What age for Preschool 3 or 4?

Question

I would like my son to start Preschool, he will be 3, his father wants him to wait until he is 4....Help us...Please share your thoughts/opinions/stories. Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

I think it not only depends on the child, but also depends on the environment you are sending him to.  So many schools do not help students grow at this age and end up being just a big play area.  That has its benefits, as there are many benefits to play that a child can get a lot out of.  And your child may do well in that environment.  I would just also ask how they grow his intellectual side and concentration, which should be developed at this time.

Generally speaking, age 3 is a wonderful time to send a child to school.  Developmental psychologists generally look at developent in several 3 year age spans.  0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12.  So he is in a different developmental stage now that he is 3.  A good preschool will help him with the stage he is in.

There are several theories of development.  Read up on them (can just do a google search).  Find one you tend to agree with and find a school that matches that.

People to look up:

Montessori, Erikson, Piaget

Those are the three main developmental theorists.

Matt

Answer 2

i work at a preschool that only meets tues and thurs from 9 to 2.  my daughter is 2 and she really loves it.  it's a good idea to go ahead and start now but only a couple days a week.  anything more than that will give the kid burnout by kindergarten.

Answer 3

My daughter started at the age of 2, she turned three the next month. I put her in since I was expecting another child. It allowed her to have time on her own and me time with the baby. She also already knew all the letters and the sounds they made, could name all the shapes (favorite was a pentagon!), and the colors.

She went from 9-12 two days a week. It was enough to help her socialize and made her feel special, something the baby couldn't do. She is 4 and is the three day program. I am actually stepping it up because she know wants to read and reads three letter words. She will go 5 days this fall and enter public schools the following year.

Do some research and find a school that doesn't go all day and only a couple of times a week. We found my daughter's at a church. It has been really wonderful. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

It really depends on the child. Most children will learn to socialize and enjoy the activities of a preschool classroom at three and some even at two. However a young three or a two might not be quite ready to leave the undivided attention of his mom. They might need a little more time at home with the parents before they start school. You can always start it and if it doesn't suit both of you take him out until he is four. This could make it easier on the separation anxiety when he begins kindergarten.

Answer 5

you should wait till hes 4 give the kid a lil time come on he/she only walk on this earth for 3 years

juss wait till hes/she 4=]]]

stephy<3

Answer 6

Ok tell his father this......" well then lets wait untill he is 5 to go to kindergarden.  we can skip preschool since its not required" this is the thing you want to have your child experience as much as he can that is why they call it head start.  advice the father that you want to have your child be at the same pace as all of the other kids, because if you dont some times children get self concious and dont try the things that other kids can already do.  do what is best for the child dont hold him back it would be like telling him once you graduate high school you can take a couple or years off before you go to college.  give the child the opportunity to experience everything at least once....

Answer 7

I think three is a very good age to start preschool. It gives the child a two year head start on getting ready for school. I don't see a downside to this at all.

Answer 8

4

Answer 9

It really depends to your son and of course to the school you will plan to enroll him. But in my case, my son and my daughter started as early as 3 and they both enjoying since then. Although I must say that not all are like them coz I've seen a lot of kids who started early and now after 3 years of schooling they don't wish to go to school anymore...they're somewhat boring to the routine...All I can say is assess your child, talk to him under normal circumstances and if he's really willing and the school accepted him then go for it but make sure you really have your time during his learning stage so that he'll really feel the need to learn and to strive harder as he grows old and never wanting to quit because he'll sees you never quiting on him...on the other hand, if you're hinting even a little bit of not being sure to start schooling at 3 then make it 4...anyway, you can ready him at home thru abc's etc...

Answer 10

3

Answer 11

it depends on the child

Answer 12

It definitely depends on your child.   The purpose of preschool tends to lean toward so socialization.  Consider whether this is your only child or whether he has peers that he plays with routinely.  There are many different types of programs out there. The program that my son attended was he was three was two days a week for two hours.  Not really enough time to do a whole lot in (from a teacher's point of view).  But he loved it and it was a great introduction to school.  The program he attends now is two full days.   The program that I'll be running in the fall is five days/four hours.  (Just examples of how different they can be.)

From a teacher's point of view... please send your child to at least one year of preschool.  Whether  you send him this Fall or not depends on you, your child, and your situation.  Good luck in making your decision and we, the early childhood educators, thank you for considering your child's education now!  There are great benefits to enrolling your child in a quality early childhood program.

Answer 13

I think you should send him to pre-school at 3 if he can take care of himself by then. He might to be very happy to interact with new friends and play together. If he is always at home, he will face the same faces of parents everday. There will be nothing new to him and he might not truely enjoy himself. I think parents cannot make the child happy while playing as the age difference is too big. Sending him to pre-school will give him a lot of fun and happiness...I think as children is always happy when they are with their friends.Of course if he really dislikes pre-school, don't force him.

Answer 14

He would probably only go 2 or 3 mornings a week, which still gives him plenty of time for fun. Two of my children started at 3 and loved it. My oldest did not go to preschool.

Answer 15

Both my son and daughter started at 3.  3 days a week for 3 hours.  They LOVE it.  It is a place to see friends and play.  Plus, they learn a little something too.  It also helps with separation anxiety.

Answer 16

I would definitly start at 4.  Let him have fun right now and when he turns 4 i would put him in.  You dont want him to be to advance when he gets into kindergarden.

Answer 17

It depends on the child and your school choices.

Both my kids started at 3, 2 mornings a week. But a lot don't.

What's the father's reason...

money, doesn't think he's ready,

Answer 18

3 is a good age for children to enter school. (Our class room is mixed 3 and 4 year olds.) Look for a program that doesn't use television as the educator or many copied work sheets. We use our creativity and interaction with children to educate. Our children cut, paste, paint and have a great time while learning to cooperate with new friends. Look for a program that is warn and caring. Visit first.

Answer 19

if ur 3 year old is smart like knows numbers can write his name and knows his ABC's send hI'm hes going to do good. i stated preschool when i was 3 now im 18 school comes better to u if ur younger.

maybe you can ask Him if he wants to have friends and communicate with people and kids it will be a great help. to get away from family and learn something for himself not like she should leave ya or anything but it will be good for him

Answer 20

it totally depends on your child. if he easily catches up then u can go for it . other wise give him/her time teach at home for 6 mths see the result and then u can go for pre schooling.

Answer 21

if he learns things quickly then 3

Answer 22

The best thing about preschool is the socialization. Three is not too early for a short session - 2 half days. Don't have an argument about it though. Talk calmly and rationally. What are his objections? Why do you want your son to go? Since there are no siblings in my house, the socialization was a draw. If there were siblings to interact with, I might have waited another year or skipped preschool altogether.