there who did know how to read. The reading is one part of elem ed that, IMO, is very tailored to meet the needs of the individual. They separate into different reading groups of about 4-5 students in each. She's going to find peers who are on her level. She's going to also be challenged by other aspects of KG, too, so I wouldn't worry about her being "bored". You know her best though... Do you think school would be boring to her? Does she like art projects? Does she like working with shapes, and numbers, and practicing writing?

My twins loved KG. They wish they could've repeated it! They think First Grade is fun, but not nearly as fun as KG.

[houseelf]

Re: Kindergarten

Are you in the "O" school district or the "K" school district? I know your house in on the edge. (My apologies to all for the abbreviations...trying to keep your anonymity). Although I'm a graduate of the "K" system, I would feel more comfortable placing my kids in the "O" system. It is a much smaller district with lots of parental involvement. However, as the kids get older, they pile on the homework. Of course, they have the highest college acceptance and test scores in that region. I commented in another thread about a "premier" district that had third and fourth graders doing an hour of homework a night--"O" is that very district. However, since you'll probably be long gone by then, this may not be a consideration

My son has done extremely well in two montessori schools. Your question: "Is it structured". Yes, but not like you think. It isn't the free-for-all that some people believe it to be. Children are only permitted to choose work that they have been shown and may only use the materials in the appropriate way. Often the teachers will require work be performed in Math, Reading, and some other subject matter or there will be a consequence, such as going to recess late. However, the child chooses the order s/he does the work, how long it takes, and sometimes even the format. (i.e. they can practice handwriting by writing out as many types of cars and trucks that they can think of).

As Cade ages through Montessori, he is now given a "work chart" on Monday which must be completed by Friday morning. Failure to complete will entail a consequence such as no Friday free time, taking home his incomplete work, etcetera. It has really helped him to self regulate and learn how to focus his "wii" little head.

However, there is never a teacher standing in front saying, "Pull out your math books it is now time to do X". I'm *sure* that he dinks around a bit on Mondays and then has a mad rush on Wednesday on Thursday to complete his work. If it isn't up to caliber, it gets returned to him for a re do. The children have to learn to use the resources of the classroom together. They must learn how to get help from the teacher or an older child, share the single set of grammar puzzles, and clean up after themselves. It is kind of neat to see the community come together.

IMHO, montessori was/is great for boys because they can walk around the class room. On particularly "frisky" days, his preschool teacher would have him hammer a nail into a tree stump to refine his fine motor skills and to focus/redirect that boyish energy. In contrast, I see the boys in my daughters' more traditional preschool and while it works for her, there is no way I'd put a "typical" boy in there. In fact, it saddens me to see the boys spending time outside of the group because they simply aren't mature enough to control themselves yet. They're not bad, they're boys.

As much as I love montessori, it may not be the best fit for your kid. If your daughter likes being directed to do things or needs more traditional style structure, perhaps a different environment is best for her. On the other hand, if she is excelled in one area like reading, montessori does offer completely individualized curriculum. My son has been as far apart as four grade levels in his abilities from one subject to the next. Academically, he is being met where he is rather than a "one size fits all" or "three grouping" system.

I would start with recommendations and go observe, observe, observe. Best of luck!

Kelly

[houseelf]

Re: Kindergarten

Are you in the "O" school district or the "K" school district? I know your house in on the edge. (My apologies to all for the abbreviations...trying to keep your anonymity). Although I'm a graduate of the "K" system, I would feel more comfortable placing my kids in the "O" system. It is a much smaller district with lots of parental involvement. However, as the kids get older, they pile on the homework. Of course, they have the highest college acceptance and test scores in that region. I commented in another thread about a "premier" district that had third and fourth graders doing an hour of homework a night--"O" is that very district. However, since you'll probably be long gone by then, this may not be a consideration

My son has done extremely well in two montessori schools. Your question: "Is it structured". Yes, but not like you think. It isn't the free-for-all that some people believe it to be. Children are only permitted to choose work that they have been shown and may only use the materials in the appropriate way. Often the teachers will require work be performed in Math, Reading, and some other subject matter or there will be a consequence, such as going to recess late. However, the child chooses the order s/he does the work, how long it takes, and sometimes even the format. (i.e. they can practice handwriting by writing out as many types of cars and trucks that they can think of).

As Cade ages through Montessori, he is now given a "work chart" on Monday which must be completed by Friday morning. Failure to complete will entail a consequence such as no Friday free time, taking home his incomplete work, etcetera. It has really helped him to self regulate and learn how to focus his "wii" little head.

However, there is never a teacher standing in front saying, "Pull out your math books it is now time to do X". I'm *sure* that he dinks around a bit on Mondays and then has a mad rush on Wednesday on Thursday to complete his work. If it isn't up to caliber, it gets returned to him for a re do. The children have to learn to use the resources of the classroom together. They must learn how to get help from the teacher or an older child, share the single set of grammar puzzles, and clean up after themselves. It is kind of neat to see the community come together.

IMHO, montessori was/is great for boys because they can walk around the class room. On particularly "frisky" days, his preschool teacher would have him hammer a nail into a tree stump to refine his fine motor skills and to focus/redirect that boyish energy. In contrast, I see the boys in my daughters' more traditional preschool and while it works for her, there is no way I'd put a "typical" boy in there. In fact, it saddens me to see the boys spending time outside of the group because they simply aren't mature enough to control themselves yet. They're not bad, they're boys.

As much as I love montessori, it may not be the best fit for your kid. If your daughter likes being directed to do things or needs more traditional style structure, perhaps a different environment is best for her. On the other hand, if she is excelled in one area like reading, montessori does offer completely individualized curriculum. My son has been as far apart as four grade levels in his abilities from one subject to the next. Academically, he is being met where he is rather than a "one size fits all" or "three grouping" system.

I would start with recommendations and go observe, observe, observe. Best of luck!

Kelly

[HouseofWool]

Re: Kindergarten

Like the other posters have said, the biggest focus of KG is teaching the children HOW school works. If your daughter is in daycare, then she is familiar with the way it works to an extent, but even the transition into an elementary school is different. My son is in a 4K program that is half days and the rest of the day he is in daycare.

His teacher fully admits that the first part of the year is spent just teaching them how to be in school, what the expectations are and how the day is structured.

If she is above grade level in a certain area, then most schools will address this in the first few weeks and move them up to the appropriate grade for that subject. My nephew is in first grade and is with 2nd and 3rd graders for reading.

I'm pretty sure that my son will be bumped up for math next year if I work with him over the summer. He can rote count to over 100 and can do addition and subtraction in his head. I'm really hoping that we can do this because I want him to be challenged.

Re: Kindergarten

Kelly -
We're in the O district. I figured that it would be OK since that is one of the reasons that we moved here in the first place! I feel fairly good about sending her to K there. . .I'm not so sure about the other grades but I'm thinking K will be fine. It's only 9-11:30 every morning, anyway.

Thanks for all of the replies.