What do people think about pre-school?

Sarah - posted on 11/16/2012

Audrie, thanks for your comments. They make a lot of sense to me and are helpful for me to feel better about my decision to keep my kids out of preschool. Thanks.



Sarah

LaToya - posted on 09/15/2011

Teacher's can tell the difference between children who've been to pre-k vs. the kids who haven't. My son did pre-k and now he's in kindergarten. He's doing very well so far. He already knew about routines, waiting your turn, raising your hand to speak etc.. in pre-k. Pre-k isn't a requirement here, but I decided my son should go because he needed the social/emotional stimulation. My son was 4 in pre-k, my daughter turns 3 in Nov. so I have to wait to put her in pre-k next year.

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2011

My son is 3 years old and I also have a 7 month old girl and Im always home so my son never really gets to see other kids. He just started pre-school this year and me and my husband went to talk to his school the other day and they said he listens and plays very well when hes there. His attitude at home is SO much different then at school and he really loves it. I wasnt going to put him in pre-school but Im so happy I did. Now he can be with other kids and learn to make friends and I can spend alittle more time with my daughter since my son has been getting more attention cause of his attitude.

Stacey - posted on 09/12/2011

I personally thing its best to start them at the age of 4. But that is just my opinion. We have 2 sons the ages of 7 and 4. When our 7 year old turned 4 we sent him to preschool but had to pay $500.00 and that was for public school. I do not think that's right by any means being my husband works and pays taxes just like anyone else and before our kids came along I done my fair share also!

Anyway despite all of that we really thought it would be a good thing for him and we decided to send him. He has done really well in school. He is now in 2nd grade and continues to get pretty good grades!

Our youngest son is now 4 and we have signed him up for school but once again they want us to pay for it (not sure of the cost yet) and if its a reasonable price this time around we will send him for his own good! I think it does help them get ready for all the challenges they face going into kindergarden and it helps them get ready for the real world (even though we may not be ready to let them go) it really does help them!
So I think it all depends on your child and your its always your choice. I dont think a parent should be selfish by not sending their child just because the parent isnt ready to let go of that child just yet!
That is cheating that child out of learning! So reguardless if our son goes this year or not he will have to go next year! Good Luck on your choice!

Chandra - posted on 09/08/2011

Statistically speaking, children who attend at least one year of preschool have better grades throughout school and have a MUCH higher chance of going on to college.

Speaking as a Mom of a preschooler - who I started late - she started this week - she is 4.5, I cherished every second I was home with her, and we still get half our day together and all day (except 45 minutes for speech therapy) one day per week. I am sad to have her in school, especially since our only option was 5 days per week (though it's only 9:00-12:45), but she is LOVING it, and already I can see a change in her.

I think 1 year of preschool is plenty - unless you need them in school because of work.

It is a very personal choice. If you can do what your child would get from preschool and somehow add in enough socialization as well, and your truly up for that - YAY! Go for it. I would have loved that, but I think that some of the skills she will need in Kindergarten will be better learned in Preschool.

Bittersweet for me, but I know it's what was best for her and our family

Stifler's - posted on 08/04/2011

Preschool is mandatory here. I'm pretty sure. It used to go preschool at 4/5, grade 1 and so on. Kingergarten is optional here (they go at 4 for like 3 days a week for half the day) and I don't think kids even learn anything they just go to play with other kids and do painting etc. I've been taking Logan to playgroups and the park his whole life I can't wait until I can enrol him in kindy!

Brittany - posted on 08/04/2011

I agree with Laura. There are so many free or low cost comunity activities for preschoolers that there isn't really a point in spending the money.

My daughter is far from preschool, but she gets most of her social time in the play area at our local Y, as well as in swimming lessons. Once she can sit still for more than a minute I plan on taking her to book time at the library.

Sally - posted on 08/04/2011

Kids who go to preschool do begin kindergarten more academically ready. That boost has gone away by the second grade.
Kids who spend the first five years of their life knowing that mommy is always there when they need her start school more emotionally healthy. That boost never goes away.
They'll be stuck in school for at least 13 years already. Why cage them before you have to?

Stifler's - posted on 08/04/2011

I could not put up with homeschooling hey. I can't wait for the day when i'm like BYE NOW YOU KIDS HAVE FUN AT SCHOOL and I can actually tidy up my house in peace, go out for coffee in peace, see friends and have a real conversation sans whingeing kids.

Ashley - posted on 08/04/2011

I placed my son in pre-school (playschool) lasgt year when he was 3 because while my son was very smart and quick and curious he hadn't spent alot of time with kids his age socializing. It was the best thing we ever did for him. he grew socially and learned things that I never thought to teach him at 3. He is enrolled for another year to keep up with the socializing since he will know already mostof the curiculum.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/14/2011

I'm going to homeschool my kids, so no preschool!
But from sometime around 3-4 years I'll buy some preschool style work books, numbers, shapes, colors, letters, etc. And we will have some time set aside for school!
If mom is willing to work with her kid at learning these early lessons then preschool is really unnecessary.
Early socialization is really best done with mom present,like playdates, or library story times, or trips to the museum, zoo, park etc.

LeAnn - posted on 02/07/2011

I'll never understand how someone can carry a child inside them for nearly a year, plan & dream of that child, give birth to that child, & then hand the child over for other people to raise. I had kids so that I could raise them. Neither my 12yo nor my 4yo have ever seen the inside of a school building & they're both VERY social kids who are working above their "grade levels." Preschool is not necessary. Neither is institutional school.

Tracy - posted on 02/04/2011

I think it's great for the kids to have some school interaction before starting kindergarten...

Mary - posted on 02/03/2011

I cant wait to put my son in prek. I live in nj near manhatten and I do not trust the daycares out here. Public schools have prek at 4 years old but prek 3 in catholic school so next school year I will be putting my son into cath school then public the next. Ive waited for this since he mastered his abc's and potty training and I will be throwing party on the weekend of his first day of school!

Lu - posted on 02/03/2011

My 6 year-old went to preschool when she was 4 (just one year) and I feel that it really helped her develop socially. She is a bit on the shy side. It also helps them to learn a classroom routine and slowly introduces them to what school is like. My 5 year-old has a September birthday, so when her sister went to kindergarten everyday, she felt lonely and really want to go to preschool. She is now on her second year of preschool. I do feel like two years is not necessary (too expensive and they will only repeat everything the second year anyway), and will do only one year again with my 2 year-old. I have a friend who was a preschool teacher and she just taught her boys everything at home and went on a ton of playdates for the social side. There is no right or wrong, just what works better for each family. Good luck!

Deanna - posted on 02/03/2011

I personally don't think American children need preschool except to give moms a break. Kindergarten children are taught the same things as preschoolers so it is just really redundant to do preschool for 2-4yrs. (kindergarten included) We never did preschools. We taught our kids at home and once we realized that the schools require a child to take kindergarten we started thinking about homeschooling. We now homeschool. :) However, teaching kids at home for preschool is extremely easy. Getting them the socialization they need is easy as well. Parks, mommy groups, or even mommy's day out offered by churches for socialization. For the actual schooling you can do workbooks if you want but we always just got all sorts of paper, paints, crayons, scissors, and so on they worked just fine.

Catherine - posted on 02/03/2011

I think it is extremely important to send kids to preschool and I'll tell you my story. I have a 3 year old, who's birthday is in August so he'll be a very young 5 when he heads to kindergarten. I've been a stay at home mom so he has never had much interaction with other kids before preschool. He played horribly with other children, always taking toys away and pushing and getting in their faces with himself or toys. I tried as best I could to teach him, but there is nothing better than having him be in a safe classroom with a kind teacher and a group of kids who are all learning social awareness together. It's really more about that then the ABC's, although he can write almost all the letters now and almost write his name! He's been in preschool for 4 months now and he has changed so much! He plays better with the neighborhood kids and with his brother, although we're working on that (he's just turning 1 this month).

I think it also helps them to communicate better. I would start them at 3, so they can have 2 years of it before kindergarten. Mine is 2 days a week and next year will be 3 days a week. Oh, it's also good if the child is really shy too. It's better to gradually ease them into school and plant that idea that school is for learning early. Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 02/03/2011

My son never went to preschool but he was in a great in-home daycare that taught and did crafts and things like a preschool would. Im not sure what ill do this time with my daughter if im still not working.

Nicole - posted on 02/03/2011

I think it depends on the child and the school. I am a stay at home mom and take my daughter and son to lots of outings, playdates, and classes. My daughter will be 4 in May and started a 3 day preschool program this past September. It is not a daycare setting, but true preschool. She absolutely adores it and we have seen lots of positive things she has picked up from attend. She has always been a very outgoing and independent kid, and has been asking to go to school since she was two. I think preschool has given her an appreciation for others and her family that she didn't have before, to name just one positive change. Plus, no matter how well rounded you are as a parent, I think there are always positives for your child to learn from someone else. They bring a different perspective and I think my daughter really enjoys that part, too. When the time comes we will be sending our son also.

Nicole - posted on 02/03/2011

imo i feel that the first three years should be spent with the mother at home - butthats why im a SAHM :o) so keep in mind my opinion might be a little bias here hehee...

i think that a child should learn to enjoy home life first. when they have learned not to smack, bite, push, break things... great, let them go learn some social skills and make friends. but sending them at a younger age just leaves them to bully or be bullied. young toddlers dont really play with each other anyway - the look and learn and practice/play by themselves. my John is a ral softie and has only ever been bullied by other kids his age. he loves getting out a cloth and dusting with me or sweeping the floor with the feather duster while i use the broom and sitting on the vacuume. i also let him play with paint/water/ crayons/ putty/etc... he can count to three, match shapes and colours and knows alot of animal sounds and names, plants too.. i know he's not amazingly ahead.. but im happy with his progress - he takes life a step at a time and i follow his lead. he loves books and learning new things. playing catches and hide 'n go seek xxx

Jayanthi - posted on 02/02/2011

Children learn a lot during the first three years of life. Their physical and mental growth is tremendous at this stage. A good pre-school where your child can go twice or thrice a week for 2 to 3 hrs is not a bad idea at all.Afterall the kind of social interaction that they get in school is not available in homes, thanks to the fast-paced life of today. Also kids learn many good things like making friends, sharing things(toys, books, food,etc) and also about various cultures which one cannot get at home. Many group activities are very well-arranged by schools in which your child can be a part of. So sending your child to pre-school,say, by the age of 2 or 2 1/2, should be fine.

Sarah - posted on 02/02/2011

Over here pre-school for the year before school is becoming mandatory as the belief is it is very important. I plan to send my daughter to preschool once she is 3 for 2 days a week and 3 days week when she is 4 so she can learn to be without me and also routines and how to interact with peers without my input. Other wise school can be a massive shock for them.

Dee - posted on 02/02/2011

It is very imporant i have a 10 year old and and a 7 year old they expect so much out of them in school my son did 2 years it was very good for him . i felt he was well prepared fpr kindergerten . He done very well he is now in the first grade and able to read and does well in all his subjects

Tana - posted on 02/02/2011

oh also, my 3 yr old can now draw a square, triangle, circle, and a rectangle. he recognizes most of his colors accurately and only goes to preschool 2 half days a week! I think preschool is about way more then socialization! At our preschool they are being taught in a playful, care-free, enviroment the things they need to know before entering kindergarten. I have a 5 yr old who just started kindergarten this year and I can honestly say that if he didnt go to preschool he would be ssssoooo far behind! They already have taught my 5 yr old how to read just from August to December! He has 70 flashcards of different sight words and blended words and can write every letter of the alphabet in De'Nealian style handwriting...they are learning math addition and subtraction and are required to know the number 1-50 by the time they are done with this year. Thats recognize and write them. They are also expected to work independently withotu instruction on somethings and I know that without preshool, my son never would have been ready for this stuff!!!! He's zipping right through it now!!!!

Tana - posted on 02/02/2011

My kids started at 3 and they loved it! The social interactions with kids their own age, the projects and things they get to do there, the games they play, the sense of independence it gives them, the pride they have after a complete day (which is usually no more than 3 hours a couple times a week), and so much more are major benefits to preschool! My kids LOVE preschool and are always coming home ready to tell me all about the cool things they did that day. They are so proud of what they accomplish too! In August, my 3 yr old could not write his name and now as of December he can write it all by himself! He recognizes all the letters in the alphabet and can count to 20 without help! I'm all for preschool! Its an excellent stepping stone and you shouldnt let your fear of letting your child grow up a little infringe on whats best for him or her!

Dodie - posted on 02/02/2011

Oh! And my kids went to pre-school for only 2 or 3 half days. This made the 5 day Kindergarten week a smooth and natural transition. Hope this helps!

Dodie - posted on 02/02/2011

I have 4 kids. They all went to pre-school for at least one year. Not only is it important for them to build their social skills, but the sooner they learn to follow rules in a structured environment, the sooner they will begin learning. In pre-school, they learn things they won't learn at home such as:
how to line up
how to take turns
to raise your hand and wait for the teacher to call on them
how to rotate from one station to another
to remember an assigned seat

And while doing all of this, they make new friends, learn new songs, gain self confidence, get a break from mom and siblings, etc, etc.

I feel the benefits are endless. All in all, they learn to enjoy school and hopefully that will stick with them through their college years :)

Kathleen - posted on 02/02/2011

Every kid is different. My daughter went at 3 for 3 days a week, 2 hours and went to playgroup and I took every opportunity to "socialize" her, which is the buzzword nowadays. She is now in first grade and still tends to be shy. My son stayed with us and is the opposite, he is very outgoing.

Kyra - posted on 02/02/2011

Hi, I am a mother of a 15 month old. I think its never to early to start socializing your child. We go to that mall twice a week to play with other kids. Also once or twice a week we go the a class called play to learn. It is for kids from age 6 months to age 5. I think it has helped my daughter learn how to share and play without feeling overwhelmed. We also do arts and crafts. Each class teaches you something different. We also are learning sign in our classes. Its really fun! My daughter takes a really good nap after class usually.

Becky - posted on 02/02/2011

As a parent of 3 (with a 4th one due any day now) and as a preschool educator, I am going to say preschool is a great opportunity for children to work on the social skills they will need for Kindergarten and beyond. Preschool is a little bit about academics and a lot about social skills. Parents that go into a preschool situation expecting their children to come out of it scholars are expecting more than they are going to get. Yes, certain academics are taught at the preschool level- colors, shapes, counting to 10, some alphabet stuff, recognizing and writing their names, etc. but the main focus in the preschool classroom is teaching children how to share, respect their peers and adults that are not their parents, and follow classroom directions and routines. Children who stay home with their parents until Kindergarten are usually in for a shock. It is hard to suddenly be expected to go to school 5 days a week, with 20-30 children in the classroom and one teacher. Most preschools have smaller class sizes and more than one teacher in the classroom. I feel that 3 year olds should start preschool but go only 2 or 3 days a week. That gives them, and mom, time to ease into things. When they are 4 they should go at least 3 days a week, if not 5. There are many different types of preschools, so do your research before choosing one. An accredited program is best, they have to meet certain standards set by the accrediting agency. NAEYC (National Association of Educaiton for the Young Child) is the top accrediting agency, but there are many other agency that accredit preschools and set high standards. Find the preschool that fits your family and the needs of your family best. I worked in a preschool with children with developmental disabilities and saw how compassionate that teaches typically developing children to be, so my children have all gone to an inclusive preschool that is through the local school district so they can be in the classroom with the children receiving special education services. I currently stay home with my 2 year old after a bad babysitting experience, and provide child care in my home. I am getting information together about preschool for the children in my care that are going to be 3 before the next school year begins, because I think it is very important for them to get that experience. Most preschools have an open door policy- and I would question what is going on at the ones that don't. That means you can come in and be a part of the preschool environment. They often have many events for parents to participate in and times set aside for parents to be a part of the day. Most preschool teachers are more than happy to have involved parents who will come in and read a book with the class, or share a fun game or craft with the children. Good luck with your decision and I hope this post helps you!

Cristiane - posted on 02/02/2011

My daughter strted pre school when she was 2 and half years old and since the first day she loves it. It is great to socialize them. And it is great for mom too, she will have 2 hours to relax.

Pam - posted on 02/02/2011

I don't feel it is needed. But it is very helpful getting them ready. It gives them the feel of the classroom environment, and helps them feel comfortable with being away from home. My daughter is in Pre-K, and really loves it. I would acually recommend it.

Tina - posted on 02/02/2011

personally I will be sending all my kids to preschool at 4.....I wish I could keep them home all the time but they start so many things so early now...my son was already learning to write his name and such in prek...so many things that used to be kindergarten and first grade level are now prek and I dont want my child to be behind in any way

Renee - posted on 02/02/2011

Check out Brightly Beaming Resources letter of the week program and do it at home. No they don't need preschool in most areas but some school districts expect that kids will come with a great deal of knowledge before kindergarten (like our area expects them to already know the alphabet). So this is a free sight, designed by a teacher and has everything you need to do it and it costs pennies to do. We check out the books at the library that are recommended each week - teaching them about the library. They also have story time at our library, coupled with church, my son gets plenty of socialization. The site is http://letteroftheweek.com/ I love it and its so cute and fun!!! It has plans for ages infant to 11!!! I know another mom who uses it and they are starting to read - her kid is 4!!!

Jenny - posted on 02/01/2011

All 3 of my boys had preschool. It really helped each one in a way. Helped my youngest to not be so clingy and panicky when I left him somewhere..helped my middle one to calm down and not be hyper and my oldest just loved it.

Erin - posted on 02/01/2011

Kindergarten is different now than when we were kids. If you want your child to have that "play at school" experience without the pressure of worksheets and homework than I would suggest pre-k at least the year before they are to start Kindergarten.

Kristin - posted on 02/01/2011

Depends on the child for both need and what age would be appropriate. Personally, anytime before 4 years seems premature to put them into a strongly regimented program. However, some kids thrive in that kind of an environment. If you think your child needs more than what you have to off, perhaps some art classes or physical activity type classes are in order to test the waters. I am thinking in conjunction with story times, playdates/groups, and whatever else you may do at home. If you think your child would like it, start looking into what's available in your area.

Finally, even if you find a program you think would be a perfect fit, it does not have to be a permanent thing if your child isn't liking it. Give it a couple of weeks to a month and reassess.

Jessica - posted on 02/01/2011

I don't think preschool is necessary as long as you are teaching colors, shapes, numbers and letters at home and reading to your child a lot. It is also good to play lots of games and take your child places like the zoo, museums etc. If you want the socialization without the actual preschool, a good playgroup or children's church group may do the trick. Preferably something where they practice sitting in a circle, following directions, etc.

Laurie - posted on 02/01/2011

When my oldest was little she went to daycare, there wasn't much difference in what she did at home and what they did there. She just had other kids to play with. My youngest was 3 when she started a special education preschool. If you have a child that needs socialization or therapy services a preschool is a big help. There are times when you need a little bit extra help. the baby loves that she can get on the school bus every morning like a big girl.

Rebecca - posted on 02/01/2011

I've just started my daughter in family day care so that she can have the chance to socialise with other kids (once a week on Fridays). She loves it there and is with 4 other kids around her age (I didn't want her to get lost in the system). I started her because she was getting bored at home and really seemed to crave new company and new experiences. Through the year they do everything from craft, to excursions right down to the nitty gritty development topics and photos and her artwork is dispayed in a folder which I get every week (A real treasure). I think its good for her because they offer her once a week a day out of the home, a chance for her to build a little independance, the chance to build social skills with other kids, new experiences and they are trained with helping her expand and develop her skills and create new ones. It's a small group so they can offer one on one too which I love. As she gets older and ready to enter kindergarden they help get her prepared. It's only once a week but she loves it.

Kim - posted on 02/01/2011

I taught my kids their ABC's, 123's, colors, shapes, etc. By the time my kids started Kindergarten, they were reading. I was told by a teacher I taught my kids what they learn in Kindergarten. So no, I don't think pre-school is important if you are a stay home mom and can teach your kids yourself. JMO

Lisa - posted on 01/31/2011

In talking to friends of mine who are in the education field, they have told me that it is very obvious which children went to preschool and which children did not when they enter K and 1st grade. I sent my oldest to 4 year old preschool and have never felt that I was neglecting my responsibilities as his mother to let him gain the experience of a classroom setting. I plan to send my daughter next year, as well. She is a shy child and I think she needs the interaction away from me. My children attend church and their own classes twice a week but that doesn't provide the same classroom experience and independence from mom as a preschool would. Many moms have commented on the expense of preschool but your community may offer a peer program preschool in the public school system that is very inexpensive and easily affordable for most.

Bridget - posted on 01/31/2011

preschool not only teaches them their basic things like that (my son is 3 and he already knows how to read yes i have tought him all these things) but preschool also offers the social skills they need to learn, helps them to respond to others in a pos. way (listening to others not just their parents). i would not put in a public daycare like preschool. but a private preschool at a church its more stable like i said in earlier post alot cheaper too

Clara - posted on 01/31/2011

I never sent my children to preschool, I taught them their alphabet's and numbers, colors shapes how to write their name and the beginning of reading,When they went to kindergarten I listen to the teacher all my children went for half day except my youngest he went 2 days for half day only. so it is really up to you pre-school is not necessary at all.

Bridget - posted on 01/31/2011

start at 3 and let them go... find a church that does preschool its better for them plus its cheaper

Kendra - posted on 01/31/2011

If you are sending your child to Kindergarten, PLEASE send them to preschool OR work with them at home on some things. I student taught in K and it was painfully obvious which children had some preschool or work at home. I am homeschooling my kids all the way up so I won't be sending them anywhere for anything. However, PLEASE send your children prepared... it will mean LESS work for the teacher (meaning more interaction) and less frustration for your child. They should be able to count, know their ABC's (not writing necessarily but some recognition is good), colors, shapes, how to follow multi-step directions, how to put on and off coats, hats, gloves, shoes, etc... you would not believe the K kids I had who couldn't do those things. PLEASE work with them at home OR send them to PreK so they are prepared! NO, kids do NOT get bored at home if home is an exploration place with lots of interaction, etc... my kids are not at all bored ever! PreK is not necessary but some sort of preparation for K IS!

Susan - posted on 01/31/2011

I guess I am really in the minority. I do not like school. I like home school. The parent can teach at the level that the child is at. Socialization is very overly stated. None of my children have socialization problems and they all were home schooled. My youngest is 17 and does fine even though he is academically challenged, but he is very social and does not have that type of problem.

Lesa - posted on 01/31/2011

Pre-K is becoming kindergarten in Waterbury CT! Kindergarten has become so academic here that if your kids don't go to pre-k they don't get that social aspect of school going. Here I definitely advise pre-k. My kids loved it! They started at 4 and all the friends they made in pre-k went to kinder together, so my kids already had friendships developed by the time they got to kinder and so on.

Myrtis - posted on 01/31/2011

I think it depends on your child.

My eldest never went to preschool and has managed just fine with socialising and academics in kindergarden and grade 1.

My second son has started preschool at age 4 and we are very happy with his progress, he needed more stimulation than he was getting at home and this fit the bill perfectly.

I am going to wait until my third son is 4 before I put him in preschool though, I think if you can wait until they are 3 years or older that is best in terms of the development of their immune systems as well as independence and potty training.

No matter what you do though, when they go to school they all do fine and any differences iron themselves out, so just do what feels right for you and your kids.

Good luck!

Melissa - posted on 01/30/2011

All three of my children went to preschool. It was the best investment my husband and I ever made. They gained social skills, respect for other adults, and were well-prepared for Kindergarten. All three of my kids went into Kindergarten knowing how to write the alphabet and numbers, and were reading and spelling. I also found I appreciated them more and did more hands on parenting with them, because I missed them a lot when they were there.