Pre-School?

Question

Are you sending your 4 year old to pre-school?

I don't think I am because they know basic colors, most shapes, numbers up to 100, they can write their name and a few other small words such as cat.

My 4 year olds are pretty advanced and I don't think they need it. My husband disagrees, saying that they need the social time. They already have social time. We go to play groups, they have friends over, and once a week, we go to a mommy and me group.

What are your opinions?

Answer 1

Even though your preschoolers socialize outside of school...in my opinion I think it woud still be good for them to experience school life. It will prepare them for kindergarten. They need an environment where they can learn how to get along with children in an actual school setting and learn to work together to learn things. It also gives them a chance to work under the supervision of a teacher which will be important in their elementary years.

Answer 2

This is definately up to you.  I am a preschool fan :-)  My son also is "advanced" for his age and had many a social opportunity because of playgroups and I do child care so there are children around here every day.  However, I sent him to 2 years of preschool.  Yes, for social reasons.  Not only did he need time with peers he benefited from time away from mom as mom and mom as teacher.  :-)  Preschool allows them to be with a diverse and usually "large" group of peers that may not necessarily be their "friends". The need for problem solving and compromising is more prevalant and we so want them to learn that while they are young.  It also teaches them routine and expectations from other adults.  Play groups, at least the ones we attend, do not have "expectations".  There are so many parents there that really there isn't a whole lot of "teaching" taking place because most of the parents fall back on the old way of dealing with problems. I hear "SHARE!" all the time and really in real life that's not how it goes.  So entering a preschool classroom allows them to learn to solve their problems ON THEIR OWN, without parent influence and in a more mature way.

We had the opportuntity of sending our son to a preschool that was right within the elementary school...across the hall from his Kindergarten teacher.  He rode the bus to school...he particpated in "specials"...he ate in the lunch room and he even did a bit with the principle and the Kindergarten teacher.  Though I wasn't impressed with the actual preschool program...these other benefits all made it worthwhile for this child because he does NOT like change.  This allowed for him to meet staff from the building, learn the routine, even meet his Kindergarten teacher and see the classroom, learn about the whole bussing situation...so now we won't have to deal with "newness" of going to Kindergarten.  It'll be like going back to school...so if this is an opportunity for you...go for it!

Good luck!

Answer 3

i didn't know you could choose if your child wanted to go to pre-school

Answer 4

I think the hardest part for any kinder teacher is classroom management. If a child has not been taught in a classroom environment how to behave and follow directions, it will be that much more difficult for that child to learn and the rest of the class suffers. A child needs so much more then colors, shapes, letters and numbers or even how to share to be ready for school. They need to know how to sit still. Listen to others, know when to be quite and when it is OK to speak. They need to know how to walk in a line and to recognize that they are part of a group and not an individual that can do what they want when they want.

Obviously I feel preschool is important. I am a stay at home mom and have taught my kids all their basics, but I could not teach them how to hold their own in a classroom environment and that is what preschool is for.

Honestly it is up to you and you will do what you feel best for your children (as every child is different) and that is the right thing to do, but I don't see how Preschool can hurt anything (other then the new colorful words they might learn from their Pre K classmates :) ). It only adds to the experiences of the child.

Answer 5

well.... what I think your doing is fine but if that preschool has a elementary, middle, and/or high school, it's best to put your kid in preschool because kids need friends that go to their school. They'll be a lot happier, plus whether you realize it or not teachers are teaching kids more than they used to. So if you consider taking your kids to a preschool at lease ask the teachers what they plan on teaching you child. They may not be as advanced as you think.

Answer 6

It would be good for the child to spend time away from you and with other children, it will make the transition to kindergarten less jarring.

Answer 7

I too have a 4 year old who is very advanced for her age.  Reading, writing, and counting above 100.  She knew her shapes, colors, could recite alphabet, and count to 10 before one, but I still elected to send her to pre-school.  Yes your child will be introduced to those things in kindergarten, but there is so much more to preschool.  I believe that the pre-school experience will make the kindergarten transition so much easier.  The child is already comfortable being away from mom, has adapted to making friends on her own, is use to following rules, sitting still, learning rules and classroom behaviour, and so many other benefits that can only be obtained through a structured pre-school program.  Their are countless amounts of benefits for allowing children to attend pre-school, this is one of the reasons why here in Florida they have established a free program for all regardless of income.  I would suggest that you look into the pre-k programs in your area, and I'm sure that you will be able to find one that is challenging for your child.  As I mentioned before, my child is also very bright, but she also learned a lot from her pre-preschool program, like beginning Spanish.  See if you can find a program that is less like a nursery and more structured like an actual classroom.  I really hope this helps.

Answer 8

if your child has lots of social interaction and is as bright as you feel he is, then i feel he doesn't have to attend preschool.  children learn many things by attending playgroups, having friends over, etc.  my child was also bright and didn't attend preschool and never had trouble with school, rules or socialization.  if he's bright, he'll catch on.  i'm all for keeping children with family if at all possible if it's the right situation.

Answer 9

They get enough social time at home. When they are 30, who will they lean on? Mom, Dad and siblings hopefully. Doubt their 4-yr old friends will be around when they are 30. I'm always jealous of people who are best friends with their brothers or sisters.

Answer 10

As a kindergarten teacher, I really can tell the difference between a child who attended a Preschool program and one who stayed home with mom.  It is so much easier for a child who has been in Preschool.  They need time away from mom.  Two days a week is just fine if you don't want to send him for the whole week.