He has spent his preschool years not being challenged and now balks at anything he deems a bit challenging.
I think he's balking now when he considers going to 2nd grade for reading...sooner or later you are going to want to provide him with opportunities where he can work through this. I don't think you are going to be able to look to him for reassurance - but at least you can look to the teacher for reassurance, right?
I don't think bringing the books to him is an 'even swap' (although it might be a good first step - think goldfish in baggie in new fish tank, first he goes and gets the reading book from 2nd grade and brings it back to Kindy to read it, then heads back to 2nd grade to do an activity based on the book - but really, I doubt this is nescessary. Your firm calm assurance is what I think he needs.)
anyway - it's not a swap because -
1) as Dottie points out - subject acceleration give him the credential of ' a kid who needs more.'
2) Group interaction might be wonderful actually
3) He gets a chance to overcome his 'balkiness' at school work (underachievement in my terms)
If you want to be extra nice, perhaps ask the 2nd grade teacher to choose a 'smart,small,polite' boy from the recieving 2nd grade class who might be willing to have a playdate with your son before the transfer? Luckily at this age you can call the other mom and set up to meet at a playground at the very least.
He can do it! Teachers aren't mean, if anything they are overprotective, right?
Love and More Love,
Grinity
