Now that Cora is three years old it seems like pressure is coming from all over to put her in preschool. Almost all of her friends that are 3 or older are in preschool or daycare for at least a couple days a week.
With all the questions about if Cora's going to start preschool, it makes me wonder if I should think about it a little more seriously. So I have been.
I have very mixed feelings about it all. Here are some thoughts.
1) A change of pace for both Cora and I: Since I only teach piano lessons for 2.5 hours/week, Cora is with me almost all week long (or with Brad). So selfishly I think it would be nice to "have a break" one or two mornings a week. I do think she would enjoy preschool, socially, too. Whereas MOMS club previously met the social needs for both Cora and I, things have changed and it doesn't really meet that need anymore for either of us.
2) Academics?: I am not concerned about Cora doing well in school in the future (not because it's not important to me but because I'm pretty sure she's going to do fine). So it makes me just want to laugh at the idea that she will be "behind" when she gets to kindergarten if she hasn't gone to preschool first. Really? Maybe I'm just totally unaware of what kids learn in preschool and need to know before kindergarten. So I'm doing some research, just to be sure that I know what I'm talking about!
3) Social skills: Again, not concerned. She goes to Little Lambs class at church each week and does have babysitters or other families from church and grandparents take care of her. I think she understands that she has to listen and take instruction from adults other than mommy and daddy. I DO think a little more social interaction with her peers, learning to share toys and take turns, would be a good thing for her, however.
4) Time and money: I'm not excited about having to bring her to and from school already - especially since the nearest preschool is a 15 minute drive, unless she goes to one of the public school preschools nearby. They are hard to get into, but free. We have not budgeted for preschool tuition yet, so we would have to rearrange the budget a bit to make it work for a private, Christian preschool.
We can obviously wait a year for preschool, since Cora won't start kindergarten until fall of 2012. It makes me a little sad to think of starting her in school already! One day a week sounds nice, but I think I would miss her if it was two days a week or more! Isn't that silly?
I would love feedback from those of you who have been there already with your kids, or have insight to offer.
Well Kristin, of course I am no farther in the process of this than you are... but also have been feeling the pressure to put Bennett in school already. that is crazy! he's only 3! In my opinion, they're too young. They're still our babies! I agree that Cora will not be behind academically, or even socially. She'll do just fine if you wait a year or two for school. It is NOT selfish for you to want some time to yourself, or to have time for just you & Peter during the day. That is important too.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you can find what works best for your family. Maybe even start up a home playgroup like you heard me talking about. It's been a really great thing for Bennett, and I look forward to the 3 hours alone with Lindy on those days. It helps Bennett socially, and yet I don't feel tied down to a school schedule. Me & the other three moms keep it very flexible and casual. Yet each one is committed to the experience when they are hosting, and we all try to make it a fun & Christian environment for the kids. Anyway, next year I might seek a 4 year old playgroup. In the meantime, we bought a "Deanna's Playhouse" membership - - for my sanity, and Bennett's need for socialization and exploration! And that is on our own time schedule too. GJ might not have a place like Deanna's though?
Sorry, this post is super long. Love you. You'll make the right decision for Cora, no matter what you choose. :)
There is a huge rush in our society to "grow up" our kids. I don't know how it is in CO, but I see my middle school kids already stressing out about which high school they will choose based on what sport they will play which will decide whether or not they will take Health during the summer and World History during the school year...all this to determine how many AP classes they can cram in before they start college.
ReplyDeleteMy sister, whose daughter was born three months premature, will actually be eligible to start school this September, because of her earlier birth. She is academically and socially ready for school, but Lisa is opting to have her wait and start a year later. She will always be older (as will Cora with her Jan birthday), and will always have a bit of an advantage. Lisa's comment is, "What's wrong with Celia having an extra year of stress free life and play at St Elizabeth's Day School? Wouldn't we all like that?" The point I'm trying to make might be lost in the fact that Celia is IN daycare/preschool and your question is whether or not to put Cora in at this time...
I think that you can put her in this year or next year or somewhere in between, or maybe not at all. Preschools don't have a set calendar year or curriculum. I hadn't planned on ever having Alec in preschool, because I knew that everything he would need to prepare him for school would be provided for him at home. He would learn to read, learn his numbers, cut, paste, color, and tie his shoes all at home, with me. My life situation changed, and I needed to put him in daycare. At first I chose a home daycare situation, which didn't work out. When I placed him in a preschool situation, I found that it was a fine place for him to be, and that it was able to provide him with the tools he needed, which I was lacking time to provide myself. It wasn't my choice, however.
If putting her in school makes you sad, then it won't be a good choice for either of you. Maybe you should wait a little longer. Even a couple of months can make a huge difference. But DO NOT feel guilty for wanting a few hours off! Wanting time with Peter, or even wanting to drop Peter with a friend and having some time TO YOURSELF is OKAY. You are a wonderful mother and your children are beautiful. They will benefit from whatever benefits you.
I love the idea of play groups with other moms, where one mom takes three or four kids (total) for a few hours in one day. The commitment is small, the payoff can be huge, and you can experiment with your ability to leave and your child's ability to be left in a semi-structured environment. When your turn comes up, you will have a chance to see Cora interacting with the other kids! I think that is such a great idea!
Ultimately, Cora will do well in school. Even if you choose to keep her out of preschool, and you maybe find out that she would have benefited from some skills that she would have gotten there, there is plenty of time to catch up. Not all children walk into kindergarten the first day with the same skill set. You will in no way jeopardize her entire future based on this decision. Especially with a child like Cora who is bright, happy, and eager to learn.
Yes, my comment is long, as always, and perhaps longer than usual. I hope I helped...It's a big decision. I think your heart will know what Cora needs...<3
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteGood points to ponder--all things that we considered as well. We essentially homeschooled our kids for preschool. They did all go to Story Hour/Little Lambs one morning a week while I was at Bible Study and they considered it their preschool. We also had 1-2 playgroups each week.
I think you are right, though, whatever you decide Cora will do great. My 2 cents: make the best decision for your family regardless of the pressure. :)
You seem to have lots of great advice already! We were told by our local Christian preschool that there is no real advantage to placing our kids in preschool. They said that kids who have Kindergarten as their first school experience are no worse off than those who attend preschool. It is entirely up to you and you are the one who knows your family needs best. Don't doubt yourself & don't feel bad if you need a break. Look to the big picture; it really won't matter years down the road whether she had preschool or not.
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