Kindergarten... Starting early?!

[Tater.Pot]

I would like to start my daughter early as well. She will be 4 when she starts. She ADORES preschool and loves learning, so I think kids like that will flourish and nothing but good will come from them starting early.

[Nancy]

Don't you really think it is how the child is.  I mean if they are ready, they are ready.  My daughter, being the oldest was ready at 4 so I sent her.  My twins were never ready, and at 30 I sometimes think they still aren't.  But they went at 6, I was ready.  The youngest started at 5

So it depends on the child.

Nancy

[emsplace]

I think the age rule is ridiculous, because I believe all children are different. BUT I have a lot of teacher friends who have varying opinions...
My son is ready... and he is there and enjoying himself - for the most part.
em

[Mom2ConnorRyan]

The rule where I live is you have to to be at least 5 years old.  I personally would not send my son at 4 if we could because children need to be children.  I think(just my opinion) that children are being made to grow to fast, learn to much to soon, and overall just be over loaded at school. 

[spatterson]

Well, being that my daughter is 4 and in Kindergarten now I think it's fine. The cut off date here in NC this year is October 16th, but school started August 25th. She turns 5 October 12th.

I do agree with the girls that say it depends on the child. My son is in 1st grade and there is NO WAY he could have started Kindergarten at age 4. He is very intelligent, but socially he wouldn't have done well. My daughter is crazy social and is actually enjoying every minute of it without any problems.

We also have a K/1 class. The children in this class aren't tested in, but chosen by lottery. You can opt out if you wish. My daughter is in that class. It's basically a class with 1/2 First Graders and 1/2 Kindgartners.  They teach them seperate skills based on their grade, but they learn in the same classroom. It's a 2 year commitment and you have the same teacher both years. Our school believes each child can learn how to mentor a younger kindergartner or learn from older 1st graders. They eat lunch together, PE together, Art Together, Computer class together.. It's working out great!

[emsplace]

I don't think of it as NOT letting him be a child. I think of it as making sure he stays where he gets in the least amount of trouble. He was bored in PreK last year. We did this on recommendation of two teachers. 
And he is ready... other than the fact that he just doesn't want to be in school at all... he wants to play! lol
But since I have to go back to work, he may as well be in a place where he is challenged, rather than being bored and possibly getting into trouble. He gets plenty of play and kid-type fun...

[Nancy]

You are so right when a child is bored in school, no matter how bright, trouble follows and he falls behind. 

Like I said before if a child is ready, send him.  I think having a system of half and half is great.  My daughter would have benefited from something like that, and maybe twins too.

Only the parent knows how the child will do.

[emsplace]

And worse case scenario... he goes to private kinder this year and public next year... It really is not a big deal to me.
I've prepared him. lol

[Happy Momma]

I started kindergarten at age 4 also- my bday is in late October.  I did just fine.  My mom worked with me a lot before I was in school and I was actually already reading before even starting kindergarten.  It would have been silly to make me wait another year.

Of course, I was always younger than a lot of my friends, but I don't remember that being a big deal.  All of my friends could drive before me- which I actually saw as a benefit.

I have a daughter with an October birthday- she'll be two this year so we still have a little while before we have to make this decision.  But if she is ready for kindergarten I can't think of any reason for making her wait.

[emsplace]

I am glad to hear it wasn't a big deal for you.
I go back and forth... but ultimately am very happy with our decision.
emily

[Candid Carrie]

I have a mid-August birthday and started kindergarten when I was freshly five and I was consistantly the youngest child.  It had the biggest effect in high school because I sincerely wasn't nearly as mature physically or emotionally as the other girls.  It became apparent in about sixth grade.  But I am fifty now and I think I caught up (in fact, I finally just got my boobs!)  Alright, I am kidding on that one!

[Danielle]

My son Caiden, started pre-K early. His birthday is in October, the 2nd to be exact, and usually cut off dates where we are at are October1, so, he went to pre-K at age 3, and I am so glad that he went to pre-k, for now is is 10, in grade 5th, and is gifted and makes staight A,s, so I guess a lot does depends on the maurity level.. I really think preschool helped my children prepare for kindergarden..

[Candid Carrie]

That is interesting, the cut off in Wisconsin is August 31! 

[emsplace]

The cut off in Texas is Sept. 1 but... you can do private kindergarten if your child is five before Dec. 31st.
lol
It's all so silly.
Kindergarten is not even a legal requirement.
I wish they'd make it 5 by December 31st in every state though - to add some similarity...