Why is being the oldest kid in kindergarten (or 1st grade) an advantage?

Question

I've had multiple people tell me this. My daughter will be the oldest when her time comes to go to school (she's a September baby) and this seems weird to me. I was always the youngest in class; graduated from HS at 16 and college at 20. From my perspective, I always thought it was an advantage but that's not what I'm hearing from a couple of older elementary school teachers.

Any insight?

Answer 1

becasuse they can beat up and take the other kids graham crackers at snack time

Answer 2

It's not really an age thing.. it's a maturity thing.

---First an older child has had more time to learn about "life" around them. (the more background information, the easier to make connections to new learning.)

__  the older child (sometimes) has had a chance to mature and deal with change better  (separation from parent or daycare provider)

__ The older child is more ready for structure.  Can sit longer, pay attention a little better, and sometimes has better self-control.

I have a may baby.  When she started kindergarten, you could definitely see a maturity difference. She was very bright, but constantly was wiggling and touching others, and easily distracted, whereas the kids who were just a little older dealt better with how a classroom is set up for structure/ self control.