A. M. SHALJAN
Is your child ready for kindergarten? Or should you wait another year? To answer these questions take a look at your child as well as the kindergarten he/she will attend. Children who fit in comfortably with their kindergarten have a rewarding and productive year, thus beginning their elementary school years with a positive attitude toward academics.
The concept of readiness has been debated for more than a century. The issue is the extent to which development and learning are determined by the biological processes involved in growth versus the experiences children have with parents, peers and their environment.
The quantity and rate of learning in the first few years of life are nothing short of spectacular. The fact that by three or four years of age, most children can understand and use the language of those around them is just one example of learning that takes place long before children begin school. However, what children learn, how they learn, and how much they learn depend on many factors. Among the most important factors are the child's physical well-being and his emotional and cognitive relationships with those who care for him.
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Children are more likely to cope successfully with their first school experience --
* If they have had positive experience in being in a group away from their home and familiar adults.
* If they can understand and use the language of the peers and the adults they meet in school.
* If they can relate to the ideas and topics introduced by the teacher and other children in class discussions and activities.
* If ample opportunity for conversation, discussion and cooperative work and play with peers is provided.
* If parents familiarise their children with the kind of stories, songs and special activities offered by the school.
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The practice of postponing entry into kindergarten of age-eligible children in order to allow extra time for social, emotional, intellectual or physical growth is called academic redshirting. This idea is most often practised in the case of children whose birthdays are so close to the cut-off dates that are very likely to be among the youngest in their kindergarten class.
Research on academic redshirting suggests that in the short term, it _
Raises the child's academic achievement and conduct on a par with or above that of younger classmates.Increases the child's confidence in social interactions and popularity among classmates. May add to the normal mix of ages and abilities within the classroom.
Consider these points before you decide:
Be clear about the characteristics of your child. Don't delay the entry just because the child is likely to be among the youngest.
Check the school's kindergarten readiness screening procedures or tests to get an idea of how your child might fare in the classroom.
Find out what the school requires. Ask the kindergarten teacher whether your child has made friends, does she follow directions, is she ready to begin academic work?
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