Is preschool necessary?

Lika - posted on 07/12/2010

necessary maybe not beneficial prob so

im going thru the same thing my babys going soon and while i dont want to let go i know it will be an excellent oppurtunity for him to learn

i have 3 out of 4 schoolage honor students
2 of which are a grade ahead of where they should be
1 who has been on honor roll since kg and they all attended preschool-headstart as early as i could get them in

like some of the above stated its not just about the abcs and 123s it empowers them to be able to stand in the potty line share crayons with friends go into centers circle time learn to open the milk carton alone etc you know
but i understand its hard to let the babies go thats why i tag along lol

Rhonda - posted on 07/12/2010

I don't think it is necessary for the kids, but I think it helps them ALOT!! I have sent all 3 of mine to preK, and they have all benefited from it in different ways. Not only does it help them learn, it also gives them social time with kids their own age, which helped my kids tremendously!!... and plus in K, the kids are learning so much more now. It just depends on your judgement of what your kid truely needs, or what they're ready for. Only you can tell that....best of luck with your decision.

Tina - posted on 07/09/2010

I most states PreK is not mandatory but I feel that it is very helpful - especially if your child has not gone to daycare. I think a lot of parents do not realize how hard the shift is from home where the world literally revolves around that child and a school setting where the child has to share time, toys, and everything else with other people that are complete strangers. My teenager did not go to PreK because it was not offered then, my 6 yo step son didnt go because his mother was not responsible and you could tell his socialization skills were a little underdeveloped in Kindergarten. My 5yo went and had no problem adjusting to school after PreK and my youngest starts in the fall. Also like someone else has stated - the children need to know so much more earlier know. The are reading books by the middle of K now!!! In my location they must know alphabet, count to 50 (in order and rote), and approx. 40 sight words by the middle of K..All of these things you can teach your child yourself, but I don't feel like a parent can teach their child random socialization skills without some daycare or PreK situation..

Carla - posted on 07/09/2010

On the small island where I was born, kindergarten wasn't offered. The mothers in our neighborhood got the children that were going to be in kindergarten the following fall together and we pretended we were in school. Each mom took turns having it at their house. It kind of got us in the roll of things.

I am a little concerned, however, about the pre-kindergarten thing. How far will this go? Next there will be a pre-pre-kindergarten class for the 3-year-olds, then a pre-pre-pre, etc. If you have worked with your child, and he knows his colors, can write his name, tell a simple story, cut with scissors, follow directions, count, etc., these are the pre-reqs for kindergarten, and I don't see a need to send him to preschool. If he needs to learn interaction with other children, then yes, preschool might be good for him.

Ultimately, only you can answer this questioin, Maria. God bless, honey!

Donna - posted on 07/09/2010

I am British so I don't know how the American system works but I work in pre school settings and reception class (earlist complustory school class) You can spot the children who haven't attented pre school a mile off. They do suffer for it mostly in the socail side if a child can't put on their own coat or listen to a story how can they learn the ademdemic side of things.

Jocelyn - posted on 07/08/2010

As a K-2 reading specialist, I believe preschool is so important. It gives them the foundation they need to be able to handle Kindergarten. It helps them understand the social "rules" of going to school.

Vickie - posted on 07/06/2010

I honestly think it depends on the child. My son went to preschool. He enjoyed it and learned a lot. My daughter didn't go to preschool, but she is not suffering any difficulties from not going. She is doing well in school, and is going to start 3rd grade.

Susan - posted on 07/06/2010

No. My daughter did not go to preschool. She went straight to kindergarten from what I taught her at home and she aced kindergarten. We bought the workbooks and used flashcards. I taught her the alphabet, her numbers, colors, her name, how to write her letters and numbers, etc. She did better than some kids who went to preschool. If you are willing to work with your child, I say preschool is not necessary and my daughter is living proof of that.

Rebecca - posted on 07/05/2010

None of my children went to preK. For them it was fine. they were like little sponges and soaked everything up shen they did go to school. Each child is different. I should also say my oldest is 29 and the youngest is 14. They all are and were AB students. Three of them are boys

Jessica - posted on 07/05/2010

I don't think it's necessary depending on your child capabilities. My son was ahead of most kids his age all on his own. But it can only help get them ready for Kindergarden.

Jaimie - posted on 07/04/2010

I am a preschool teacher for Head Start and have had my teaching degree for 10-years. A lot has changed in those 10-years as far as the public schools go, but I still feel the same way as I did 10-years ago. I think high quality preschool is great for all children. If you are wondering what to look for in quality factors, go to http://www.childcareaware.org/. Also, if a child is in need of special education, the public schools should have options. The other thing that I think is of huge value in preschool is socialization and getting ready for the "school setting." If your community offers a preschool screening, I would take advantage of it. They will be able to give you some great info on options for your child.

Carmel - posted on 07/02/2010

No, if you can work with her at home. Keep her home just make sure she being taught at home so she is on target when she gets to school. I think they should stay home as long as they can. My son is 5 going to K this year.

Kristi - posted on 07/02/2010

Yes. Your child needs preschool for social skills, to learning how to behave when he/she does go to grade school. Its all about preparing them for the next 12 years. School is about learning and stability in a classroom environment. Preschool gets them ready for that.

Julie - posted on 07/02/2010

They learn a lot of the skills in preschool that they're expected to know when they start kindergarten. Unless you want to teach him those skills yourself. My son didn't have the attention span to learn from me. Plus, preschool gets them used to a school setting. We have full day kindergarten so going from no school to full day, five days a week would be a big adjustment. Our school sent us a list of the skills they wanted childrein to know when they started kindergarten. My son knew all of them and then some. Because he was advanced, his teacher started teaching him first grade skills and now he's ahead academically.

Michelle - posted on 07/01/2010

My oldest daughter had the advantage of many long drives back and forth from our apartment to grammie and papaw's house (about a 4 and a half hour drive) during which we sang all the learning songs. ABC's, 1 little 2 little 3 little carebears (indians and leprechauns for those of you that remember this song, my pumpkin was obsessed with carebears so that's what we sang), by age 2 she could say all her abc's and count to 20 only missing the number 17 (guess she just didn't like that number cause she missed it every time). She had a leapfrog magnetic abc's thing that I had on the refrigerator for her. You put the magnetic letter in it and it would sing "A says 'aye' and A says 'ah', every letter makes a sound...." and she'd sing it with it.... it was playing (and all kids love to play) but it was also building her phonics. We colored a lot and while we colored we practiced identifying the colors we were using. Her father put her in K4 just before school and she enjoyed it, but didn't learn anything new... she DID learn how to make friends which I think is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY in life. When Aleya went into K5 she started reading her books to me within a week... I was so.... uhm... surprised. But looking back, she had every learning advantage a single mom could afford.
On the other hand, my littlest, Cherish, has been in pre-k for about a year now and though she's learning, the classroom setting doesn't seem to work as well for her as the refrigerator and mommy time did for her older sister. Cherish is only 3 and likes to play with the other kids but learning is coming a little slower (she does know the pledge of allegiance though). If you have the time, get your children up to "snuff" yourself so that they have that time with you and feel confident in their mastery. Mommy's words of encouragement will go farther than a preschool teacher's. However, if your child is going into kindergarten next year it would be good for him to learn things like sharing and networking (big word for making friends).

Bobbi - posted on 06/30/2010

It's not about abc's it's about seperation, and social skills' I have two boys who did more at home than at school , however they made friends that went to Kindergarten with them. They knew class room skills and they were more ready to join in. And no tears.

Jesse - posted on 06/30/2010

I think it really depends on the child. It is true that academic standards are higher than they used to be, so sending your child to a somewhat academic preschool can be helpful. However, I sent my children to 2 years of preschool for the socialization because as a stay at home mom they have less contact with groups than other children do.
If you are deciding between needing preschool for private over preschool...I would say a private school child would not need preschool as much but for public school, it's a necessity. There is not the same individual focus in public school and therefore will need the leg up!

Suzanne - posted on 06/30/2010

I was just in my sons Kindergarten class this past school year, and it was very clear to me which children did NOT have any pre-school or much classroom or play-group settings before getting there. Some of them had social discrepencies, and some were slow getting upto the language levels of those in the class who had Pre-K....

It is a personal choice / family choice / and up to the individual parent to decide what is best... if your child is reading / coloring, and understanding social situations (plays well at the park with other children) then it's truly an option. Every child can benefit from being in a classroom...

My daughter is 4 and going into pre-k this September, ... 5 mornings a week. She needs the every day routine before going into kindergarten, and the 1/2 day program is just right so we can enjoy lunch together. Both of my sons (now age 6 and 8) also went to Pre-school at age 2 1/2 - 3... and the pre-k program, and I'm very glad they did. I was able to assess that my oldest needed reading intervention by kindergarten and now he is on track... If I had NOT put him in pre-k, I think he'd still be playing catch-up....

I hope this helps...
Do what you think is best for your child.

Shannon - posted on 06/30/2010

yes!!!for the education,social skills and getting use to being at school all day!!my kids have been in some form of a school environment since they were 6 weeks old.

Brandi - posted on 06/28/2010

I think it's a personal choice. I posted something about starting my child in kindgarden at age 4 1/2 instead of waiting til he was about 6 (he missed the age cut off). I think what i learned from everyone's great posts was it's a personal choice. If your child is getting the socialization needed to grow outside the siblings, and if you are able to give him the time at home to teach him the things he needs - then I say no. He doesn't NEED to go to preschool. But if he is an only child or doesn't get out much to scoialize with any other children then Iw oudl enroll him just for that reason. I think mom's who are able to stay home are amazing with what they can do. I personally am not able to be a stay at home mom and i love doing my job so much I dunno that I would be able to do it. Takes a special person for that. Good luck!

LATOYA - posted on 06/28/2010

I do agree with the fact that if u are a stay at home mom it is easier to teach ur kids more, bc I noticed that when I worked less my son made A's and B's, and now that I started working more his grades slipped tremendously!! Poor thing he didn't pass the 3rd grade and I feel bad bc he was doing so good. Although I wanted to hold him back anyway bc of the lack of maturity and he did go to pre k, but he also was considered developmentally delayed bc he lacked social skills with other adults.

LATOYA - posted on 06/28/2010

Yes!! They have to know so much now. My 9yr old was reading in k5 and they were doing spelling test, and that was 4yrs ago!

Eileen - posted on 06/28/2010

What are the laws in your state? At what age are children required to be in school? Are their any situations that require you to put him to school now? My first went to preschool because I needed a break. I was in a difficult pregnancy and delivered prematurely. She loved it for social reasons, but we had taught her all the basics at home. By 2nd grade we found about a 100 reasons to homeschool, including medical and even social ones. By then, the second child was 4. She never attended school at all, but is a happy, healthy 12 yo with an impressive vocabulary and is a fountain of knowledge.

It depends on what your needs and the needs of your child are. Obviously, I support homeschool, but understand why people choose to have others teach their children. Homeschool, though rewarding and beneficial, is a lot of work.

Patricia - posted on 06/28/2010

in my opinion yes. Boys especially as they tend to be very energetic benefit from Preschool it gets them used to the routine and following classroom rules. Kindergarten now is what first grade used to be and you want your child to be prepared.

Kelly - posted on 06/28/2010

I just asked the same question wondering this. I do believe it's helpful but not entirely necessary.I got a lot of family feedback disagreeing with me but I guess it's what you think that matters.

Jennifer - posted on 06/28/2010

The biggest thing that I loved about my girls going to preschool was the fact that they were able to learn how to behave b4 they were put into an environment that they would hurt their grade by not paying attention & understanding the rules & structure. Plus, both of my girls loved it. :)

Anne - posted on 06/28/2010

My daughter, a fall baby, didn't go to pre school and she has consistently remained ahead of much of her class. She is entering 4th grade this year. My son, a summer baby, was very immature for his age. I held him back a year and put him in a private pre-k instead. He will be going to 1st grade next year and I am very happy with my decision. He is developmentally on level with the other children in his grade and school is a pleasant experience for him. Each child is different and you should do what feels right to you.

Mary - posted on 06/28/2010

I started both of mine at 3yrs. in Head Start. I was compelled to do this so that they were used to being in the environment, they get a head start on learning and it's like getting a couple of hours of daycare. My kids were around me so much that they needed to get the outside stimulation in order to perform well. It also helps parents get into the swing of it. It will break your heart to leave them. Good luck and go with your gut feeling.

Angie - posted on 06/27/2010

I don't think it's necessary but if you find a good preschool that works with your local school district, it is very helpful. Call the school district he is attending and ask what skills will be necessary for your child when he enters kindergarten and then work with him on those skills. I taught my children to read and write their alphabet and the letter sounds. They knew how to count to at least 10 and how to count by 2's to 10. They could all write their names by the time they were 3. I was a SAHM and their access to other children was a little lacking - neighborhood friends and at church for the oldest, the same for the younger but they also met the younger siblings of the older children. I sent them to preschool so they could learn social skills not academics. It was a good move for my children, who are all shy. Good luck!

Anita - posted on 06/27/2010

hi it was the best thing that i done for my son. he is now 5 has had a good year in preschool and is able now to take on big school . he has made good friends that will be starting with him. he has grown up a lot this year he needed this year to learn to adjust and im glad i sent him. mum of 5

Ellen - posted on 06/27/2010

It is beneficial for your kids to enter preschool so that he will not have a hard time when he goes to kindergarten. There's a lot of things to learn and he starts early. It is also important that he gets used to the routine of school and will be able to have social interaction witha lot of kids.

Aileen - posted on 06/27/2010

Although I respect Sherri's opinion, I don't believe you can always tell those who have gone to pre-school from those who didn't. My daughter already knew most of what they taught in pre-k before she got there. She was also one of only two children that could read by the year's end out of a class of fourteen. There were even a few children who still didn't recaognize all their letters and numbers by the end of the year. I think each child is different and the amount of time the parents spend working with them is what makes the biggest difference. If you are a working mother it is much harder because you have less time and might be tired, but it is still possible to give them that head start.

Sherri - posted on 06/26/2010

Honestly the learning aspect is a plus it is the other things they learn that are the most important to thrive in Kindergarten.

Sherri - posted on 06/26/2010

MOST definitely it teaches them how to act in a classroom. What is expected out of them. How to sit quietly when needed to. How to follow classroom rules such as remaining in your seat, what is appropriate talk, how to keep hands to themselves. How to interact with other children, it also helps them to learn what will be expected of them for the following year. You can ALWAYS tell the children that didn't attend preschool versus the children who have.

Aileen - posted on 06/26/2010

Only you can decide if pre-k is necessary. I started teaching my daughter at the age of two so by four she knew her alphebet, numbers, she could write her name and most of her alphebets, and many other things all before we even sent her to pre-k. We chose to send her to pre-k because she is an only child and there are no other kids her age in our neighborhood. If you are working with your son on number and letter recognition, shapes, colors, name, address, phone number, and concepts like big/small or short/tall then you should have nothing to worry about when sending him to kindergarden!

Laura - posted on 06/25/2010

If you are comfortable with letting him go, then send him on to school. I say this for a few reasons. One, the educational aspect of course. Two, and this is a BIG reason, the social aspect. If you aren't in an area where there are many neighborhood children, or if there aren't many children in the family close to the same age, school at this age is great for learning social skills.

Amy - posted on 06/25/2010

i agree with ms. Monica.. my son who will be in 2nd grade didnt attend preschool either. but i am a stay at home mom so i have lots of time teaching him home the basic stuffs, singing/writing, reading the ABCs & 123s, playing blocks, coloring and doing some fun crafts.. he did very well in kindergarten though he was low socially..but he eventually picks up and got along well..and he was an A-student on 1st grade as well..

so, in my opinion, it's still depends on your judgement and on how much your son is learning at home.. our toddler girl is turning 4 on August and with our experience with our son, she's not going to preschool as well.. she already knows her ABCs & can count 1-13. she attended VBS by the way for a week and she learned how to write her nickname Rosie already..

Monica - posted on 06/25/2010

It depends on what you do with your child at home. If you read to them everyday and expose them to letters and crafts (fine motor skills like cutting and drawing), that should be enough. Also, it depends on how much they are able to be around other children and how they are being seperated from you.

My oldest never went to preschool, my twins went to a 2 day preschool so they could get used to being seperated from me and each other. I put them in to help them socially.

No difference in the three of them academically, all straight A's and above grade level on their reading. My oldest is going into 6th and my twins are going into 3rd grade.

Maria - posted on 06/25/2010

As far as Parents as teacher's he is good with what they NEED to know, the school outta teach the rest. His older brother was so far advanced it was boring and he got in trouble as early as K5. I think I might be selfish since he is the last of 5 and I am a stay at home mom. Still confused

Maria - posted on 06/25/2010

The basic academic are developed, his social skills are pretty good, they could improve, we do lots of activities like little gym, kinder music, kidcrest at church 2x a week. But I am still torn.

Melany - posted on 06/25/2010

I don't think it is necessary, but it does give your child an advantage when starting school. If you don't, then definitely work with him at home on colors, alphabet, writing, etc. Preschool does help them with social issues and with learning the basics. My son when to preschool and appeared to not even know all the alphabet, but he adjusted well and was at the top of his class in Kindergarten. My middle child just finished K4 and starts Kindergarten in the fall. I'm so glad I sent her because she needed the social aspect. I am sending my 3 year old to 3K next year too.

Laura - posted on 06/22/2010

I am from a small town so pre-school was offered at the elementary school before kindergarten. We did not feel our daughter needed preschool, our son however did. Our son was very smart for his age but his speech wasnt very good. We could understand what he was saying because we were around him everyday but most people could not. I think that it depends on the child, not every kid needs to go to preschool. If you think it would benefit your child then send them. If you have an only child that has never been in daycare then it might be good for their social interaction. I would take a good look at your child and see if educationally it would benefit them. :)

Karen - posted on 06/22/2010

Yes, they are expected to know a lot more now. I decided to not send my oldest because I had no idea of the change in ciriculum. He had a terrible time. All year. When he started he knew part of the abc's, #'s up to 5, and how to write his name. In Kindergarten he did like a review of all the abc's, #'s up to 10, and writing the alphabet for about 3 wks. Then they jumped to reading sight words, writing sight words, writing # up to 20. ect..By the middle of the yr. they were writing sentences, adding/subtracting, making graphs, writing/reading books. I could go on but I think you get the idea that it's a lot and at a fast pace. My son was at the bottom of the class. He didn't learn the complete alphabet till the middle of the yr. because they pushed so much on him that I noticed him shutting down. Things that he could do easy he stopped doing, threw temper tantrums at homework time, and cried so much about hating school. They tried to say he was slow and needed special ed. (learning dissabled). I felt they were wrong so I fought it and talked them into letting me hold him back. He's been out of school for summer break for 3wks and we are doing worksheets to prevent brain drain this summer. he is doing sooo much better and is more interested in actually sitting down and learning. We are doing stuff at his pace, when he wants. And I feel that when he starts k this yr. he will be ready to follow them. He's not going at a slow pace now either. He is ahead of his 5yr. old brother who starts kindergarten this fall. Some kids though are more advanced than mine I notice. Not sure if it's a change in the formula they ate when they were babies or if I am at fault for having my kids too young. (I was pregnant my senior yr). I don't know. I'd call your school and see what he needs to know. if he is pretty close I'd just keep him home and work with him a little if you want. But I sent my 4yr. old and they did sooo much for him. He is more mature than his big brother. Listens and understands more of what I tell him about anything. Made lots of friends that helped build self esteem. He loved it!