Grade accleration...in preschool?

Jennifer - posted on 05/29/2009

I think this is perfectly normal. She may be very advanced for her age. I learned how to read at 2 1/2 yrs old. Some people laugh and say that is impossible, but I have proof on paper and my mom's word. I remember I did the same thing. All the other kids left to go to kindergarten after they were dropped off in the morning and I wanted to go with them. They let me...I learned how to read...not a bad thing.

The downside... I wanted to go to 1st grade...there is not very many schools in the nation that would allow a 3 1/2 year old in 1st grade...even if they can read... The problem will be when she gets older and can't move up any more through her pre-school/daycare. Unless you home school or find a private school that will allow her to progress at her own pace, regardless of age, she will get really bored and have some behavioral issues for the next 2-3 years because she is stuck doing the same things over and over again. That is where I am now with my daughter...she has been stuck doing the same things over and over for the past 2 years...

Dawn - posted on 05/29/2009

My daughter went through a very similar situation (she is 3 1/2 now) I spoke with the head of the preschool, and the end result was that she moved up to the pre-K class when she was 3 and is ding very well (basic addition and subtraction, writing the alphabet, spelling, writing and reading basic words, etc). This summer, she starts a reading program with 5 years old (she has an excellent vocabulary and already reads many words and short sentences.

All you can do is talk to the preschool head to get their thoughts (and support). Maybe they will let her have a a test run and allow her to join the older class Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays in her current class.

I think the hardest part for us is that she is intellectually very advanced, and emotionally she is 3 1/2. We forget that sometimes, given that she expresses herself so well and has generally coping skills. I want her to fully experience the world around be as capable as she can be, yet I want her to have fun with others her age and not grow up too fast. I hope there will be a balance. We are working on it trying to find one.

Good luck, and remember, no matter what you decide, it will be the right thing for your family.

Ami - posted on 05/29/2009

My son always took to older children at an early age. At your daughters age we found a preschool that was willing to let him join the older children and he has moved up from there. Now, he has just turned 5 and will be graduating Kindergarten next week. He has even been accepted into the 1st and 2nd grade program at a school for the gifted. I think, even at that age, gifted children want to be around others that share their intellect. The older children converse at their level and the concepts in the classroom are more enjoyable maybe even challenging. But, I think they seek that. Even now, Langdon continues to prefer the company of children at least 1-2 years his elders or even adults. Foster that desire for socialization. It is important for them to have others to socialize with that share similar interests and vocabulary.

Jennifer - posted on 05/13/2009

When my daughter was 3 she went to a preschool with 3-5 year olds. She potty trained overnight as a result, and easily kept up with all the other kids and loved it. (VPK the next year was a bit of a nightmare, so watch for what is going to come next) If you have an advanced child, they often get along with older kids better anyway. They have more in common.

Zoe - posted on 05/03/2009

Our day care center always moved my daughter up "early" and she just LOVED it. We didn't have the money do do Jr. Kindergarten instead of regular 4 year old preschool, and I felt like I wanted her to have more free time and play time. (Don't rush the academics on my baby.) What a mistake! They weren't out for the money! They were right. Just now at the end of the first grade is she working out of the bad habits she picked up with doing work that wasn't challenging.

Morag - posted on 05/01/2009

Lil miss is 15 months now and started nursery at 12 months... it became clear very quickly that she couldn't be kept with her age group. Most of her age group couldn't even walk, let alone run and talk. The nursery were really good.. and moved her up with the 18/24 month olds and she has done nothing but excell. Its been amazing! Shes trying to read and write, is learning her numbers and letters and is enjoying every minute. If you can convince daycare to keep her in the older group... do it. :) !!! It will be the best decision you make for her. I've never regretted it.. and lil miss loves it.

Emily - posted on 04/29/2009

Awwww, Emma is a week older than my Ava! I would ask that she be moved or at least be allowed to spend some time in that class until the novelty wears off. Unfortunately, the childcare laws of the individual states dictate which children can be placed with other children of different ages. I know that here in NC a center can get cited for having children of one age in with an older age group. Speak to your administrator though, and tell her everything you've just told us. Chances are she will want to make school as easy for your daughter as you do!

Amanda - posted on 04/29/2009

FIGHT for your child. I always did. If they don't want to mover her, find another. I know, I did the same thing. I would fight and fight. I was fair, I knew my daughters limits. At first they didn't want to go with me on it so I told them if they didn't want to move her I would find another place and tell everyone how this establishment didn't want to cater to my child's educational needs. That fixed that issue.

Lauryan - posted on 04/21/2009

If she is happy there then ask if she can go there.. then askt the daycare if they feel she is happier /better adjusted there - that way it will seem the move is being instigated by them...