Another early entry question
My son will be 5 in May. He is in pre-school this year, since here in the ACT the cut-off is 30 April. He is showing signs of being gifted, particularly in literacy and numeracy, but he hasn't been formally tested.
My friend, who is an early childhood teacher, has urged me to ask the school about early entry into kindergarten this year. I am not sure. Although advanced in certain areas (he is reading beyond a year 2 level) he is a bit immature emotionally, and in personal care (he was a late toilet trainer and still needs to be reminded to go). His gross motor skills aren't fantastic. I think socially he is about average.
I suspect the school will advise not to advance him, since that is easier for them. I need to know what I want before I ask. He only misses the cut-off by three weeks and if we were in NSW there would be no question. On the other hand, I have been convinced by lots of research saying not to send boys to school too early.
Does anyone have any advice for me on this issue? All I want is what's best for my boy.
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Re: Another early entry question
Tricky!
Is he unhappy at preschool?
If not, I would be inclined to stick it out. The reason being that the school year has already started and it will be quite disruptive for him to change horses mid stream. If he is unhappy, bored, acting out, of course it may be worth it; if not, you may be embarking on a difficult journey for little gain. Whether he goes this year or next year, he will still be way ahead, and need catering for.
Have you considered getting an ed psych opinion now, and then asking them about early entry to year one next year?
If I were you I would put some effort into carefully choosing the right school for your son, rather than putting your effort into getting him in this year. Hope I have made sense!
I guess you have to weigh up the costs and benefits.....
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Re: Another early entry question
Hi, we were given the option to enter my son into yr1 and skip pre-primary (in WA). We declined as we felt it was more important that he have the opportunity to grow socially/emotionally and catch up with his peers in this area. We have been blessed though with a fantastic teacher who has given our son an IEP so that he can work at his level while developing the social skills that he has not had the benefit of developing through attending school on a daily basis. Then we may look at a grade skip next year... Can they can do something similar with your son?
Wish you the best with your decision, it isn't easy that's for sure!!
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Re: Another early entry question
Thanks for your replies. He is loving pre-school, so that's not the issue. I've had a chat with his pre-school teacher who suggested he wasn't ready. We'll leave him where he is while continuing to extend him at home and at school, and (importantly) encouraging him to participate in his non-favoured activities (sport).
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Re: Another early entry question
If he is loving preschool, I think it's really clear that the best thing to do is stay put for this year and carefully consider which school will be best for next year. Best of luck!!
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Re: Another early entry question
If he is loving preschool, I think it's really clear that the best thing to do is stay put for this year and carefully consider which school will be best for next year. Best of luck!!
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