3/8/01
Question 79
Dear Preschool Teacher,
Should all kids go to school before they are five.
Under 5
Dear Under 5,
You cannot put all five year old children in
the same hat. I feel that preschool is important for the socialization
skills and it
does have different things to offer than staying at home with just
parents and siblings. As far as school is concerned: some kids are
ready at five and some are not. That is a very individual decision.
Sincerely
Heide
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear Under 5,
I don't believe children "have" to go to preschool as long as certain things happen at home. If a child doesn't go to
preschool, the child should be exposed to letters, numbers, reading, etc., by the parent to be prepared for kindergarten. The child also needs socialization skills which could be met in a playgroup among friends.
If the child is home and the parent isn't doing anything to meet the social and academic needs of the child, then I do believe the child should be in preschool.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear Under 5,
In my opinion, there is never an answer that
should be applied to ALL children.
For under 5's, there are several options to
'school', which generally indicates a tuition fee. Neighborhood play
groups in friend's homes, community centers or public libraries offer
great opportunities for socialization and fun activities. Stay at home
parents who desire a more formal program on a daily basis might opt
for a 1/2 day preschool, while working parents would select full day
child care centers or private home day care where excellent activities
are going on all the time!
Some children really benefit from the early
'school' exposure, where early identification of developmental delays
can be made.
I think that most of all, under 5's need a safe place to play
creatively with peers, develop language and social skills and interact
co-operatively with children and adults.
Shelley
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Under 5,
I'm wondering if you are meaning preschool or
kindergarten? I am a preschool teacher and feel that there are
definite benefits to attending preschool: socialization, teachers as
authority figures, "fun" exposure to school, etc.
If you are meaning kindergarten -- this depends on
the child. I believe that the child benefits who is older when
they start school. Some children will do fine, others will
struggle. There are many things to consider, but if the child is
in preschool I would ask the preschool teacher. You might also
talk to the kindergarten teacher to ask what will be expected of the
child. If you have any doubts, I would say it is better to delay
entrance.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
