Child starting school later because birthday in November?

Question

My child misses the cut off date in Sept.. Currently he is in a 4yr old preschool. Next year in Nov (his bday) he will be in a 5yr old kindergarten. Then he will again miss the cut off date to start 1st grade. I know a lot of kids fall into this catergory. My question is, what to do with them? I'm thinking he will need to go through two years of kindergarten before he will be the right age for 1st grade. Then, he will be a very mature 1st grader. I'm afraid it will not be a challenge for him, because his current preschool teachers have told me he is already advanced for his age. What did you do with your child? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Today's public school teachers are pretty good at offering supplemental work for students who are working above grade level.  At least they are in Indiana.

Being the oldest in his class can't be a bad thing but being the youngest and/or immature could be really bad.  This age thing continues through high school where he will be either the oldest/more-mature or youngest child in his class.  Maturity would be good to have when someone offers him drugs or worse.

Good luck.

Answer 2

the same thing happened to me.  i don't think it will affect him too much,  it didn't for me

Answer 3

He won't do 2 years of Kindergarten since they won't take him until he is old enough and he will move to the next grade with his classmates. What he will need to do next year is another year of preschool. This is not a bad thing. Studies show that the youngest kids in a Kindergarten class, particularly boys, are apt to have problems. If you think he has gotten everything possible out of his preschool look at programs in your area and find one that is different that he might enjoy.

Answer 4

Sing him up for extracurricular activities. Think about would you like your son  when he turns 15 to be around 16 year olds who just got their drivers licenses. Hum! I don't think so! That's what my son's day care director told me, and believe me I'm glad I didn't questioned it any further. He is going to be more mature and that is going to work out for him.  Just keep him busy, become a mom coach and  have fun doing sports/musical instruments. Good luck!

Answer 5

Consider a private school

Answer 6

If it is public school, he will not go to Kindergarten until the new school year begins, not on his birthday.  He will just spend more time in preschool than others.  My sons birthday is in October so he didn't start 4 year old pre-k until he was almost 5.  Next year he will be almost 6 going into Kindergarten.  It is better with boys that do this because they are generally immature.

Answer 7

Statistically, boys do better if they are older, rather than younger in their grade, especially when they get to high school. Perhaps this will be a good thing for your son, but you may not appreciate it for a few years. Some towns have transition programs for this age child. Call your school system.

Answer 8

It's wonderful to have a child be one of the older ones. Dont' worry about him being  challenged -that's the teacher's job.  He/she will have lots of ideas to challenge your little genius.  I have heard so many parents regret pushing their kids ahead too fast - I have never ever heard a parent regret holding one back.

Answer 9

My son's b-day is in October, so he had the same thing happen. My son did two years of kindergarten and he was bored in 1st grade. However, I am glad that I didn't move him forward because maturity wise, it would have been too much. It is always better to be at the top of the class than the bottom. I did things with him at home to supplement his education at his actual level. My son is a freshman now and he is doing well.