My friend entered her son into school REALLY late?

Question

Her son is now 5, and is not in Kindergarten yet because his mother entered him in so late that he is on the waiting list. Last month the school called and said that he is still on the waiting list. Is he going to be really behind or what?

Answer 1

In England kids don't even learn the alphabet. Seriously, they don't. Or capital letters. They learn letter sounds and lower case letters, because that's what you need to learn to read. Letter names and capital letters are pretty much useless pieces of information.

So will he be really behind? That depends on what his mum's doing with him at home. If he's never seen a book or learned to count, yes he's going to be really behind because many kids know that sort of thing at three. If she reads and counts with him at home, he'll be just fine.

Answer 2

don't worry there are many kids that start school late

Answer 3

Did you know that many states actually do not even require children to begin formal schooling until age seven?  Not only is this true but it is true of most of the states in the US!  The reason, although it is not broadly advertised due the lucritive nature of ECE, is because research has shown that early education is not academically essential.  In fact, it can be detrimental.  One thing you should also understand is that alphabetical order only becomes needed once a child is spelling.  It is more important that he learn the sounds the letters make than an arbitrary song he won't use until later anyway.  Kindly let your friend know that she can be gently teaching him at home just by reading him books and talking to him at home.  If his home environment is rich and full of learning experiences, he will not be behind for long.

Answer 4

As long as your friend encourages his learning at home, he'll be fine. Many children usually begin school at the age of 6. If he is really talented they might enter him into the first grade instead of kindergarten.

Answer 5

A boy starting kinder late is not a bad thing- especially maturity wise. He won't be too behind of the mother works with him on his alphabet, etc. In the meantime, she can go to a teacher store and purchase the appropriate materials to help him along and/or catch him up. A child entering kinder should be able to identify letters, numbers, colors, animals, etc.

Answer 6

Kindergarten is not mandatory.    Can she not teach him his ABC's and 123's???   Is she completely incapable?

Not to mention most kids who go into grade 1 not knowing these things catch up within weeks anyway.  As I said, K is not mandatory and there is a reason for that, it's not necessary.

Answer 7

A child entering kindergarten must be at least 5 years old and/or be 5 by August. At least that's how it works in California. My nephew started late because his birthdate is in November, a couple of months late before the first year school started, so he was behind, but my sister made sure he knew his colors, shapes and numbers and read to him all the time. He is doing just fine in his classes.

Answer 8

Well if there is nothing you can do about it, just make the best of it.  I started my son a year later because they said he was so small for his age and emotionally it was hard for him because he had not been to preschool he wasn't ready.  They said if he was a year older than the other boys he wouldn't be picked on so much by the other boys, that size mattered in elementary school.  But other mothers did the same so it helped al little. But now he has caught up in size in high school. And it is kinda hard sometimes to make an 18 year old finish high school if they don't want to.  I mean most turn 18 a month or two before graduation, but if it is almost a whole year it gets hard if they don't want to go.  And legally no one can make them go to school if they are over 18.

Answer 9

since he will be the oldest in his class he might be ahead instead of behind. some mothers hold their kids out of kindergarten purposely if they don't think their child is ready. he should be more than fine.

Answer 10

most kids enter a little later now than when i was a kid.  i remember a lot of kids starting at age 4 and then turning 5 during the year.  now it is more of the norm to start at 5 and turn 6.  He should be fine.  Since we have guaranteed public education, if he meets the age requirements of the state the district has to take him.  If she is holding out for a specific school, that is a choice she is making.  I think the district can't legally turn him away.

Answer 11

He will be fine my grandson will be almost 6 when he starts school. Maybe she should look for a good pre school for him.

Answer 12

I didnt start either of mine in school until they were 6. I just dont see why they have to start so early. nursery school pre school then school. My 8 year old is now in the 2 grade. His reading level is 4.8 (fourth grade 8th month) and he has just recieved  a invitation to join a class for gifted students. So I dont think that it is going to hinder his / her learning or have them behind.

Answer 13

probably but I wouldn't stress over it since its your friend's problem not yours

Answer 14

he is not that old. He will pick it all up and most likely school will come easily for him as he is older and will be able to sit and concentrate more than the younger kids.  I wouldn't be too worried. Mine began school 6 weeks b4 they turned 6. They are top of the year level

Answer 15

I wouldn't worry too much, a lot of children don't even start kindergarten until they are 6 years old now.  I know it sounds funny but most teachers seem to think 5 is still a little to young.

Answer 16

Are there other kindergartens that he could attend.  The school is obviously trying to get the message out quite loud and clear that she should be looking for an alternative.  Has she done any homeschooling and made sure that he has lots of opportunities to play with other children?  If he misses pre-school and kindergarten, he will not be prepared to enter school at the right time.