>A Question for You
>Since five out of six people in this house (including me) have a cold this week and I’m feeling very uncreative, today I’ll ask for your advice.
As many of you know, this is Punky’s last year at home before she starts kindergarten next year. I’ve been home schooling her using a kindergarten curriculum and I’m really happy with how much she’s learned already doing just three or four hours of schoolwork per week. In that short amount of time, she’s started reading, writing, and spelling words on her own, and she’s learning the basics of math and science. The vast majority of her day, though, is still filled with time to play inside or outside, go to dance classes, have friends over, go to the zoo and the park and the playground and library story time, and pretty much anything else we can find to do. I think it’s working out pretty well.
With that said, I am growing increasingly troubled by the thought of her going to kindergarten every day next year from eight to three. She is zoned for the best elementary school in our district; my older girls went there and we loved it, but does she really need to be in kindergarten for seven hours a day, five days a week when I’m right here at home?
I have a friend who substitute teaches kindergarten at this school and she said, “All the learning happens in the morning. After eleven, their attention spans are shot and it’s pretty much daycare for the rest of the day.” Well, this is fabulous for parents working outside the home, but I don’t need daycare. I’d rather have her home after twelve, leaving us time to play and go places. A public school, however, would never allow that to happen.
I’m seriously considering home schooling her for one more year, continuing her on the course she’s on now of classes and “field trips” and a few hours of schoolwork a week and plenty of play time, then having her tested into first grade. At this young age, I don’t think it would be a big deal for her to go straight to first grade and skip the public school kindergarten experience altogether. I mean, she’s five. Why should she sit in a classroom all day if she doesn’t have to? She has the next 12 years to suffer through school. If I have the resources to do so, why not give her one more year of fun and freedom?
Of course, I worry that since this is an “alternative” decision, it must be a huge mistake. Plus, as much as I’ve loved having Punky home for the last four years, I’ve been waiting a lonnnng time to have a few hours a week to myself and get some real work done. I was planning on putting Bruiser in Mother’s Morning Out a couple of mornings a week in order to finally make that happen.
Also, I wonder if there are major benefits to kindergarten that I’m not considering. The only person that I see this potentially being a negative for at this point is me. I can’t imagine that Punky would suffer in any way entering the classroom in first grade as opposed to kindergarten. It’s a large enough school that I think most of the kids will be in new classes in first grade, and won’t know each other. Even if they do, Punky’s strong suit is making friends, so I don’t see it being a problem.
What do you think? Just so you know, my oldest stepdaughter is starting college next year, so private kindergarten isn’t an option. Hubs’s idea is to start her in kindergarten and then just pull her out if we’re not happy with the experience. But I’d like to know what you would do in my situation. Ideas?
>If you are really asking for my opinion (and i wouldn’t give it if you weren’t!) I would say to keep her home one more year. There is no harm in doing so. It is ridiculous that they have all day K. for kids who do not need to be there all day. Because you are doing Kindergarten curriculum at home already I also might worry that she will be bored. Waiting until first grade (when the big learning comes) would alleviate that problem.I think it may be more confusing for Punky if you put her in and then pull her out. If you are already having reservations, chances are that it won’t be as great as you want it to be.Children deserve to PLAY and learn from the world around them. You are planning to give Punky exactly what she needs.But, yes, you will get the long pauses when asked about school. Who cares? Only you and your husband know what is right for your child.Enough said. Can you tell I work in the education field?!
>You know, if they do all their learning in the a.m., I would assume that it is social/play time in the p.m. Punky may like that, especially if she is good making friends. And if she likes it, that means a good start towards a positive attitude towards school. If her friends are all going to school, she may be likely to want to go to school, too. And it’s not a bad thing to want some time for yourself, too. You’ve worked hard preparing her for this point. Let it take it’s course. Hubs’ idea is not bad. Why not start and if Punky doesn’t like it, try your idea.
>Another (former) teacher here. We’re homeschooling our eldest in Kindergarten right now and it’s going really well. I agree w/ the above poster that it may be confusing to Punky to enroll her in public school kindy only to pull her out if you’re not happy with it. I think it’d be easier to do the reverse. Give homeschooling a try next year- if it’s not going well at home you could always enroll her in the public school.Think of it as your last year with her on a all-day basis. Enjoy it. Do all the stuff she wouldn’t/won’t be able to do once she’s in school from 8a-3p. I really don’t think she’ll miss a thing by being homeschooled for Kindergarten.
>Go with your gut. That will never steer your wroong. I think 8-3 for 15 year olds is too much. My son is in a class for 90 minutes at a time, 4 times a day, and believe me, he does not get nearly as much out of school as he should. They get antsy and bored.
>I work from home and considered the homeschooling route. It has worked out that my 5 year old is in a public school Kindergarten this year. He absolutely loves it and is up and ready for school each morning. He likes being with all the kids and our school is doing something all day — afternoons aren’t just a day care. There is time for play on the playground and he also has art, music and PE classes. I pick him up at 2:50p each day and he spends his afternoon playing (sometimes even playing school).My observation is that Kindergarten is the new 1st grade.
>I seriously think you will be doing your daughter a disservice by not putting her in kindergarten. Most of what is learned there is classroom 101 — sit still, don’t hit, share, etc. but it is very unfair to Punky and to the other kids if she is having to deal with learning all this AND not having a lot of playtime to make up for it. Academically speaking, kindergarten is totally not what it used to be, and neither is first grade. With the advent of heavy testing a la the No Child Left Behind program, first grade is now a lot like second grade used to be, with a lot more standardized testing, and a lot more RIGOR than we used to have. My daughter in first grade has literally 10 minutes of playtime per DAY. Plus Punky will be left out of initial kindergarten friendships that continue on to first grade, won’t get the usual round of colds and their antibodies, etc. I really hope you will send her.
>Miss C is in first grade at Punky’s future school and LOVES loves it, however I do work outside the home and she also was enrolled in daycare. I say if you are truly having major reservations about it, then keep her out one more year. If she is happy/content and learning all she needs to know that is all that matters! It also depends on the teacher. I will say that in kindergarten the teachers loved all the help they could get from moms and I was able to volunteer in the classroom almost every Friday and I also participate in most of the field trips. I’m also able to pick her up every day at 3 since I cut back on my hrs and now leave work at 2:30.You have to go with your gut. I think she would enjoy the social aspect of it, though. The kids do generally eat lunch and then take a small nap from 11:30ish to 1 but they do have planned activities in the afternoons, too. We actually had homework last year which I couldn’t believe! I just remember crayons and playdoh in kindergarten. 😉
>Either way you go I’m sure Punky will be fine. She seems to be a bright child and you’re exposing her to many of the things she might experience in kindergarten.That said, there is something to be said for the experience of going to school and learning the general routine (including getting use to homework) That might be useful for Punky.Is half day kindergarten an option ? Full day for us is offered only if you pay tuition and are lucky enough to nab a spot (but don’t get me started on that). “Free” kindergarten is half day. Either a.m. or p.m. Whether a child is in a.m. or p.m. is determined by your address. My kids are in p.m. and it’s working out well so far.
>I agree with Jenny. Kindergarten is about more than learning the “book stuff.” I think that it is kind of a primer year for kids to learn how to go to school. Going to school for 7 hours/day IS hard, so why not teach them to be patient with that when they don’t have a ton else to learn, rather than make her try to learn that in first grade when she is trying to learn more “real” stuff. Socially, she would probably be fine. But it seems you might set yourself up for some trouble if you don’t give her the opportunity to learn about the school thing until first grade.
>I’m going to reccommend that you get more information before making a decision. Arrange with your husband to stay home with Bruiser, call the guidance office at the elementary school and arrange a visit for THE ENTIRE DAY. See what you think about it. I think you might be surprised at what goes on in the afternoon. My son is in Kindergarten at a public school near Vanderbilt (would have sent him to Punky’s school, but daughter already went to public school near Vandy before we moved to Bellevue). It is totally possible that Punky already knows the entire kindergarten curriculum. My son also could read, write, and do math before he went. Having said that, I’m so happy he’s there, even though it’s for the entire day. I think after you spend an ENTIRE day in a kindergarten class, you can make an informed decision
>Both of my children went through all day K and they loved it. When Thing 1 was in K there was the option of going half day for part of the year and they full for the remainder. We decided full time would work well for him and it did. He really enjoyed being there all day and spending time with his friends. They did a lot of center time, independent reading, and one on one with the teacher for those who needed extra help. When Thing 2 went to K last year it was all day or nothing. He also loved it and the day was broken down to make sure there was plenty of playtime and plenty of time to learn.
>I would keep her home. In CA 6 is the age by which a child must be registered in school. Kindergarten is technically optional. You wouldn’t know that to listen to them… but when you finally ask at what age does my child legally need to be enrolled on school, they’ll break down and tell you.It would only be a matter of a few phone calls to find out.She will learn even more next year with you than she could at kindergarten. From the sound of it, next year would just be review for her of what you already taught her. But then, I homeschool, so I’m biased.And, I’m a little shocked that you’re paying for your step daughter to go to college. I don’t know anyone personally whose parents paid their way. We all had to figure it out on our own some how, and we did.I’m glad for you that you have the resources though.
>Good post, again. I have an 11yr old son and what sticks out in my mind from Kindergaretn is getting used to the schedule. He went to preschool when he was 4 (2 afternoons per week) and then into Kindgergarten which reminded me of a full time job. His school hours were 8:15 – 3:30 and counting transportation, it was a 40hour week for him. He was exhausted! I mean, exhausted beyond reason but he did well and loved it. Also, he was a young 5 when many of his classmates were 6 (yes, I’m pulling that topic back up). Rambling here, but if your gut says keep her home another year, keep her home. She will do will at whatever you follow through with whole-heartedly.
>Oh my God, kids LOVE kindergarten. And that playing in the afternoon? THAT is part of the learning process.Children at that age learn through play. They learn through playing with other kids their own age.
>Wow, lots of responses! This is the first time I’ve seen the other point of view. I’ve always wondered why a lot of schools have 1/2 day kindergarten still and not full day. It is sooo inconvenient. There’s at least half the kids’ parents that both work.That said, I understand your point. It sounds like Punky already knows almost everything they’ll teach her in kindergarten.Bottom line is that she’d be fine if you waited, but she’d also be fine if she went to K. The work may be easy, but she’d be happy being around so many new friends.
>Can you put her in from 8 until lunchtime and then take her home? We’re seriously considering this option ourselves for next year.I would think most schools should allow this for kindergarteners… a full day is just too much for a lot of them. And a lot of our generation did half days of kindergarten –this full day nonsense for 4-6 year olds is a more recent phenomenon– made more sense and we all turned out pretty well.
>I am a kindergarten teacher and a grade 1 teacher and I can honestly say that no matter what decision you go with Punky will be FINE! If you keep her home and continue with the kindergarten curriculum you have her on now it will serve to enhance her basics, making it easier to figure things out for her in the long run. And she would get to spend more time with you. If you send her to school, she will learn the same things as she would with you, just in a classroom full of kids her age and a teacher. She will get a little more social by being in school, but if she goes to the park and goes places with you she would be socializing there too no? Also, by enhancing her basics, it will really help her reading and math skills, and her english will probably benifit too. You can never have too strong basics. If she goes to class, she will have friends comming out her wazoo but alot of them might switch schools for grade school. I really don’t think you can go wrong here! My oldest kids are 7 and 9, with 9 he went to kindergarten and loved it, with 7 we kept him home longer, both of them are now in grade school and doing great! I have a daughter who is 4 and she is homeschooled now but she’s going to be in school for kindergarten, mostly because she wants to go to school like her brothers, but we are sending her to a school where she can get out at 12, so I feel good about it. Whichever decision you make, know that there is no way to screw this up!
>I am of the belief that when you try to make the best choice that works for your family, that is the biggest factor in a successful schooling/parenting experience. You seem to have a great handle on well-rounded children and education, and so I think that both options would work just fine. Choose the one that seems the best for everyone.That being said, my son goes to K half-days, and then to daycare immediately after. He LOVES both. We had some changes in work schedules over the summer and had him at home most of the time and he was mad at us. He wants to go play with his friends, he loves library and PE and writing and reading at school … so for us to keep our son at home would not be the best option. Might take into consideration which Punky would be happier doing?I agree with some of the commenters’ thoughts on kindergarten being a lot about learning about school – raising your hand, keeping track of homework, riding the bus, learning new songs. But I don’t think those things being learned at age 6 instead of age 5 will make or break Punky’s educational career.I think it is pretty safe to say that this is a hard decision for you because a) you are a mom and you only want THE BEST for punky, but also b) you have two very good options here. Neither of these options is bad. You are picking the best of two good choices. Pretty hard to make a terrible parenting mistake with odds like that! 🙂
>I feel your pain. When the private school my two oldest attended went to full-day kindergarten, I enrolled my youngest daughter in our public school system, which was still half-day. Far from “sitting in a classroom all day”, their group was filled with not only learning the basics, but learning the beginnings of socializing with peers. She had so much fun in kindergarten she would have loved to go all day long. There is no way Punky will be bored – the best school systems have kindergarten down to an art. Just question your motives – is it really because you want her home with you another year? Honestly, I wasn’t ready to give my last baby up to the school for 6 or 7 hours, whether it was best for her or not! Selfish, I know. But she’s a straight A sixth-grade student now, and she would have been fine either way. So will Punky.
>and also … just because my first comment wasn’t long enough, I’ll add more … :-)It is also very possible to overcome not-so-great school experiences. What if you decide to send her to school and the teacher is not a good fit? Or she gets tired of being at home and doesn’t do as well as she started out with the homeschooling? Occasionally, you will have some educational bumps in the road. But she will still be fine.Our older son had a very rough K and 1st grade years (for a variety of reasons) and he is now in 2nd grade and is absolutely flourishing. Nothing beats love, encouragement, and perseverance!
>It would definitely be partially for me, and for how I think she would feel when she’s older. I have two older girls who have been beaten down by school- the long hours, the interminable boredom. Punky may very well be entering the same school system. I don’t think she’d be anything but grateful that I let her avoid it for one extra year, so that she could play.As for socialization, it’s important that I mention that Punky sees a LOT of other children, and is getting a fair amount of classroom-type learning, and would next year, too. She’s in a weekly dance class, she attends classes at the zoo (which are classroom-style) and with naturalists at the park, she’ll start preschool acting classes in another month, and she plays in the YMCA nursery with other kids at least four times a week. She has friends over quite a bit and her next-door neighbor is her age and they play a few times a week (and the neighbor will be attending a different kindergarten, so no worries there). I think Punky herself would be happy to stay home another year. She talks about going to school, but she also talks about wanting to do school “with mommy” next year (and I haven’t brought up the home schooling thing). And I really don’t mean to imply that the kindergartners do NOTHING after 11- I realize there are all kinds of extracurriculars- It’s just that I really enjoy giving her access to really amazing extracurriculars like the zoo and park naturalist classes and library storytimes and trips to local farms, etc- and if she could leave kindergarten after a half-day, we’d still be able to do that together, rather than her being stuck by law in the classroom until three. Also, I like experiencing them with her. Basically, I want to keep her out one more year, but I’m afraid to. Ha.
>I have not read all the other comments, so forgive me if I repeat someone else. I say go with your instinct. You will simply be continuing what you are already doing. Who knows? You may love homeschooling and want to go beyond kindergarten. I have a second grader who is ahead of the curve as Punky clearly is. I know my limitations and I am not cut out for homeschooling. I wish I were, because I really think our lives would be better if I could. (BTW, I was a teacher before I was a mom. I can teach other people’s kids all day long–just not my own!)I disagree with Hubby’s idea. What if she gets there, doesn’t like it and you pull her? And then next year, she is still not too cool about going? She’ll think, and rightfully so, that school is optional.That said, all day kindergarten is not bad either. Punky seems mature, and even if all the learning goes on early in the day, kindergarten is a BLAST. My daughter loved it and I never felt as if the day was too long. I guess what I’m saying is that either way, you and Punky will be fine.
>I agree with the person who said check out the school before you make a decision. Visit at various times, observe what the kids are doing. Arrange to talk to the teachers, or at least one of them. Take Punky with you & see what she thinks about it.DS1 is in kindergarten now & his day is a nice mix of lessons, free play and cooperative activities. He's ahead of nearly all the class in lessons & finds it fun & stimulating to help the other kids.I don't think she would be out anything by missing kindergarten though.
>Well…check out the school, go with your own comfort level, etc etc etc … BUTMy daughter is in an all-day Pre-K (private). She absolutely LOVES it. Is excited to go every day. Loves the teacher. Loves being able to play with her friends for hours every day. Loves having her own “thing.” It is not an overly-academic preschool … probably middle of the road. Kindergarten can be an important time to develop friendships/relationships … not just Punky but you, with the other families, too. Punky seems like the kind of smart, social kid who would think school is a blast. I know that my relationships with other families at my daughter’s school (which will continue to be her school for elementary) really adds a lot to her experience.But I am not the kind of parent who could ever homeschool. So take this with a grain of salt!
>I’m debating whether or not to put Bella in Kindergarten next year as well. I think I’d much rather hold her back and let her test into 1st grade as well, but we’ll see. I think that she’d enjoy being with other children, but the shift from free days at home to 7 hours a day elsewhere would be tough. Plus, it would leave Rosario at a complete loss with what to do with herself.Right now I’m leaning towards holding Bella out and homeschooling, then enrolling Ari in kindergarten and Bella in first grade in 2010.
>Our district allows students to attend in the morning and be picked up at noon. However, it’s not widely publicized so it might be worth asking if that’s an option at your school. Just be prepared for the district to want to test Punky and see where she is academically.Does Punky separate easily from you? My son is in first grade this year and I’ve been surprised by how different things are from kindergarten. Last year seemed like an endless parade of field trips, special parties, etc. whereas this year the teacher flat out told us “play time is over”. I expected a difference of course, but not this drastic. My point being, I’d hate to see her sit out next year and then be totally stressed out her first grade year with academic expectations plus the first real separation from you. Either way, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.
>One more thing. While I don’t feel I’m cut out to be a homeschooler, I’m totally starting to see the appeal. They seem to spend so much time doing everything but learning that I’m convinced I could cover it in a couple of hours a day. Plus you would get another year off from the endless demands of PTO, being nickel and dimed to death for this, that and the other thing AND being expected to volunteer for every last thing simply because you’re a SAHM. I’m rooting for you to keep her at home.
>1. Will you have the same “I’m home so why should she have to go to school” argument when she’s in 1st grade too?2. You are taking advice from a substitute? What happens in a class room when a sub is there cannot be a reflection on what happens when the teacher is there.3. If learning is really not taking place after lunch, there must be a problem with the school or teacher.4. Kindergarten has curriculum. (http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/curriculum.shtml). It is not play time, day care or pretend school.5. Are you really wanting her home for reasons you didn’t mention here? Like justifying your place at home and/or not letting her go just yet?6. The best thing to do is ask a kindergarten teacher some advice. Then, ask a 1st grade teacher if she thinks a homeschooled child would be prepared for what she expects of them in her classroom in order to meet the competencies set forth by the state.
>Just wanted to randomly comment on something Carrien said: I’m not at all shocked that you are paying for your stepdaughter’s education next year. As a 22-year-old grad student, my parents still help out a lot, and almost everyone in my program is in that same boat (to varying degrees). My parents both made their own way through school with minimal assistance from their parents, but–frankly—I firmly believe it was a different era (and my dad had a full-ride scholarship, which isn’t too common now). I have friends with huge amounts of loan because their parents just cannot financially contribute, which certainly makes me all the more grateful that that is not my situation…but…uncommon to pay for your child’s college education? Certainly not. It’s pretty hard to shell out $20,000 a year from babysitting money.As for the homeschooling, I suppose I don’t really have a solid opinion to offer (as I’m not a parent). Intuitively, I’d say go for the kindergarten, but I’ve never loved the idea of home schooling (as much as your setup sounds like a very nice way of doing it). Or of rougher transitions aka not getting to make friends in kindergarten and carry them over to first grade. And I currently am doing a school placement for my master’s in speech-language pathology, and literally 100% of the kindergartners seem to LOVE being there. It’s my favorite group to work with. 🙂
>You said that one reason that you wanted to keep Punky at home was because your older daughters were beaten down and bored by school. This may be true for middle or high school students, but young children are vibrant and love learning. I am an elementary teacher and there is no brighter or happier place to be. I know you have other reasons that you want to keep Punky at home, but the idea that she will look back 10 years later and wish she had stayed home one more year is probalby not one of them. After only a few weeks in kindergarten I would imagine that she would be in love with it!
>Have you considered that not only will you get more time to yourself, but also more time for one on one with Bruiser? He might not want it so much now, but as he gets older he might.Also, I say that starting at 5 is fine – that’s the system here in New Zealand. Kindergarten at 3 in the afternoon, then slightly longer at 4 in the mornings, before school at 5. I think it gives them an excellent chance of entering learning easily, although teh ‘kindergarten’ is a pre-school, no reading/writing etc.
>I think will be better for her psychologically to attend. In kindergarten, the kids learn how to socialize and interact with each other in acceptable ways in an environment where there are a specific set of rules to follow, and under constant supervision. “Don’t run, be polite, don’t hit, have respect” and so on, and there are punishments that are consistent when they break the rules and are caught. Plus, many kids who have friends in the 1st grade made them in kindergarten, and it may be overwhelming in another year for Punky to walk into a classroom where friendships are already formed. There’s also the fact that many many many school districts have kindergarten a curriculum that would have been what we were taught in second grade when we were kids, and so she may end up being a bit behind. If you do plan to homeschool her, I’d recommend you go to the school and find out what the exact curriculum for the year is, so she doesn’t enter 1st grade at a disadvantage.
>As a teacher myself, I agree with jenny. I see what the K’s are learning and it’s way past colors, numbers, patterns, etc…the things we learned in K. It’s a very ‘meaty’ curriculum. And I know our K teachers get them specifically ready for that school’s first grade program. On top of everything else, K is a great time to get used to school so that is established before 1st grade…which is such a HUGE year. I personally wouldn’t put my children in school for the 1st time in 1st grade. She’ll need some time..even though she seems super bright…to get used to the procedures and such.Just this year, I’ve been amazed at the huge job K teachers have. They take it very seriously…they are professionals…they know how important that first experience with school is and how fundamental that foundation is. And…as a music teacher myself, they learn SO much in their special area classes like music, art, P.E., etc. Ultimately, though, it’s your decision. You’re the momma!
>Thanks, anonymous, for the curriculum link. I read it from start to finish before I started working with Punky, and have referred back to it several times since. I really appreciate its detail. Punky meets most of those standards now. I’m not worried.We are helping my stepdaughter pay for college, but a lot of it will come from the HOPE scholarship. If we couldn’t afford college, we wouldn’t be helping. As it is we can afford it with the help of HOPE (and her mother), so there’s no way I’m going to saddle my stepdaughter with a bunch of debt if I don’t absolutely have to.’I think someone else said it here best. I have two great options. I don’t think kindergarten would be a bad decision, or that she would be unhappy, although I’m really concerned about the number of hours she’d spend there each day. But I am starting to realize that maybe keeping her out for a year wouldn’t be a bad decision, either. I guess I’m wondering if I’m overlooking something, either way. So far, you all have brought up great points on both sides of the issue.
>Oh, and let me just state for the record that I’m not trying to imply that Punky is a brainiac!I think she’s right where she should be for her age level. The fact that she’s starting to read and write, etc, is simply because I’ve specifically been teaching her to do those things. She’s a sponge at 4, and she’s soaking up whatever I put in front of her. It’s really fun to be part of that process, even if only for a year or two.
>I’m going to answer this before I read any other comments. I felt this same way before my daughter started kindergarten two months ago. I had this nagging feeling that the whole seven hour a day thing was unnecessary. I didn’t consider the homeschooling option until we were about two weeks out from the start of the school year and by then, it was just too late to change her mind about going to the school because she’d met the teacher and looked around the place and loved it. In the end, we sent her and I struggle every single day with the decision. I’m not sure if that helps you decide but I would add that I don’t know that your husband’s idea would be a good alternative because if she goes even a couple of weeks and you guys don’t like it but she does (and chances are, she will) then you will have a hard time pulling her out. It would be less of a struggle for all of you if you just did whatever you are going to do from the start. Again, I say this because a week in, I all but begged my daughter to let me pull her out and homeschool her and she just didn’t want to. Good luck with the decision, Lindsey. I know it’s a tough one and I’m just glad I’m not the only mom who feels this way.
>An alternative to simply choosing to do home school by yourself is what my sister did. My sister is a teacher, though not since she had her 5 year old. She and her husband can not afford to send their child to private school on his salary alone. Where they live the public school is just not an option. So until my sister’s youngest starts Kindergarten she has been home schooling her other kids. However she’s done something that is a bit unique. She has gotten a group of her SAHM teacher friends and they are doing it as a group. They gather at one person’s house 3x a week for “specials”. Art, science and Spanish are their specials. (This woman has the space.) My sister works with her son on her own the other two days a week. He takes Karate for his PE. It works well because while those moms who do the specials work with the kids, my sister can get a break. They take turns making sure each Mom has a regular day off each week. My sister doesn’t teach the specials, so she helps the kids having trouble with Phonics or motor skills. That’s the alternative I would prefer if it were me. I do know that if I end up opting for home school I will be hiring someone to come one day a week so that I can nourish myself a bit too. You can’t give if you don’t refill.
>I would talk to an actual K teacher, not a sub. Not to be a snob, but as an actual teacher (september to june full time) I have a very different perspective on my class than someone who subs my class. In fact, if I know I’m going to have a sub I usually make a POINT Of leaving a lighter load. I don’t teach K, but it does not seem unreasonable to me that a way of dealing with a sub (which is already a difficult experience for students, especially young ones who thrive on routine) having a light “play” afternoon would be a good reward for my students at that age group.It’s hard to say what I would do in your situation. I’m a certified 1-6 generalist and hold some additional certifications in older grades. I’ve taught everything from 3rd to 8th and get where I would want my daughter to be in terms of academics. There are situations where I would consider homeschooling…preschool being a colossal waste of money in my opinion, and if we didn’t live in a top district (as we currently do not, but then again my daughter is -10 days old, so it’s not really a concern right now) I would certainly consider teaching her myself as I have solid credentials. BUT….I just couldn’t justify that if we lived in a good school district.The thing is that half day K is kind of a sham. For students who are in 1/2 day programs, the entire first month or two of first grade is spent getting them used to the idea of being in school all day, which is one reasons you’ll be hard pressed to find a 1/2 day program in my state. The social aspects are important, even if they don’t seem like it to us–learning how to cope all day every day with a kid you don’t like, learning that you do not control the structure of the day, learning how to sit still, how to line up, how to deal with being part of a larger school with much bigger kids. The academics are also important, but I don’t doubt your ability to impart them well. You can’t, however, create the experience of being 1 of 18 or so kids in a room all day every day.I think, to some degree, it depends on what your educational biases are. Personally, my husband and I are very much academics at heart. We LOATHE experiential education and much prefer the “old school” trends that are very much not in vogue right now. Which may be why we choose to buy in a cheaper district and send our daughter to a private school that fits our academic values. However, if your educational values are different, I think you need to put them into the light, and make the choices that are right for you.The thing that concerns me, and I am trying to be tactful here…is that you almost admit it’s more about you than her. My cousin did the same thing to her daughter…kept her home an additional year, and I think her daughter lost out a LOT because of it. The extra year only delays the inevitable and made my cousin’s daughter’s entry into first grade fairly traumatic for both of them.I don’t think there’s anything wrong with putting her into K and trying it. Worth mentioning–while no state really cares what you do for pre-k, once children are of age to be in the K-12 system, different states have different requirements to homeschool. Some states require weekly lesson plans, others require other things. I would make a point of talking to a local homeschool group AND of reading up on the homeschool laws for TN. That way, if you decide to go that route, you won’t have any nasty surprises.
>Punky is meeting most of the Kindergarten curriculum at the age of 4? WOW! You should skip Kindergarten altogether then. Haha!By the way, most Kindergarten classes here get out earlier than the other grades. And some allow children to be picked up after lunch. Are you sure your school’s schedule is 8-3 for Kinders?
>I think the only part she might miss out on is the social aspect of being in a classroom. In kindergarten the kids learn how to behave at school, with their teachers, and with the other students.But she can learn that in grade one, too… And you said she has lots of playdates, so she’s probably not missing out socially. The program you’re providing at home sounds wonderful… I’m sure she’s benefiting from it. Sometimes in school the classes are so big that the kids don’t get the one-on-one attention they deserve. I’m experiencing that right now with my son. He’s struggling a bit and I think it’s because of the large class size.
>I find it sad that your stepdaughters have been “beaten down by school- the long hours, the interminable boredom” and you worry about your daughter “suffering through school”. Education/school should not be like that, and it’s unfortunate if that is your option. I really enjoyed school and so do my children. I agree with others that a few school-in-session visits might help you in your decision.
>In the “olden” days when I went to school and even in more recent years when all four of my children were in Kindergarten, there was a staggered schedule; 1/2 the kids attending 8-12 and the other 1/2 were from 11 to 3. When did things change?In my opinion, Kindergarten is important for socialization and for developing rudimentary skills BUT it’s a tough call….a full day is a lot for a young child.Since Punky seems to be ahead of the game, she might just be bored. How does she feel about it? I could picture you shaking your head no and asking her “You don’t wanna go to that nasty old Kindergarten, do you?” (reminiscent of the I Love Lucy episode when it’s time for Little Ricky to go to preschool).It’s a tough call and whatever decision you make will be the right one.Wow! I wrote all those words and basically gave no opinion one way or the other.
>i have to say, here we have something called ampm kindergarten. that way they only go for half a day BECA– USE they have such small attention spans. as long as she is getting the social experience, i think it’s okay. as her mother, you know best.
>I went through the same thing this year. I have always been at home with my daughter and I think we should go back to half days for K. However with that said we decided to go ahead and send her and she LOVES it! They do thier school work(reading, math, spelling) in the morning and in the afternon they go to art, music, gym and library(on different days) She cannot wait to get to school. I think she would have really missed out.
>Our school district offers a 1/2 program for those who aren’t ready for a full day of school and frankly, I think that is what kindergarten is for. Plus, she would still get the social interactions that most stay-at-home kids need.
>I’m homeschooling my daughter this year in kindergarten. It’s going really, really well. I’ve had a lot of fun teaching her and being part of the experience. It’s been great to spend a little extra time going over things she doesn’t get (like today we must have reviewed the word “the” for 30 minutes; it was so tricky that I made a game out of it until she caught on–that doesn’t happen in a class of 15) I am no saint. I never intended to teach. I lack patience far too often. I am NOT being modest. With all that said, homeschooling has been going smoothly and it has turned out to be a great choice for our family. Even my two year old loves to sit in on some of the lessons. Plus now I get to make fun of myself and my kid for being a homeschooler.
>P.S. “Saxon Math” is A LOT of fun. My daughter begs us to do extra lessons. I skipped the kindergarten program because everyone told me it was too easy and went straight to 1st grade. Punky is probably already ahead of my daughter from the sounds of what you’ve taught her so she’d do great with Saxon 1. Plus, the little math toys are so much fun for little fingers to play with. For reading I use “Phonics Museum”, but I think it’s a little too easy. The good thing about it is it also teaches art. I’ve heard wonderful things about “Sing, Spell, Read, Write”. “The Well Trained Mind” is a great book for you to read at this stage since you are considering homeschooling. It covers a lot of topics regarding your child’s education, and it’s a fun and easy read. Also, even though I’ve tossed out my two cents, it comes down to doing what is best for Punky, you and your family. Either way, you’ll pick the right option for you guys.
>Miss Notesy, you sound just like me. I’m using McRuffy, which I read was very similar to Saxon, but cheaper, and we are loving it (several people have e-mailed to ask me which curriculum we’re using, so there’s your answer. From what I read, McRuffy and Saxon were hands down the two favorites).Punky’s working on “the” right now, too, so your comment cracked me up! And I can’t even say how awesome it has been to watch Punky read one of her school readers and realize “I did that! I taught her to read those words! I opened that door!” It’s one of the best feelings in the world.
>I guess I don’t have any real experience based opinions since my little guy is only 22 months, but if you are considering homeschooling kindergarten, maybe in your heart you want to homeschool period. I mean are you going to feel the same way when it is time for 1st grade? There is a lot to be said for homeschooling really. I know several homeschooled kids with very dedicated mothers and to be honest they are some of the happiest, brightest, most outgoing and well adjusted children I’ve ever met…..
>My son is in kindergarten right now, and he loves it. He has fun with the other kids, is in love with his teacher, and enjoys telling me all about what they’ve learned that day.I agree with the commenters who suggest that you visit the kindergarten and see for yourself. I would also try to visit more than one classroom as teachers can vary widely. My daughter hated kindergarten. One of her classmates had a twin sister in another class, and their mom said those two girls had completely different experiences.I also think that you should make your decision before school starts and stick with it.
>As a homeschool student I can personally attest to the awesome-ness of being home-schooled. It’s a lot of fun and as long as your in some kind of play group she wont lack in friends. Just realize it will be a pain when you have to keep records of all your curriculum so she can be evaluated at the end of the year.
>its all up to you. I had a similar sitution where I have decided to wait another year before I put my son in school he will be almost 6 when he enters K. I have been doing alot of preK work with him first thing in the morning then we do an outdoor activity with friends, rest time, then snack time and an art project in the afternoon. It is working out really well. I think he will be more then ready for school next fall and will be in a leadership position rather then a follower based on his age. I agree with homeschooling as long as all decisons are being made for the benefit of the child and not because mommy wants her baby home. Therefore I am more of the mind to send my child to school and see if it is a good fit if it is not then I have other options such as homeschooling. I have a cousin who did it that way and had excellent results. Her daughter was doing well from K-4th grade then she hit a wall so her mom homeschooled her for 2 grades until she felt better about being a regular school again. She is now in 7th grade is much better prepared for the whole experience. I think a lot of this is really based on the child. Follow your child’s cues and that should lead you to the right choice.
>My kids spent a year in kindergarten coloring. They could already read and were bored to tears. I had thought about homeschooling and chickened out prior to kindergarten. You’ll never regret having another year with her at home. We started homeschooling when my younger ones were 1st graders and my older one a 2nd grader. We’re still at it over 5 years later. I’ve nver regretted it. But you are correct in saying you are the one it’s harder on. You give up some things, but you get your child in return. :)Go with your gut feelings! She won’t miss a thing…there are plenty of opportunities for socialization/playtimes out there.
>One more thing…If you do homeschool, and even if you continue with it, you can get in with others and trade around books, etc. We use Saxon math and like it. And yes, skip the first Saxon math. All 3 of mine are doing their pre-algebra this year and doing great, as 5th and 6th graders! You can jump ahead of the curve, whereas most people want to tell you to make sure you are meeting standards, etc. My mom taught for years and had a fit when she found out I had pulled my kids out of school. 2 years later, she kept them for a week while I was out of town. When I came home, she said she owed me an apology, that they were doing better than she ever imagined. Guess who now talks up homeschooling to everyone she meets? And she’s a retired teacher!
>I am no fan of public education, as you probably figured. However, you are zoned for one of the 3 best elementary schools in nashville.I just think that it is Kindergarten from 8-3 is normal. We were 8:30 to 3:10 when I was a kid, my friends 7:30 to 2 or 2:30.I think you are having a little separation anxiety. This will give you special Bruiser Mommy time as well. Focus on the idea that you will be able to mold him one on one.
>Just something to consider in terms of what she might get out of kindergarten, and whether it is something that she could use: I would say that kindergarten is about more than the reading and curriculum. It’s at least as much, if not more about them learning to be in school before grade one, when they are expected to sit and start working at their desk and not be adjusting to the new environment. So in kindergarten, they are learning to sit when the group sits, to form and walk in a line, to listen to the teacher when in a group, they could get away with not sometimes, to work with the distractions of other children, to sit at a table to do work, to focus on a lesson, and so on. a lot of that is difficult to teach at home precisely because there is no group.
>Perhaps I have a unique perspective on this. I teach high school math in a small Christian school. I get many home-schoolers as students when their parents decide that they can’t do an adequate job teaching them math at home.Many of the home-schooled students are great, with a solid educational background, and wonderful manners. Others have gaping holes in their education. Some have been led to believe that they are the center of the universe, and are always interrupting me when I’m helping another student because they are obviously the most important person in the room.What really makes a difference is structure. I think to successfully home-school at any age, you need to dedicate several hours at the same time every day to schooling, and not let anything interrupt this. This has been my observation of the successful home-schoolers. The unsuccessful ones just seem to throw in schooling whenever it fits their schedules. (Which is seldom.) The child needs to know that education is a high priority.You are an intelligent and well-educated woman. You could certainly home-school your daughter. Just be warned–you may like it so much that you won’t send her to school at all. That’s (sorta) what happened to me. I was an engineer who had taken off a few years to be with my small sons at home. When my older son started kindergarten at our small school, I started teaching there a few hours a week while my younger son was in pre-k. I had planned to return to work as an engineer when my younger son was in 1st grade, but he’s now in 8th, and I’m still there. Although I don’t exactly home-school, it’s a very small school with parents as teachers, so I get to interact with my sons all day. I have teenage boys that are very close to their father and me, not alienated like most teens I see. They are also out of the garbage that happens in public school. They have the ability to concentrate on their education.I’m glad to see that you’re thoughtfully considering all your options. Too many parents go lock-step into the public school system, thinking that it’s their only alternative.
>Since you ask, I favor what’s been working so well for you and Punky up to now. One more year of what works shouldn’t hurt her prospects at all. You’ll probably have her better prepared for 1st grade than she otherwise would be in some of the more poorly-structured public schools (though you did say that yours is pretty good there).
>no matter what you choose, it will work out. it seems like a huge decision, but in a year, 2 years will it matter? *i* would put her in school. socilization is everything. it is every bit as important as academics. if you don’t when she starts the 1st grade she’ll be a year behind in socialization which will hurt her confidence. and confidence is everything. but that’s *my* opinion. i do not have school age children. though, my husband and i taught and he worked for teach for america for awhile. and in general we are just interested in education.
>ok, don’t hit me…..but if you asked her, what would she say? i mean, if she wnet for a week, and then you said, you’re not going next week, wouldn’t she be bummed out? i think that’s your answer.
>If you are uncomfortable sending her for the whole day then listen to your heart and keep her home. Especially since you’ve already started with homeschooling. We’re lucky here…public kindergarten is only a half-day. I’ve been homeschooling my 4 year old for his preschool since I couldn’t see sending him since I was home, but he definitely will be going to Kindergarten next year! I need a break! 🙂 Although, had it been a full-day program, I probably would do the same as you. Good Luck!!
>Having taught preschool and elementary school, I think one of the biggest issues is that kids need to learn “how to be a student.” I don’t mean how to write in a book or study. I mean coming into to the group, using their cubby, sitting at the table for lunch, participating in circle time, waiting for a turn at the water fountain, asking to go to the bathroom, etc. Kindergarten is that time when they can learn these steps, before they really start “academics.” Learning schooling and academics all in one shot can sometimes- and I stress sometimes- throw kids off a bit. If the length of the day is your greatest concern, consider a private kindergarten with a half day option. I still believe 5 year olds can benefit from a nap, or at least quiet rest time, which is all but forgotten in public full day kindergartens, at least her in Maryland. In the church and synagogue preschools where I have worked, kids either napped or left after lunch.If you skip any kindergarten next year, will you regret losing another year of one on one time with Bruiser? That’s my puzzle right now. Noah will be 2 next summer, and I would like to put him in a morning play school class 2-3 days each week, from 9-12. My reasoning is that if I have another baby (working on that) I could then take the baby for the music and mommy and me infant classes that I have enjoy so much with Noah. He loves playing and singing with other kids, so I am pretty sure 6-9 hours a week of play with someone other than mommy will be welcome to him. Having been an only child, I value parent time one on one, in addition to sibling time. Just my two cents.
>I think your husband is on track… you may never know that you were making a good decision if you don’t give it a try.Having said that, I have to say that your idea of keeping her home isn’t really wrong either. Here is the thing… if you put her in all day kindergarten, and you decide to pull her out… what harm will you have done? Not much, I think.
>I want to put this as tactfully as possible, as one other commentor said – how much of this is about you, and not Punky? You made a comment that seems a bit telling, about teaching her to read: “I did that, I opened that door for her.” I agree with the other posters that said that kindergarten is not so much about academics, but about learning structure and how school “works” – how to be a student, one poster said. You’re obviously intelligent and doing a great job, but I would definitely put her in school. I would not let her try it and then pull her out if she doesn’t like it – would you do that in 1st grade too, if she didn’t like it? That’s just going to teach her that every time a situation doesn’t go her way, or if she doesn’t like something, mom and dad will get her out of it. Life doesn’t always work that way.
>Ok, since you didn’t ask for any assvice, I’m going to….no, I’m going to give it to you anyway.First of all, I write the blog over at Mom is Teaching. We’ve had major debates over there regarding homeschooling versus public schools. My child goes to public school. My father was a public school teacher and I grew up supporting public schools, and feeling as if there is nothing greater than public schools.Then, I taught in public schools. Still, all hail public schools. Then, I taught some more and the more I taught, the more I learned and the less I liked it.Then, I had children. My 5 year old is in kidnergarten now and since we owned a daycare, he had a great preschool experience. However, after 8 weeks in kindergarten, he has professed that he is “tired of kindergarten, I’m ready to move on to first grade”. Sad thing is, he is ready. And, your friend is right, his teacher even said as much….”I do reading and math in the morning because that’s the most important, then after lunch, if I can get their attention for long, we do science and social studies.”So, I ask myself, why is my kid there all day, why can’t I just pick him up at 11:30 every day? But, of course, as you mentioned, that would never fly. I have serious medical problems but if it were in any way possible, I would have homeschooled him this year at least and then did whatever was necessary to move into first grade next year. My “3.95 year old who is not potty trained” is no where near as mature as his brother and he may need 4 or 5 years worth of kindergarten before he is mature enough to move on to 1st grade (just kidding, but there really is a big difference).Anyway, I said all that to say, if your instincts tell you that it is the right thing to do and you can do it, I would say go for it…in a heart beat. You can read on Mom is Teaching what a big proponent of public schools I was but how the homeschoolers have taught me so much that it makes me beg for the ability to homeschool. I say, go for it!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I went back and read some of the comments before I posted and I have to say that yes indeed, kindergarten is as much about learning to get along with others and such as it is learning book stuff, but for some reason, I could be way off here, I feel your child (like mine) gets plenty of social interaction without school ever playing into the picture. My second child, the “3.95 year old who is not potty trained” is one of those who, like I said, will need kindergarten for the social aspect as much as anything….but you know your own child better than anyone…….I just wanted to add that part because I don’t want anyone to think I’m suggesting that you make a decisio using faulty information, but the fact of the matter is, you know your own child, you know could/is/will be best for her……Trust your instincts.
>I say send her to school. She will love it. And you will have more time for Bruiser. He deserves the attention that Punky got at that age.
>I’m at work and didn’t have time to read all the comments before I posted this (although I AM going to, I’m really curious about what everyone has to say about this issue).I just wanted to say that I was homeschooled third grade through high school, and my two younger sisters never went to “school”. There are a lot of negative connotations with homeschooling, especially when you’re a kid. We dealt with assumptions like “you were homeschooled, you can’t possibly have any social graces” or “you were homeschooled, you must be a religious wingnut”. That being said, I think that being homeschooled was one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I’m pretty sure both of my sisters would tell you the same thing. Can’t hurt anything to keep Punky home for a year. =) Maybe even longer!
>another thing, I know there is some mention of boredom for kids who already know the curriculum. My son already knows all the kindergarten sight words, and is reading on the first grade level. His best friend (a girl) is already reading chapter books. You would think she would be bored to tears. But, no, not the case. With all the center work that exists, kids are challenged at their level. His best friend’s writing workshop stories are more intricate. In talking to her mom, I asked her if she was worried because Eva already was reading so well. Truth is, Eva is thriving and her reading is improving as well. And my son, who could already read before school started, is becoming a much more fluid reader! That’s why I reccommended that you check out a kindergarten class for the entire day, then make a decision.
>I come from a little different perspective, having older children. My daughters are now 26 and 23. I homeschooled the older one for K and 1st grade and she entered school in 2nd grade. She was SO far ahead of the other kids (and it was a private school) that the only thing that redeemed the year was that the teacher was very flexible and gave her (and another girl who had been homeschooled) independent work while the other kids worked on things that she already knew. She flew through school with honors and graduated salutatorian, graduated from an ivy league college with honors and now has decided she doesn’t want to work at a ‘real’ job and works in a fancy gelato shop. The 2nd daughter I homeschooled at age 4 (doing K level stuff and teaching her to read). When it came time for K, I asked if she wanted to do school at home with me – her memorable answer was “No way, Jose!” so off to a 1/2 day K program she went and I volunteered there a day a week to keep an eye on things. I continued her phonics in the afternoons and she entered first grade and spent it completely bored. She too graduated with honors, won a huge college scholarship and just graduated this spring.I take 2 morals from the story – first, it really doesn’t matter what you do at this point. Punky will be fine. There are many roads that lead to success and she will find hers.But second, the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for your child is to teach him/her to read with a strong phonics-based method. We used Sing/Spell/Read/Write back 20 years ago with little 45rpm records! I’m sure it must be all high-tech now, but it worked perfectly. The strong foundation/love for reading, I believe is the single most valuable gift we can give our children and it will last all the way through their education and hopefully for a lifetime.And I know how much I agonized over the exact same decision back when my oldest daughter was Punky’s age. I asked all kinds of people and got lots of input. But in the long run, I have to say, it really doesn’t make that much of a difference.I know you will make a good choice. I’m just trying to take some of the pressure off.But just know that when you talk to a school teacher, you are going to get a very pro-school point of view, and when you talk to homeschooling moms, you are going to get a very pro-homeschool slant. There is really nobody who is non-agendized on this issue. So you have to filter all that out and go with your heart instinct.Good luck!ps. I guess the third moral to the story is that even if you do everything right and give your kids the best you can, sometimes they just end up working in a gelato shop anyway. You just never know.
>I was thinking about putting my girls in preschool next year (because it’s half day), but when I realized that Kindergarten was full day, I changed my mind. I know it’s two years away, but I cannot imagine them being ready for that. But, as a grain of salt, I’m very pro-homeschooling and MAY not put my kids in grade school at all.
>My opinion would have been very different at the beginning of last year as my daughter started Kindergarten because I also wanted just one more year with her. We were having so much fun together and they have the next 16 years to go tot school! Now I am so thankful I put her in Kindergarten.Now as a mom with a 1st grader… there are two children who “skipped” kindergarten in my daughter’s class and these two children take ALL of the aides’ time. Even when I’m volunteering in the class I’m working with them to help them catch up. They are rarely taught by the teacher because they are always in a separate group. It’s not fair to them or the other children who could benefit from the extra help from the aides. Both sets of parents were home schooling and apparently didn’t realize how far behind their children were going to be. I feel bad for all of the involved parties. The children learn SO much in Kindergarten now. Our daughter’s kindergarten teacher said she taught 3rd grade for 10 years before moving to Kindergarten and due to state standards being enforced in Kindergarten was now teaching nearly the same curriculum to Kindergarteners that she had been teaching to 3rd graders 12 years ago! Nearly every 1st grader reads chapter books at our school already.That being said, I also think there are benefits to you for getting involved in the school early. My daughter LOVED kindergarten and we have really enjoyed becoming part of the school community. There are so many fun events, etc. I don’t doubt that you are a very conscientious teacher to your daughter and you both may benefit greatly from her being home one more year. This is just an opinion from someone who went through the same thought process a year ago and now has a totally different opinion then I ever thought I would.No matter what you choose, it will be right for you! Good luck. 🙂
>I say that you should do what you feel in your heart. I wish I had kept “mah” babies home an extra year. My youngest is now 25 and yes they do change once they are out there in the “big” world. I know it is life. If you can keep her at home one more year, why not? Good post! Good Luck! 😉
>Do they have University Model schools in Nashville? Here in Texas, there are several, and elementary kids go to school 2 days a week and the other days they are homeschooled. You pay per class, so it is cheaper than a true private school. It gives you the best of both worlds…. FYI – high school students go 3 days a week and are homeschooled the other 2 days.
>A dear friend of mine is a kinder-garten teacher. He was working at a full-day school and then started working at a half-day school. He was very frustrated at the half-day school. He said that after teaching the stuff he “had” to teach, there wasn’t any time left over for the “fun” stuff – like science experiments, field trips, arts and crafts, etc. Basically, the same kinds of things it sounds like you want to do with your kids.And, if there are special things you want to do, is there some reason you can’t just keep Punky home those days, or pick her up early for her weekly appointment? And have you considered volunteering in the class once or twice a week?
>As some have said Kindergarten is really the new 1st grade and so on. Both my kids (12 & 7) learned such different things in Kindergarten. They even start the standardized testing earlier now. Neither of mine would have been ready for 1st had they missed out of Kindergarten. I am also a sub and anytime I have subbed Kindergarten they have worked all day. They break the day into different things so they don't get bored.
>i think that if she’s doing a great job of learning under you, than you should give her one more year of that. I also think it’s ridiculous that the school pretty much shoots the sh** with these kids for the 2nd half of the day instead of TEACHING them.I also disagree with the people who are saying that Kindergarten is where kids learn sharing etc. That’s the PARENT’S job. Teachers are responsible for teaching math, science, reading, etc. Everything else, is mom and dad’s job.
>Where I lived when I was in kindergarten, it was all day, and I absolutely loved it. I made so many friends and there was constantly field trips, special projects, even nap time after snack/lunch time to break up the time. I think about those days all the time and the friends I made then that I still have today. Of course, it probably wouldn’t have been any different had I entered that school in first grade either. I did have a neighbor who went to another school for halfday kindergarten and I remember hearing a conversation between our mother’s one day after we had done some supplement work sheets together. They were talking about the benefits of different Kindergarten classes in general, and both of them noticed that my class tested at second grade levels, when Breaca’s class collectively tested in the high Kindergarten area by January of that year. I think that full day has it’s benefits opposed to staying home or half day, but you also live in an area where you can utilize the culture for education. I lived in a small cluster of 3 towns in WA with a total of less than 15000 people. Not so much culture there! With the oppotunities presented to you in Nashville and the virtues Punky possesses, (her “school” skills as well as adjusted personality and friend-making abilities 😀 , etc) I think she would do exceedingly well staying home another year. Or another option would be to put her in a class at the semester mark, in January. This would give her time at home, but then the transition would make 1st grade not so much a shock. It would also give you some time to really decide what would be best for her and her future education.It’s all a lot to think about, but I’m sure that you will make the right decision, and only you can make it. Just get all the facts before you do. Good Luck!
>After the day I’ve had I am so over public schools. If I never walk into a school again I don’t think I would really mind. I hope this decision somehow becomes easier for you. The head of the BOE in the hick town I am living in for the year just made my choice very very clear…Homeschool..there is no subsitute!!!! (Last line courtesy of Ree Drummond @ pioneerwoman.com
>It seems like Punky is getting the schooling she needs right now from you. You have also ensured that she is getting a social life. If you want to keep her home one more year, do it. Soon enough she will HAVE to be in school full day and you won’t be able to spend that time with her.
>My son started kindergarten at age 6 — yes, we redshirted him (but not for sports reasons). He absolutely thrived in kindergarten. THRIVED! It’s not as if they sit at their desks and do worksheets, etc. all day long. They get up and do physical activities, centers, music and P.E. everday. We do not regret sending him to all day kindergarten at allKris
>It’s a tough decision. I can see how you’d not want her in school all day, but part of the reason they keep them that long, is to help them transition for 1st grade. There’s a reasonable chance that if Punky stays home all year next year and then starts 1st grade and is expected to stay and learn in school all day long (isn’t 1st grade an even longer day?), that it might be wholly overwhelming to her. I teach high school and honestly, some days it’s like daycare there too. The afternoons might not be for learning reading, writing or math, but I’m certain she’ll gain social skills, play a lot and probably have a great time. I don’t have kids and I’m not the one making the decision, but ultimately she has to start school, it’s going to be a tough transition to all day classroom time whether she’s 5 or 6. I think that the sooner you make the adjustment, the sooner she’ll be used to it and the smoother things will be from there on out.
>*snicker* We have LOTS of families in our homeschool group that started out saying “We’ll just do this for Kindergarten.”It’s a slippery slope, I tell ya! (but an extraordinarily fun one)
>It wouldn’t hurt her to stay home for another year, but I do know that all of my kids LOVED kindergarten–and that sort of sets the tone for how they feel about school for quite some time.
>Haven’t read the other comments, but I’ll relate our experience. First grade was a major transition. It took a couple months for Tacy – who loved pre-school and kindergarten and is academically ahead of the pack – to adjust.But I am a staunch advocate of public schools and quality child care, so my views are admittedly biased.
>Just replying to the “brainiac” Punky post. I absolutely believe your child is very advanced and brilliant. Don’t underestimate how amazing it is that she can do all she can do.My son is at the top of his K4 class and clearly the teacher thinks he’s supah smart, but he can’t do half the things Punky can do. But then maybe boys are different?I don’t know, but I’m impressed with Punky. She seems like a very special, very smart girl.Still glad I’m having another boy, however. The social crap my two older stepdaughters have to deal with has made me grateful for the relative ease of boy socialization.Anna
>I’m sure the hard-working and dedicated kindergarten teachers at my school would be interested to know that all learning stops after 11!! I suggest you not listen to a substitute teacher but go to the school and visit. They should welcome you and encourage you to stay as long as you like. Make sure you visit the special classes as well, such a library, music and art because they are just as important as the classroom instruction. Good luck!
>First of all, it’s only October and you don’t have to decide until the day school starts in August or September. She’ll go through many changes in that amount of time and grow up a lot. Also, all the amazing things she does now might not be so amazing next year when the other kids her age aren’t there any more because they are in kindergarten. Be careful too, when she mentions she’d like to stay home next year, that she’s not saying it because she thinks it’s what you want to hear. And, if she’s that social of a little girl, she’ll probably love kindergarten.I would send her to school. I’m sorry your older girls don’t love school and I wonder what happened during their school careers to make them feel that way, but that doesn’t mean it will happen to Punky.Sorry if this seems negative, I don’t mean it that way.liz
>Kindergarten isn’t even a state requirement — keep her home and start her in 1st.Just my opinion!PS – I have 4 kids and can tell you from experience that once they get into middle school? Between school and other activities, you have a few hours a day with them. A lot of that time is in the car!
>I’m not worried- Frankly, I think she’ll be happy either way. No school means lots of extra courses with other kids. School means lots of class time with other kids. I was just looking for any major downsides that I might have been overlooking- that’s all.School here in Nashville basically SUCKS. Ask nearly any parent. Ask nearly any student. There are some fabulous teachers trying to make a difference. But there’s way too much emphasis on standardized testing and overall scores for each school- not each student- and fabulous teachers on their own can only do so much. I’ve heard what goes on every day for YEARS, and I’m not happy about it. Not surprisingly, my kids aren’t, either. They are very bright, talented, creative girls who have never been in classes in which they’ve really gotten to experience a love for learning. I had that in high school, and I grieve, really, that they haven’t had had that same experience. It changed my entire life.
>I personally think if you are capable of homeschooling your children in this day and age you should. I know that if my kids were still small, I would definately home school them. Punky is getting enough socialization with the outing you take, heck in a year you can start Bruiser , he will learn fast because of his age. All my moms kids could read by the time we were 2, we knew numbers and money,too. I knew the constellations before I started school, not that I know them now…but my excuse is i’m really really old and senile
>As an elementary teacher for 7 years, and now a mom, I also firmly agree with Jenny. Kindergarten has come light years from when we were all in school. Socially, the fridnships formed will continue and she may be left out if she goes later. Academically, yes, you could do the same with home schooling, but there is a big catch: she won’t know any of the daily rouitnes that go on during a school day. For instance, most schools teach attendance, washroom routine, fire drills, going to computer, library, leading a group, proper routine in gym class. These are things that cannot be taught by home school. I disagree that she will be completely caught up in all areas if kept hme until Grade 1, although you legally can do so. I agree it’s a good idea to visit before making your decision. It si a personal decision, I have not read all of the comments, and all I can do is wish you luck. My choice would be to send my son to JK and SK.
>As a public school teacher (and now librarian), I can pretty much tell you that schools have gotten test crazy. Welcome to the era of NCLB. This year, we’ve added 3 mandatory “practice” TCAP tests. And, I hate to tell you, Lindsay, but it’s not just Davidson County. All counties have gone test crazy in this data driven world. You’re only safe in public schools, and they test, as well (but aren’t as obsessed about it, from what I’ve seen)
>Oops, meant to say that you’re only safe in private school! BTW, this would be a great topic for a different post…especially as your oldest stepdaughter is approaching college!
>who will she play with, if the other 5-year-old children are in school, other home-schooled children?
>I think Kindie is pretty important. It teaches kids how to handle being in a school environment: How to stay seated in their desk, how to treat each other kindly, how to pay attention and how to be around an authority figure other than Mom or Dad, etc. Also there are lots of social skills learned in Kindergarten. My 5 y.o. is loving public school Kindie so far.That said, if you feel keeping her home another year would benefit her more, go for it!
>To be honest, I’m finding that homeschooling is quite big around here. Perhaps that’s why there are so many programs that are making me rethink the kindergarten classroom setting for Punky. She has plenty of other children her age to interact with, who aren’t in the traditional classroom setting.There’s a once-a-month science homeschool class at the zoo with other five-year-olds.There are twice-monthly naturalist classes at a nearby nature center for children, many of them homeschooled.There are weekly dance and acting classes for 5 and 6 year-olds that the city sponsors, which I’m told are very popular with the homeschool crowd.The girls on her soccer team (whom she sees 2 days a week during the fall and spring seasons) will be attending several different kindergartens, just as now they attend several different preschools while Punky stays home. The girls socialize and school has never even come up.She has several different friends her age at the Y nursery who go to various preschools now. She goes there about 4 days per week.The “skills” you’re all talking about that are learned in kindergarten are making me think that Bruiser will definitely need to go. He really will probably need some training in order to sit quietly at his desk and follow directions. Punky, though, is quite obedient. I don’t see this being an issue for her whether she starts school in kindergarten or first grade.
>I would send her to Kindergarten. Here’s why…In my experience (as an elementary school teacher) kids who do not attend K struggle in first grade. Not academically, mind you, but they struggle with the rigors of first grade. Yuck, it makes me shudder to even say that. We used to say that Kindergarten now is what used to be first grade (emphasis on reading, writing, and math – less emphasis on play). Now – in my district at least – preK is what first grade used to look like. Kindergarten provides kids with a bridge between play and structure. They’re not expected to understand a structured school day yet. Most first grade teachers expect it of their kids; those who have not had the experience of K usually struggle with this regardless of how bright they are.I’m with your husband. You can always pull her out if need be.
>why are you homeschooling her this year with a kindergarden curriculum when she would get in next year in kindergarden?with our 5 kids i have been careful not to work on “academics” at home- trying instead to enrich their learning with everyday exciting activities like digging for worms,watching the birds and squirrels at the window, going to museums, nature walks, art fun etc. we did half day kindergarden because that was the only option- i am not in favor of full day kindergarden, but i think i would still send our kids for the social and classroom behavior aspect of it all.
>I was worried about the same thing with my son. But he loves K. And he feels so big getting on that bus everyday. My advice: Let her go to school. You can always decide stop public school and homeschool if public is not right for your child.
>I haven’t read the other comments but I will say this, if you CAN keep her home to homeschool? I would. I am on my second in the school system. Excellent school, too. But, that said, so much of their times is wasted and then they send a butt load of work home, too. It seems like all they do is school. They honestly learn more on the weekends during our library visits and trips to beach or river etc and they enjoy learning it then.
>Hi, I think you should send Punky to kindergarten, otherwise she will feel left out and behind her other classmates. I turned 5 in June of 1978. My mother was a teacher at our local parochial school. She tried to sign me up for preschool in the fall of 1978 but the teachers recognized that I was ready for kindergarten so I started school a little bit younger than the other kindergarteners, but just right academically. It was half day kindergarten and preschool back then – in the same classroom. I distinctly remember feeling left out and like the “new kid” because I had not attended preschool with my kindergarten class the year before. The other kindergarteners knew where to sit, they knew our teachers, they new all the songs, etc. My mom has always said that preschool was just play time anyway but honestly I felt left out. And if I can still remember those feelings 25 years later, they did have an impact on me. My sister has an April birthday and my mom held her back a year since she was the youngest, so she had 2 years of preschool and one year of kindergarten. I did great all through school and my sister hated school but did manage to graduate from college, so who knows.
>First, I just have to respond to your comment about not doing something just because it’s alternative. I do hope that was really tongue in cheek, cause that’s a terrible reason to not follow your gut. 🙂 I know plenty of people who refuse to do things just because they’re not alternative enough, and find that thinking just as ridiculous.I’m kind of an odd bird. Not alternative enough to be considered alternative by the alternative people, and not mainstream enough to be considered mainstream by the mainstream people. And, I like it that way just fine, thank you very much. I think having a blend of alternative choices and mainstream choices really gives a great balance, and I feel confident that I’m doing what *I* (and my husband) feel is best for my family, and not just making the same choices everyone else does.We homeschool our 7 and 4 year olds, and always have. We’re not religious homeschoolers. While we have a religious affiliation, it plays no part in our decision to homeschool. We are secular homeschoolers, homeschooling for educational and social reasons. I find the concept of school so unnatural. Why on earth do kids get lumped into a class room with age mates? No matter how many times it gets explained to me, it still doesn’t make sense. There’s no social benefit to being only with kids your age (I’m 39, and my friends range from 20 years younger to 20 years older, and beyond!). There’s no educational benefit to being with kids the same age, as their capabilities can be all over the ball park. So, why do we do it? Because it’s easy for the system. That’s it. No good reason. It’s just easier to manage. Completely arbitrary, and yet people defend it without really understanding why.If you want to keep your child home, do it! It’s wonderful! The socialization opportunities are abundant and far superior to anything kids get in the artificial environment of a school room. Homeschooling is so much more common now, and secular homeschoolers are getting more numerous every single year!If you think that ultimately your kids will be in the system, I can certainly see the wisdom in indoctrinating them now, and not giving them a taste of homeschooling, or setting them up for being socially ostracized by being the “new kid” in first grade. (But, isn’t that sad that you would be ostracized for that? Why do people put their kids through that????)If there is a doubt in your mind, I encourage you to explore it. Homeschooling is a wonderful way to stay connected with your kids and provide them the best, most personalized education that suits their capabilities and interests. Sure, I’d love 7 hours of “me time” but, I can get that after they grow up. I want to be with them *now* while they still think I’m smart and cool. 🙂
>We didn’t do all day kindergarten. It was too much for my little girl, who still napped. No one ever considers what being in school for even mornings will do to a kid’s energy level. Some kids still need naps, you know. I know you said private school is out, but check out your church-oriented kindergarten programs, especially the Baptist programs. Ours is half day (9:30 – 12:30) and is $160 a month. It’s also NAEYC certified.Most of the half-day programs are pretty cheap comparably speaking.
This is my first year of Kindergarten Homeschooling and I had the jitters of if I’m doing the right thing for my Arnie; you were very wise to start her inthe Kindergarten Curriculum in the Pre-school years…I can tell it paid off. My advice Homeschool her as long as you can, cause Public School is Public, it invites a lot of havoc and very little time learning and if you don’t get something they don’t take time to Teach you- you become a statistic and lost in the system-sad but true!