is my 4yr old ready for kindergarten?

[chicklet]

I am planning to hs my 4 yr old daughter- i'm thinking about starting her in a program in january but i'm not sure about her readiness. does anyone have experience in this situation? i'm also interested in any recomendations for schools.
p.s. - she turned four in september
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[ekblad9]

I have a 4 yo son that is doing kindergarten type things right now. I wouldn't have thought to start him but my 6 yo started kindergarten work this fall and he insists on sitting in on everything. He's learning math, reading, etc. right along with her. They are 18 months apart in age so I guess this is a major advantage to having them so close! As far as readiness I would just say if she shows interest then go for it! We don't follow a specific school or program. The kids love their Leap Frog Leap Pad, we have a few "learning to read" books, my dd1 likes workbooks so I got a few math and phonics books but I avoid them. They like them, however, so I guess that's all that matters. They love Schoolhouse Rock, unifix cubes, and plain old counting with M & M's! I could go on and on but the baby is fussing!

Good luck to you!

[hahamommy]

My DD decided she wanted to be in kindergarten at 4, too (August baby) ~ so, *poof* you're in kindergarten! I wouldn't be too gung-ho on buying a *program* at this point: a few basic workbooks, reading books, counting, coloring and PLAY are all you need for kindergarten. Your money is best spent on programs you know will match your child's learning style and your own teaching style. You've got plenty of time to figure that out

~diana ag

[BusyMommy]

Could you call it PreKindergarten or make up another similar name and then start a fun academic program for her? It just seems that once you start "kinder," you're kind of committed to progressing through the grades. And, kinder issuch a fun year of games and learning-social and academic. Developmentally, though, I really do think "most" kids are better off waiting until they're 5 to start.
JMHO as I teach K.

Just think, you could have 2 years of fun and games w/your dd. All those field trips...all those arts and crafts...

[hahamommy]

Just think, you could have 2 years of fun and games w/your dd. All those field trips...all those arts and crafts...

I agree!! and you *could* call as many years as you want Kindergarten :LOL DD would never have to know My DS is in his 2nd year of kinder, he's four last August One of the best parts of Homeschooling is never having to follow the *standard* schedule for grades. Heck, if my DD wanted to tell everyone she is an 8th grader, I wouldn't mind It might put some fear in the *real* 8th graders :LOL

~diana ag

[GruppieGirl]

Most states and districts have strict rules about age limits for kindergarten. For most of the northeast, kids must be five by September 1st.

Many kids are ready for kindergarten when they are four, but I worry for my own little September dd. She has her entire life to be in school. I want her to stay little a little longer.

If I send her to school at four, when she is in high school she will be the last to get her licence. Therefore she will be the passenger in other teenager's cars. Also, college is a big decision for any senior. At 17, the decision may be even tougher.

There are lots of variables to think about. Good luck to you!

[moondiapers]

no riding in cars here, lol

Luckily teens can't ride in eachother's cars here, not that that'll be a problem with homeschooling
Heather

[BusyMommy]

Luckily teens can't ride in eachother's cars here,

Very cool
I wish we had some of those ruless. Don't even need drivers' ed here.

[hahamommy]

If I send her to school at four...

I wouldn't even consider sending a 4 year old to school ~ beginning some school-like activities at home and calling it *Kindergarten* is a different story...
Also mommies, don't forget to give yourself credit for what you're already doing ~ homeschooling begins at birth, learning from mommy is instant and never-ending, no matter what your choices are later in life.

~diana ild

[chicklet]

thanks for all your input. we already use pre-school and kinder hs workbooks and she's really doing well. she seems to pick up things quickly - or don't they all with their fresh little brains! i just want to make sure she doesn't lose the momentum we're in. i agree to just let them be kids and have fun at that age, but i still worry (don't we all). i wouldn't want to go ahead now , then when we reach a higher grade she'll be behind.
thanks again, i think i'll just keep my chickie going along as we are now.

[Faith]

I have a 3.5 year old who loves to be read to. I found this great relaxed curriculum that is just wonderful, interesting, real (non-text) books that you read to them. I plan on buying him pre-school when he turns four this spring. I can't wait. It is exactly what we would be doing anyway, only the curriculum people take all the time to find the best books, so I have it easy.

[chicklet]

perfectlove - can you refer me to the cirriculum you mentioned - it sounds like just what we're looking for.

[Faith]

Chicklet~
I just answered your PM but I will put it here too, incase anyone else is interested...

it is called Sonlight. it is by a christain company, but is NOT a Christian curriculum. www.sonlight.com will send you a catalog. I have seen dozens of curriculums that made me cringe, and this is the only one I can imagine my family using!

[Lucky Charm]

Perfectlove,
thanks for posting the website. my 4.5 yr old is starting kindergarten next fall, and was hoping to supplement his 3 mornings a week preschool. this seem like a good match.

i am also havng bullying issues with my 12.5 yr old. if they wont change his class, then i will pull him out of school and homeschool. this wasnt something i planned...i am thankful i clicked on this thread.