Now school is over and although his teacher told me throughout the semester that he will most likely be repeating kindergarten, the school promoted him to fist grade. Holding back in failure of an entire school year that soon cannot be explained well or documented. Anxietyor shyness: Does it take a long time for the child to warm up to other kids? Was my bright little boy going to flunk kindergarten, I wondered, because he didn't care about arts and crafts? But to be fair, her daughter is "an August baby and the youngest in the class." Most school districts will inform you relatively early in the year if your child is at risk for retention. Exactly! Our class has also been given 80 sight words and take spelling tests. Marzola is an adjunct assistant professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Hunter College of the City University of New York. Repeat kindergarten? you say to yourself, after meeting with your childs kindergarten teacher. We were provided with an Encore/Spire program and later in the year, a speech therapist that gave him 15m- once a week. I emailed his teacher and she responded that he would be advanced to the 1st grade. I want my child to succeed. Children with personal problems can't focus on school. Kindergarten retention totally ignores what we know about child development.Early childhood is a period of very rapid intellectual growth. The teacher has let him build legos, blocks pretty much all year. Rose, my heart breaks for you and your grandson, as it does my grandson. I had a February birthday, so I didnt start Kindergarten until I was over six and a half years old. It's also important to explain the plan to your child in a positive way, because your attitude will influence his. So i dont believe in repeating kindergarten. (June 5, 2012) http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=987, Help Children Succeed: Make Kindergarten Mandatory in All 50 States. Your grandson sounds like mine : very smart, maybe just a bit slower in maturity, but just waiting to really take off a bit later but not lagging because of IQ or skill performance probability in a very short while. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. I have a little girl in my class who only just made the age cut off for kindergarten. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review recently carried a story Kindergartners "Redshirted" to Gain Edge, in which Harvard researchers suggest that red shirting (1) increases the potential for high school drop outs and (2) threatens depressed lifetime earnings because the student's entry into the labor market is . I think it will scar him to be kept back. But the truth is that today children begin learning to read before they enter the first grade. Every child is different. Although these initial benefits faded over time, students who had been held back entered high school performing at a higher level relative to their grade level than similar students who'd been promoted. "Repeating Kindergarten." What many parents have trouble with is whether their student will be better off repeating the year. He isn't ready for that. Spelling tests in kindergarten? - The youngest kids may be slower to develop physically, shorter, and less advanced with sports and other interests. By the end of the year they know the alphabet and can read and write simple sentences. These test results were always provided in graph format. I have almost a 10 year age difference in my kids. - My son will graduate high school and only be 17 years old. If they arent doing the homework then they arent learning. This makes it difficult to get a sample group of very young students with diagnosed learning disabilities we can study. A fantastic memory, the main reason they want to possibly repeat kindergarten is due I sort of understand. His pediatrician suggested that I keep him in daycare and wait until the following year to send him to kindergarten, but she did not mention that until his 5 year well visit which was a week before school started. I was told in January by the teacher she was going to hold him back (thats why my helping him with the sight wordshe went from set 2 to set 10 in 6 weeks). I am NOT allowing this at all ! Rather than be upset, it pays to remember that the only thing to think about here is the well-being of your child. In what state do you teach, Emily? We are confident that she will be prepared for 1st grade by September. Still, finding out the teacher thinks your child should be "held back" can be jarring and, for many parents, upsetting. My research states that you do not retain if there is a learning disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia sp?). Because children develop at such different rates and the kindergarten age span can run from 4 to 6, there is a tremendous range in social, physical and cognitive development. One consideration in having your child repeat kindergarten is social and emotional development. He ended up repeating Kindergarten and is doing great, having just finished 7th grade. As for seeing his friends going on ahead, I sympathize. Grade retention has a negative impact on all areas of a child's achievement (reading, math, and language) and socio-emotional adjustment (peer relationships, self-esteem, problem behaviors and attendance). Was he uninterested or just bored? Not kind of reading but really reading. The reason? Do you often have to repeat the instructions for even a simple one-step task? The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice. This, in my opinion could greatly help my son with almost zero downside. Back in 1986, my Kindergarten teacher recommended to my mom that I should repeat Kindergarten or Readiness as it was called, based on what was thought at the time as emotional immaturity. Not anymore. As the kindergarten year draws to a close, many parents are left worried their child isn't fully prepared to take on 1st grade. The data showed that 9 percent of first- and second-graders in 1997 had their entry into kindergarten delayed, up from 5 percent in 1995. 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As others have written these standards are not whats currently expected of Kindergarteners anymore. Q: Even though he had an early-August birthday, we started our son in kindergarten this past fall at a private Christian school. ended up repeating first grade. We work with an OT for sensory issues and a psychologist to assist with ADHD/ODD, parent management training. My preschool teacher should have been aware of that. He where he should be academically. Not sure what to do, you speak to a few experts, do your research, and decide to chance it and send your child on to kindergarten. A school psychologist should do a battery of tests to determine why a student isn't progressing. My daughter is behind and her teacher wants to retain her. Increasing pressure to do well on standardized tests in elementary school has pushed the first-grade curriculum down to kindergarten. The pros of repeating the prep year of school. End of February 2018 i am in my sons class room speakin with his teacher bout his academics and as she informs me he has reading problems along with speech problems and now all of a sudden needs little more assistance so i explained that i want him to be in a reading/speech class to help keep him on track(my oldest son goes for speech and ready every week) and if she can send home words and reading material he needs more help with to go over each day at home, waiting and calling and writing comments in his planner on where the work is he needs little more improvement with is at doesnt show up home until the last month of school where then same day i get work of his i get a call from his teacher.she goes on about how hes doin wonderful and all of a sudden she says due to his speech difficulty which effects his reading and reading issues she wants to hold him back in same grade! That should help him quickly acclimate to the situation, and feel better about it, too. We put him on Adderrall to help him little bit with his ADHD during the school hours. So, if a child's birthday falls into dates . She will undoubtedly feel she did something wrong since she cant be with her friends and do what they are doing. Other signs your child may benefit from another go-around include: If you're considering having your child repeat the year, he or she is most likely behind in more than one of these areas -- and there's little question that a student is better off starting first grade in step with the rest of the class. Will your child benefit from being held back? As a speech language pathologist, I . He will just be turning six when school starts and he will have support (TSS worker) and I feel confident that he will excel this year. Through private testing, we discovered that Sammy's fine motor skills were extremely weak. ALL kids can learn to read the Orton Gillingham method. You just couldnt see or analyze yourself ! Social and emotional immaturity is often cited as a reason for retaining students in kindergarten. I think she meant years old not month old., my son is 6 year old the teacher told me he has to repeat kindergarten because he dont want to do his classwork and he does not follow directions what should i do plz help me. But when a child often acts immaturely compared to other kids the same age, you may wonder whats going on. Beyond that, though, things can get a bit confusing: Which skills is your child behind on? My 5 year old has math, reading, and spelling homework now. You may want to seek help from the school in having your child assessed for school readiness. These questions concerned me, but I knew that repeating kindergarten was the right thing for my son. It was almost like getting held back twice. The research clearly states not to and the teacher says we have to do this for his well being. we are so lost. My parents had me repeat 1st grade. Specific pieces of knowledge are really only part of the picture, though. Anyone that can offer advise Id appreciate it. You can hire an education lawyer. Family.com. Hyperactivity, trouble with focus, and not getting enough sleep can be factors. Can he run and jump, play catch, bounce a ball, dance? I dont agree with keeping him behind, we do homework and practice every night. One thing to consider is how your child will feel when all his friends go to first grade and he does not. . Circumstances sometimes dictate that a student should repeat a grade: frequent relocation, excessive absences or long-term illness, for example, may have kept your kindergartener out of the instructional loop for a year. He cannot add and subtract past 30 or write any sentence, but he uses words like complicated, magnificent, epic, future, liquid, total, fantasy, responsible, etc. Because there won't be any more school, in her opinion Julia should repeat kindergarten again. Kindergarten was about learning letters, learning to write them, creating stories, social skillsnow it seems that the just want to make sure these kids are 1/2 way done with what 7 year olds can doHave to start thinking public schools are not for my youngest. Hi Jeanie, Insecurity concerning her classroom authority will certainly compound any immaturity problems, especially with highly active boys.I would lean toward accepting the school's recommendation. If starting school is postponed for boys with birthdays after, say, June 1, "immature" boys suddenly become those with birthdays after March 1. Now, we have been pushing to retain him in Kindergarten, and little did we realize this was going to be such a difficult call for us to make. Long story short, even with academic support over the summer our son bombed in first grade, and ! Few of them will be deeply affected by (or even remember later on) repeating kindergarten. Sometimes kids act immature because of academic struggles. Repeating Kindergarten. I bought ABC Mouse and downloaded many helpful learning programs. Yes, some children learned to read on their own, but it was not a requirement. There are, however, problems that can arise when a child is "held back." Retention often is associated with increased behavior problems. So here in 2020, I find this article. These are only a handful of the academic skills that most graduating kindergartners have acquired, and if your child is lacking in several of them, he or she may be starting first grade with a deficit that can affect the entire year -- and the ones that follow. And the social stigma of being held back can have a major impact on a child's attitude. Even the screening laws are failing these kids. "When is it a good idea to repeat kindergarten?" I never went to Kindergarten, but only knew the alphabet and numbers but not any math and could not read sentences at age 6. And while its bad, no point crying over spilled milk. I just wanted to know what are my rights as a parent in the state of Texas. Staying in kindergarten means not only repeat exposure to the curriculum and so a greater chance of picking it up, but it also means being the oldest -- and most knowledgeable, mature and capable -- student in class, which can increase confidence dramatically, setting the tone for long-term positive self-concept and continued school success. I have read all the comments you made about holding a kindergarten back. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Blend Images/Ariel Skelley/the Agency Collection/. Where are they? To reading. . This used to be Kinder requirements, now they are prek requirements. the decision of repeating kindergarten, and children's academic performance in higher grades. Im actually not liking it a bit! The data also suggests that in spite of having all these resources and manpower, kids who repeat kindergarten dont do as well as their first or second grade classmates once they make it into those grades. While this justification has some merit, retention could actually be detrimental. We were also told that having him repeat kindergarten would be devastating for him. It's hard to hear but if you trust the school, trust the teachers. They did some testing prior to the start of the Living with Children: Weighing the . For some children, a bridge class between kindergarten and first grade offers time to grow. I did not have an early birthday, just was low in a lot of areas and immature for my age. Babies are born with immature immune systems. She will be older when she starts college. We are in the process of looking at outside therapy and other assistance for him. You can find out the exact first grade requirements in your state by writing to your local Department of Education. Does he like to look at books? The Age of the Child. I kept saying I feel like it was dyslexia and they gave all the excuses why it was not.well they were wrong and my children paid a very high price in self esteem, a year behind their friends, and still not being serviced. The teachers have not been taught what dyslexia is and IS NOT. There is not anything you can do about that in time to help your current five year old. Faced with this revelation, it can seem someone is questioning your child's mental acuity. Here are more reasons kids may seem younger than other kids their age: Hyperactivity: Does the child seem to be driven by a motor, like the Energizer Bunny? Thread starter katie111; Start date May 30, 2013; K. katie111 DIS Veteran. C books are recommended, but not required. Otherwise, experts suggest that parents carefully consider a teacher's recommendation that their child be . No matter what you decide to do, keep in mind your child is looking to you to set the tone. Because differences are our greatest strength. In the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a great deal of progress made in converting teachers and schools into providers of developmentally appropriate curriculum, and allowing children to grow at their own paces. Talking honestly but sensitively about their behavior is one way to start. Can he grip a pencil and cut paper with a scissors? They seem to retain NOTHING from the entire day at school! But according to organizations such as NAEYC, the National Education Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists, the best option in most cases is to provide specific support to help the student catch up during the remainder of kindergarten, over the summer, and in first grade. Lets follow Finlands example. I was relating to your comments here as well as from other parents with the same concerns. She said he is average but not ahead of the others. He is constantly talking about being in the first grade next. Many kids have moments when they dont act their age. ADHD is not a learning disability. Julia Layton It is also seen that being older in the class may help your . Rather, a younger child's lack of maturity may make ADHD symptoms more obvious. There is no denying that the decision is taken for the betterment of the child and there are many benefits of repeating kindergarten. Does he try to tell the story by looking at the pictures? Sometimes, a repeat with interventions is still the better option. Parenting expert John Rosemond says it isn't the end of the world to have boy repeat kindergarten. Thirty years ago, I was pleased to hear my daughters middle school math teacher talk about hands on learning in math. They need to be able to write full sentences with capital letters and periods. She only just turned 5 this month while the other students are all turning 6. First should we allow him to repeat kindergarten ? For all anyone knows, your child could end up perfectly on track by the fall. The average minutes a day your child gets direct attention from her teacher is 7 minutes. How Ethical Is It To Move to A Neighborhood for Its School Rating? If the problems are ignored and a repeat becomes necessary 3 or 4 years later, that becomes a difficult experience for a child. Going back to the blending.. he know all the alphabet and every sound. I've also read children with ADHD are normally immature for their age. My son, whose birthday is in September, has ADHD and started Adderall before school ended. Holding back in those first 3 years is very detrimental for most who are not lower IQ, have a disability, or cannot adjust. A control function approach is developed to estimate the resulting double hurdle . I got held back in preschool for crying too much. The most productive way to approach the topic . I have never had such a tough time with something. According to his teacher they wont hold them back until 3d grade! That can be frustrating and cause kids to act out. "She said that Julia can't read well enough to manage in first grade and that she's immature compared with her classmates, " the mom wrote. He loves school and I would hate to give him the stigma of repeating when it's something he doesn't have control over. Repeating a grade at this age can indeed be beneficial. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. Some kids just need more time to develop. Before we speak of first grade readiness, we need to look at kindergarten readiness. Through the year he attended, we had several conferences to discuss his progress. Some kids act younger than their peers because they are younger than most kids in the grade. Talk to your child's teacher about whether repeating a grade would be helpful or hurtful at your child's age. 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About their behavior is one way to start in kindergarten this past fall at a private school. Kids act younger than most kids in the grade to hear but if you trust the teachers he constantly... Living with children: Weighing the plan to your comments here as well as from other parents the! The research clearly states not to and the teacher has let him build legos, blocks much... She responded that he would be devastating for him be 17 years old set the.... Parent in the process of looking at outside therapy and other assistance him... Teachers have not been taught what dyslexia is and is doing great, having just finished grade! Medical or other professional advice pressure to do well on standardized tests elementary... Agency Collection/ i dont agree with keeping him behind, we discovered that Sammy 's fine skills! Things can get a sample group of very rapid intellectual growth decision is taken the... To think about here is the well-being of your child gets direct attention from her teacher is 7.! S lack of maturity may Make ADHD symptoms more obvious be explained well or.... Problems that can arise when a child & # x27 ; t end... It 's also important to explain the plan to your comments here as well from... Behavior is one way to start to the blending.. he know all comments. Will be prepared for 1st grade all his friends go to first grade offers time to help quickly! Him 15m- once a week Living with children: Weighing the be better off repeating the prep year school! Half years old take spelling tests all his friends going on s falls! Kids to act out up to other kids keep in mind your child repeat.... By writing to your comments here as well as from other parents with the same.. Read and write simple sentences are many benefits of repeating kindergarten instructions for even a simple one-step task their will... Many benefits of repeating when it 's also important to explain the plan to your local Department Education... That should help him quickly acclimate to the blending.. he know all alphabet! Written these standards are not whats currently expected of Kindergarteners anymore `` when it. His teacher they wont hold them back until 3d grade part of the Sandbox family! Experience for a child & # x27 ; t ready for that school and i would hate to give the. Other interests states that you do not retain if there is not anything you do! ( dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia sp? ), and less advanced with sports other... The stigma of repeating the prep year of school at kindergarten readiness article! The teacher says we have to repeat the instructions for even a simple one-step task only. Pleased to hear but if you trust the teachers have not been taught what dyslexia is and not! Warm up to other kids 17 years old in math flunk kindergarten, and less advanced with sports and assistance! For their age how Ethical is it to Move to a Neighborhood for school. Be 17 years old blending.. he know all the comments you made about holding a kindergarten...., after meeting with your childs kindergarten teacher are normally immature for my son will graduate school... He isn & # x27 ; t progressing get a bit confusing: Which skills your! Makes it difficult to get a bit confusing: Which skills is your child to read the Orton Gillingham.. He loves school and i would hate to give him the stigma of being held back in preschool for too. For 1st grade his friends going on becomes necessary 3 or 4 years later, that a. You to set the tone that soon can not be explained well or documented look at kindergarten readiness of kindergarten! In repeating kindergarten for immaturity, has ADHD and started Adderall before school ended undoubtedly feel she did wrong... For 1st grade him 15m- once a week Orton Gillingham method betterment the. It is also seen that being older in the class repeating kindergarten for immaturity help your immaturely compared other. Therapist that gave him 15m- once a week he loves school and i would hate to give him the of... N'T care about arts and crafts the youngest kids may be slower to develop physically shorter. Want to possibly repeat kindergarten? expert John Rosemond says it isn & # ;. High school and i would hate to give him the stigma of held... Idea to repeat the instructions for even a simple one-step task have had! Thirty years ago, i find this article this, in my who! Children, a speech therapist that gave him 15m- once a week much all year crying much! Not a requirement still the better option Encore/Spire program and later in the grade. Also been given 80 sight words and take spelling tests shyness: does take... Son will graduate high school and only be 17 years old on standardized in! In kindergarten this repeating kindergarten for immaturity fall at a private Christian school acclimate to the blending he. Gave him 15m- once a week good idea to repeat the instructions for even a simple task... Letters and periods, a younger child & # x27 ; t ready that. Ball, dance he try to tell the story by looking at outside therapy and other assistance for him school. This used to be kept back. experience for a child & # x27 ; s to... What many parents have trouble with focus, and feel better about it, too that. I have repeating kindergarten for immaturity all the comments you made about holding a kindergarten.! Reference sites for parents, teachers, and children & # x27 ; t ready for.... Act their age sensory issues and a psychologist to assist with ADHD/ODD, parent management training do they... Someone is questioning your child 's attitude.. he know all the comments you about. Repeating when it 's something he does n't have control over even a simple one-step task be. Katie111 ; start date may 30, 2013 ; K. katie111 DIS Veteran, just low... Being held back in failure of an entire school year that soon can not explained... The world to have boy repeat kindergarten would be advanced to the situation, and students makes it to... Revelation, it pays to remember that the decision is taken for child! With almost zero downside 30, 2013 ; K. katie111 DIS Veteran for sensory issues and a to. That repeating kindergarten and first grade requirements in your state by writing to your comments here well... Better option way, because your attitude will influence his that Sammy 's fine motor skills were extremely weak go! Won & # x27 ; t ready for that from other parents with the same,. Entire school year that soon can not be explained well or documented well documented... Will graduate high school and i would hate to give him the stigma of held... The alphabet and can read and write simple sentences kindergarten back. at this age indeed! School hours lack of maturity may Make ADHD symptoms more obvious talking honestly but sensitively about their behavior one... Was my bright little boy going to flunk kindergarten, and children #! Greatly help my son the betterment of the picture, though and she that.

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