Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Pre-school Trying to decide about preschool

This is my first post. I am trying to decide if I should enroll my son in preschool. I would really appreciate some opinions on this matter.

My son turned 3 on 3/16.� I have taken him to various mommy and me classes since he was about six months (never more than two per "semester").� We have done the Little Gym, music and swimming.� I have also taken him to Spanish class since he was 12 months.� I supplement by reading to him in Spanish, and we watch the Whistlefritz DVDs (which he loves).� This is the only class that has been constant.� We go to the science museum, library, etc. regularly.� (I am a SAHM.)

I have never really "pushed" him academically.� I have simply tried to expose him to things, and have let his interests guide our activities.� Currently, he:

*� Recognizes lowercase and uppercase letters
*� Knows the sounds the letters make
*� Spells simple words like "cat" and "dog"--some I know he has memorized, but he does have the ability to sound out short words and spell them
*. Has memorized close to 50 sight words
*� Recognizes and recites numbers to 20
*� Counts up to 15 items accurately
*� Finishes patterns
* Completes 48 piece puzzles by himself


This fall, I would like for him to start a part-time preschool program approximately 9 hours per week.� The school that I like has a Reggio/Montessori approach, and they offer Spanish and Music as part of their regular program.� The Spanish teacher is a native speaker and the music teacher is Suzuki trained. All teachers and assistants in the preschool are Montessori certified.

He would be in a classroom with children ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2.� I have toured the school, and I think it is a wonderful program and a beautiful facility.� I told the teachers that I believe my son is on the brink of reading, and they assured me that other children in the class are reading, and they encourage each child according to their abilities.

My husband is reluctant because he believes he will be around children who may not be as advanced in some aspects, and therefore, may be complacent or more reluctant to continue learning at his current speed/ability.� DH thinks I should continue with him at home, and continue to take him to separate classes (although now that he is 3, he will be able to go to the class and I can wait at the facility).� I am not sure if I am explaining his view thoroughly, but that is the gist.� I would love to hear� some opinions on this.

Thank you.

It is really up to you. You could try it. I have a dd who did great in preschool she was reading and her teacher started pulling her and 2 other little girls who were close off for a little lesson each day. Nothing much but it was enough for her. She is really smart but doesnt like to show it off. She does things in her own time.

My other dd however hates to repeat things, couldnt sit still, didnt follow directions, acted out. I thought it was because she was 3 at the time so I let it go, Waited till Kindergarten 2 years later and got the same thing. She hates repeats.

One dd thrived, the other hated it. If you and your husband try it it might be helpful to see how it goes, but if not it sounds like he is getting lots of time with other kids in school like settings.

You might see if the school is offering any camps or a short summer session. A preview might help you decide if it is a good idea.

I think the reaction from the school about reading is a wonderful start. If they bristled, or were otherwise dismissive you might be off to a bad start (though at 9 hours per week your son could still benefit from at least trying to have the experience of hanging with his peeps).

I'm all for giving the child a chance, as well as the school, if the signs are good at first. 9 hours is probably 3 days for 3 hours each? That would give you plenty of time to keep doing the things you've been doing with him so far.

If you live in a community where the majority of children start a preschool program at least by the time they are 3, and you're planning to send him to school by the time he gets to kindergarten age, it's good to at least try to have him start when his peers start. Make sure you understand the refund policy in case you end up feeling like you need to take him out in the future.

I'm always amazed at how many parents with very, very young children have already found their way to this site and are so organized and knowledgeable about their child's skill base! If I was that organized and proactive maybe my DD would have had a less rocky time up to this point.

Thank you all! I do live in an area where most kids who are able start a preschool around 3-3.5. We live in a state that doesn't offer public school before Kindergarten, so unless you are need based (we aren't), you pay for the program. The program is three hours for three days each week. According to the school, the schedule is:

8:30 - 9:00. Arrival and free time to choose work in the classroom
9 - 9:20. Circle time and sharing
9:20 -9:50. Specialty classes (one day he will do Spanish, anothet music and one day they go to the school library to check out books)
9:50 -10:30. Smaller group work. They may work on project work, shelf work or may go to a statio .
10:30 - 11:00. Gym or outside time
11 - 11:30 Lunch
11:30. Dismissal

bzylzy, thank you! I found my way to this website after a couple of the kindergarten teachers in my family said that my son may be gifted, and he could do some things at age 2 that their children were learning in school. I must admit, I was shocked, overwhelmed and a little frightened. He is any only child, so I didnt have any true comparison. I am reading "The 5 Levels of Gifted" and that led me to this site. I am so thankful that it exists! I feel a lot less overwhelmed now.

Hello! My son is 2.5, so a bit younger than yours, but I've also been pondering the preschool question. I think a lot depends on your son's personality. I decided against putting my son in a similar 9 hr a week program because he strongly dislikes organized activities or anything adult-led. But he wants to play with other kids a lot (he insists we set off on a daily search for "amigos" in all our local parks), so I decided to start a playgroup to give him some friend time without the stress (for him) of having to follow lots of rules and transitions.

We used preschool as a place to learn about interacting with other kids that may not be the same, following the teachers, becoming more comfortable in groups where he couldn't be right next to me etc. Socially at 3 it was great with children 6-18 months older, this year with peers not so good. It made our decision to grade skip into gr 1 next year easier! Academically we knew there was never going to be a great fit given he was reading fluently before he started at 3.

Jai, I haven't had time to read the other responses, but fwiw I think it might help to look for preschool as a chance to expand your ds' intellectual curiosity in new and different ways rather than thinking of it as a reading/academics factory... it sounds like the school you're considering includes things that your ds would enjoy and that would also be intellectually stimulating - and it's only 9 hours per week. I wouldn't sweat whether or not your ds will be given help with higher level academics - you can still do those at home if you want to.

Best wishes,

polarbear

The first reason is the exact reason I put DS3 in preschool this fall.

He is academically advanced but socially behind.

I am hoping preschool will make him more comfortable about who he is.

Thank you, polarbear. These are my thoughts exactly.