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Will my four-year-old child be able to keep up with the older students in the kindergarten class? Kindergarten is the next step following preschool. Kindergarten classrooms are developmental and set up to be appropriate for the age span the District cutoff date indicates. The teachers expect this, and teach to each of these age/development levels. The teacher’s goal is to prepare each child, individually, for the next educational step. What if my child needs to work on some social or academic skills? If your child needs a little extra help in a specific area, consider getting them that help rather than holding them back in all areas. Many options now exist for giving children opportunities to practice specific academic skills. Play dates with guidance can help them develop social skills in safe and controlled environments. If you would like more information about how to schedule guided play dates I would be happy to talk with you. I just want my child to have every opportunity for success. It is appropriate to want our children to succeed. But is success defined as being the biggest, brightest, or most capable? Or is it reaching our individual potential and enjoying meaningful lives? Stress in children usually comes from adults with unrealistic expectations. Developmental classrooms with patient, encouraging teachers will create a learning environment where children of all ages and stages can succeed. Parents that participate in their child’s education, and support the teachers and schools, will facilitate an educational partnership that promotes success. Are you saying that borderline birth dates don’t require any special consideration? Parents should always be monitoring their child’s educational progress. When the child needs help, provide it. There are children who benefit from an extra year at preschool, but it isn’t the birth date that determines this. It is the development of the individual child. Children who do not need the extra year gain no lasting advantage from it. Remember also that these students are ready internally to move on, but are being held back. This causes restlessness and often behavior problems. Consider the old adage, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Some people are small, some large. Some are more capable in one area and less in another. Some children are the youngest in the class, and some are the oldest. This is how life goes. Diversity is what keeps things fresh and interesting. Children grow where they are planted and nourished. Deborah Paselk |