Communities

Moms that are Teachers

All Communities > Moms that are Teachers > K with no pre-k vs. pre-k kids.

K with no pre-k vs. pre-k kids.

Karen - posted on 07/16/2011 ( 5 moms have responded )

481

19

I have a 4 yr. old who will be starting Kindergarten in the fall of 2012. I have a 7yr. old (my oldest) who struggled in Kindergarten because he didn't have preschool. We are in a situation this year that we can't send our daughter to pre-k because of transportation and the fact that we are planning on moving and don't know what county yet to sign her up. We'd have to do the federally funded. Anyway, she has learned a lot from educational shows on tv..She can write about 10 letters, count to 14, knows colors ect. I will be working w/ her at home using a workbook, flashcards, dry erase boards, writing paper, and lots of crafts and activities. I'm not so worried about the learning part as she does well. My biggest concern is her socially. She is fine when I'm with her. She may be shy for 30 min. or so and then she's off playing with everyone. I took her to bible school this week and she was terribly shy. She would only sit with her brother (and I had to force that) for the 1st hr. Then she started playing with other kids too, but her brother was right there with her. I'm trying to find ways to get her around other kids her age that would be close to the idea of pre-k. But there are no play groups up here. Most of the kids who are in this small town will be attending preschool. So i can't really creat a play group. We have no library either. It's a very very small town. i'm hoping we can move to a town where we will have access to all that. But there is a chance it won't happen. So, I was wandering how much of a difference do you see in kids who start with no pre-k experience and those who have gone to pre-k? My son went to a summer program to start him out but they don't have that every year. I'm probably worrying too much but I saw how much pre-k helped my 2nd child, and I went also as a child. I know how much easier it makes it for them.



**Edited** I should also add that at home she is a typical 4 yr. old who throws temper tantrums over everything just about. pre-k took care of that for me with my 2nd son. My 1st child is so old I don't remember how to deal with that to prepare her for K.

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

5 Comments

View replies by

Karen - posted on 07/25/2011

481

19

Thank you. Our school already requires they be 5 yrs. old before the very 1st day. She will be 5 1/2 anyway. All this new stuff they need to know makes me a little nervouse, but I think she will be ok. She's beenn really enthusiastic and picking a lot up from her brothers who are going into 1st this year. They have even started teaching her a few more things this summer.

Nicole - posted on 07/24/2011

1

5

If you work with your child she can be ready academically. I teach Kindergarten and strongly recommend waiting until your child is 5 before starting him or her in Kindergarten. My school district is actually going to make this a requirement within the next couple of years. It really helps with the social readiness. If you can wait oneida year I would. Even if it means your child will be on the older side.

Tamara - posted on 07/20/2011

48

6

I do think that school has changed so much over the years, and kids are expected to do and learn more at an earlier age. It's often hard on kids at such a young age.

My first 2 kids have been in preschool for 2 years before entering kindergarten. (Son is 10 and going into 5th; daughter is 5 going into K.) My youngest, 3, will be starting preschool this fall. I do think that kids benefit from preschool, but I also think that they can learn just as much at home if a parent is willing to invest the time. It sounds like you are willing to do whatever you need to do in order to help your preschooler be successful. As for her academically, there are lots of great curriculums available that will provide her exactly what she would get from a prechool. As for her socially, continuing to find opportunities for her to interact with her peers will be key in helping her overcome her shyness. It takes some children longer to adapt to a new situation, but eventually she will, especially if it is a situation she is in routinely. If you can join a church or other local group (like MOPS) where she will consistently be with the same children and adults, she will hopefully let down her guard. It takes time. It will also come with maturity/age. Of course, she may always be a quieter child when out and away from family, and that's OK. That should not really be a factor in her ability to do well in school.

Karen - posted on 07/20/2011

481

19

Thank you for your comment. I know it's worth it. I'm sure I will figure out some ways to get her into a social situation on a regular basis. I guess i should of just made it shorter and more to the point. What I was asking was is there a drastic difference between kids who went to pre-k compared to kids who did not? K used to be all about learning while playing. I'm wandering if it's more stressful on the kids that don't go to prek since K is more of a grade school type setting now.

Ethan & Francia - posted on 07/20/2011

3

9

Pre-k is the way to go. It teaches the toddler to be independent, social, sharing as well as caring for friends and learn academically also. I understand you are struggling with the transportation but it is all worth it.

Powered by RESPECT not THUMPS

Want to find out the opinions of this community?

Add Poll