Shelby's preschool teacher pulled me aside on thursday to ask me if we have considered holding her back from starting kindergarten in the fall. Honestly, my answer was no, although I wanted to seem like the very insightful parent that I am not and say, "yes!"
3 times a year they have a little program at the preschool to show all of the songs the kids have learned. The first one was Halloween and she did great. Christmas and spring, not so good. This is what she looked like for the entirety of the spring program. (She is the one on the end)
We tried to put her in preschool last year, but she just stood in a corner and cried and after 1 month, they 'suggested' that she should wait until next year. How many people can say their child got kicked out of preschool! :)
So, my brain has not been able to turn off about this. Russ doesn't want to pay for another year of preschool since money is tight right now. It has been suggested to me that she attend Kindergarten twice, first at a different school, then second at the school her brothers attend. I think this might be the most viable option, since it will let us see how she does this coming school year, and if she does well, then we can move her to first grade at the school she is supposed to attend, and if not, we can move her to the kindergarten at the school she is supposed to attend.
Her preschool teacher said her academics are a little behind, but it is her ability to socialize that is worrying her. Her birthday is May 25 so she has a little bit of a late birthday.
What to do? Please leave your comments for me so I can have some perspectives to draw from.
10 comments:
Just came to check you out from MMB, and saw the stillborn photos. On June 7th, it would have been my babygirl's 11th birthday. I also was 26 weeks. Me heart goes out to you!
Julia, I don't really know what to say...I understand the whole "money is tight" part and can't say I blame your husband. I'd feel the same way.
I think that Kindergarten twice thing sounds like the best idea. My prayers are with you and her. Poor sweetheart.
Followed the link from MMB. Has preschool ended yet. Not knowing if you have already but I'd sit in her class a couple hours, a couple days at random. Just to see for myself what goes on. There are a lot of things that can affect a child and seeing through your own eyes might help you to spot something the teachers have missed.
I think the idea of Kindergarten twice, will be good. If she does well the first time, defiantly put her into 1st grade and again ask if you can sit in her Kindergarten class to notice what might have changed her spirit.
All the best to you and your family.
Followed the link from MMB as well. I agree with Jennifer. I would volutneer when you can in her class and observe her. Some kids a just a little more shy. I'd start her out at the school your boys go to though. She may flourish in Kindergarten and make lots of friends.
My heart goes out to you. We had a baby born at 20 weeks and he lived 7 minutes. We did not get to see him or hold him or take pictures of him. It's a long story but we know where he is and that he is part of our family. It's hard when people ask how many kids do you have, I pick and choose who I tell and who I don't. We are now pregant with #5 and she is threatening to come early...I'm only 25 weeks so we are a little nervous.
Stopped by from MMB.
I'd do the kindergarten twice thing. That way she has exposure to kids her own age, the lesson material and the way things work in kindergarten. I think it'd be a great head start for her (specifically if you're planning on having her repeat it!) but if not--like you said if she is improving you can move her on if you feel like it then. Wow sorry for the run on.
My good friend is dealing with the same thing but her daughter is in 1st grade. She's in total 'mamma bear' mode right now, cant say I blame her. Good luck!!
MMB hopper here...;-)
Kindergarten twice. It is easier to help her get ready for First Grade, than try to KEEP her up to First Grade level when she's not ready. Personal Experience. Trust your heart--you know if she's ready or not. Let her lead.
I agree with the other commenters, kindergarten twice. And bring her into the decision, ask her if she WANTS to go to kindergarten. Do you think she is having a socializing problem outside of preschool? If so then maybe talk to your pediatrician about what kind of services might help her. (You would be amazed at what kind of free services are available for kids, especially when it comes to education.) If not, maybe she just doesn't like what they do in preschool.
Definitely talk to her about it though. Even though she is very young, she may have strong feelings one way or another. We recently asked our son if he wanted to repeat 5th grade (he struggles with ADD) since we were moving to a new school district. He told us that he would feel like a failure and that he did not want to repeat, even though it would have been voluntary to take it over. If you plan to do kindergarten twice, at least you will have room to change your mind.
I would check with your local school district and have her tested. If she is having a hard time both socially and academically, most offer free preschool programs (or equivilant)that help them. If you do decide to do kindergarten twice, start her at the one she will end up at. She may do better if she is already familiar with the teachers and students. Also, it's not uncommon for children to repeat kindergarten (there are 3 being held back in my daughters class this year). Good luck to you!
Hi Julia!
I came over from MMB! Oh dear I know how you feel! It's confusing and I've been there twice!My son was basicly kicked out of preschool and I was very worried to start him into Kindergarten. But I did and it was a little rocky at first and he did great and now is ending his First Grade year as a top speller! I just prayed and prayed hard! The hardest thing for me was everyones Opinions. Your a good mommy you'll make the right choice!
Have a wonderful Thursday!
;-)
My daughter did get kicked out of preschool. We just started her again the next year. She is 12 now and doing fine, but still the youngest in her class and I sometimes wish we had bumped her even another year.
I found you from BabyLoss Directory- thanks for sharing your story with us. It helps to know we are not alone. ((hugs)) Emily from Stepping Stones (http://www.steppingstonesblog.blogspot.com)
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