Developmental vs. regular kindergarten

[JunipersMom]

Any thoughts? My 5 year old has been in kindergarten for two months and the teacher is recommending D-K and I'm torn on what to do. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[phathui5]

Why is she recommending the switch?

[LynnS6]

I'd want to know why they want the switch. Usually developmental kindergarten is for kids that need extra help. If your child needs the extra help and would get it in a good environment, it might be good. There is benefit to addressing issues early rather than waiting for a child to get behind. But, I'd want to make sure the expectations for K are reasonable. What concerns does the teacher have?

[JunipersMom]

My dd turned 5 May 1.. she is currently in a spanish immersion kindergarten through the public schools here. She's very hispanic looking and its been my wish that she be fluent so that in her life when people assume she speaks spanish (which they will) that she can use that for her advantage - not to mention just having the extra language ability. She's been in immersion classes at least once a week since she was 6 months old. They do not offer a Pre-Kindergarten immersion class and if she doesnt take the english regular old Pre-K - in the public system she will lose her spot in the immersion class.
The complaints are that she takes too long for tasks - there just isnt time with the size of the class and the things that need to be accomplished for her to complete the tasks independently. That and her teacher just stated that she seems to be picking up 'bad behaviours' from other students - but I havent noticed any of that type of social inappropriate behavior at all.. she is very particular about her writing - she will erase and erase until it meets her standards -- and she is just not peer motivated at all - she just doesnt care what anyone else is doing or how far they've gotten.. she is a bit of a shy eccentric and quiet girl.
The feedback I've gotten is that she can get an extra year in the english Pre-K class and then hopefully thrive in the spanish immersion kindergarten in the fall - or I can keep her where she is and she will always be behind and her self esteem with be threatened reguarly because of her academic struggles..
I'm leaning towards the spanish is too important to loose for a year - and I'm willing to do whatever I have to at home to keep up.. her school seems to think my work at home will set a precedence for her always having to work at home just to keep up..
Just looking for information from anyone whose had to decide and what they've found from their decision

[phathui5]

and she is just not peer motivated at all - she just doesnt care what anyone else is doing or how far they've gotten..

I'm thinking this is actually a good character trait to have.

[Ravenlunatic]

my 2 cents is really just my insight into the age thing and Kinder... of coarse you are the only one who can make a sound judgement on what is best for your dd.

1. I do not think 2 months is an adequate timeline for a teacher to say your dd needs 'different' than what is being offered. It just isn't.

2. My dd is 6 and the oldest in her class. I do think age comes into play more often than not in a learning situation. Your dd may thrive better in kinder when she is 6. There is NO NEED to rush children at this young age into the school system.

3. I do agree that if you 'help your dd along' at home now you will be setting a president. I don't know that it would stick for years, but I don't think that is the best strategy to have.

4. It would make more sense to me get her were it will be best for her in school and maybe work on the spanish emmersion at home instead of the other way around.

Good Luck.

[carmel23]

What are the NCLB pressures on this school? Is pay/advancement linked to student performance in your district school?

I would keep her there, and not move her. Honestly, if she doesn't finish, does things her own way, that is her business. While I don't like that kind of inappropriate pressure on a child, I share you value of Spanish as a second language. Maybe ask the teacher to back off and let her have some space/time to work at her own pace?

[Tjej]

It sounds to me like your DD is an introverted perfectionist, and that isn't matching with the teacher's expectations.

If the work is too hard for her then maybe, but if it is more that your DD is dreamy and that she marches to the beat of her own drum, I don't think another year is going to change who she is.

Read up about the introverted child . See if it is her personality they are wanting to treat, or if it is something else.

Tjej

[JunipersMom]

Thank you - she fits the introverted child to a tee.. after meeting with the principle and the teacher - we are keeping her where she is. She may be challenged - but with work at home and everyone aware at her school - I feel that it is the best for us. I'll let y'all know in 6 years if I made the right choice