Anna, our “five-year-old-summer-birthday-girl-and-second-born” daughter started kindergarten today. I first wroteabout the subject of kindergarten with summer birthdays last January during preschool re-enrollment. I questioned sending her; Miss K., our preschool teacher, never had a doubt in her mind. Anna would go. Another year of preschool and she would be bored to tears. Send her on.
Many of you commented with your own stories; clearly my husband and I weren’t alone with our ambivalence about starting school at 5 versus 6. The New York Times ran a story this summer on the topic, and with fall upon us, I expect there will be more. There’s the gift of time, and the threat of boredom. Little fish, big pond; Big fish, little pond.
We made our final, final decision last week, and we sent her today. This morning, she couldn’t have been more proud. Anna marched right to the bus line and stood marking what she believes to be her rightful spot. She waved from the bus window smiling, ready for the day. And hoping she gets to do the monkey bars.
What about you? Did you wait, or send your baby on?
About the Author
Along with her background as a professor, researcher, writer, and teacher, Joanne Meier is a mom. Join Joanne as she shares her experiences raising her own young readers, and guides parents and teachers on the best practices in reading.
Publication Date
August 22, 2007