Cat - right now we are homeschooling our boys. Its working out really well. The homeschool curriculum we use is much more advanced than the local public school curriculum.

If my boys were in the local school they would be bored to death and in all kinds of trouble. One of the boys had been dx with ADHD and he would definitely get lost in a class with lots of kids - imagine how much worse it would be if he were bored!.

I would definitely try to see if they can handle the first grade curriculum. If that doesn't work out you can always go back to homeschooling. The issue I would have with my kids would be socially. Charlie would be ok with kids older then him but Brian is a little behind socially and would not manage well with kids much older than him.

http://www.brianandcharlie.com/blog
^Alexandra^, Brian, Charlie 07/28/2003
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Cat does your school do any kind of testing for gifted children? Here in FL they do and if a child tests for gifted they can choose a school that has a gifted program.

Secondly I remember feeling the same way you do about kindergarten. The first month was just that. Going over all the simple things my kids already knew. By December they were really moving toward other things. But overall I think Kindergarten was a refresher for pre-K. Although my kids started out kindy reading very simple words and ended kindy really reading quite well. So they did learn something new! But I know what you mean how they start them out teaching shapes, the alphabet etc. Things most kids learn in pre-school.

Another thing to think about. Kindergarten has a whole new set of rules. It's much different than pre-school. There is a lot more structured time and sitting. No more wandering around class. They have to sit and listen and pay attention. Raise their hand to speak, or use the restroom etc. This is very new for most 5 year olds and it takes time for them to learn and obey the rules. I am sure your kids are not the only ones bringing home yellow slips. They are learning how to be big kids and it will take time.

Good luck and I hope things get better!


Terri~
12/21/01 at 33 weeks

The kids come into kindergarten at all different levels and they all have different things to learn. That academics of what they are covering at the beginning of kindergarten is very easy for most of the kids in kindergarten, but that doesn't mean they aren't learning other skills that will benefit them in school.

I also had two kids that were academically way above the kindergarten curriculum. One of my sons walked into the first day of preschool, at age 3, and picked up the orange crayon and wrote "orange", picked up the yellow crayon and wrote "yellow", and on and on. Academically, he was ready for 1st grade then, but he got a TON out of his 2 years of preschool and year in kindergarten. Those years shaped him into the happy, confident, smart little boy he is now. He had so much to learn in other areas and is now a happy 2nd grader whose teacher is having difficulty finding a spelling list to "challenge him". I did make each of the teachers aware of their abilities, but I mostly kept my mouth shut for kindergarten and preschool. At that time, our kindergarten was only 1/2 day. My objectives were for them to enjoy school, play with the other kids, build up their confidence, work on organization skills, learn to work in groups with their peers and to just get into the routine of school and being told what to do all day. The fact that they were way beyond academically did not mean that they did not get a ton out of kindergarten, there is so much more to it than that.

There has to be areas that your children can work on in kindergarten. If the teacher thinks that your kids are having behavior problems, this is a perfect time to jump on that. Sure, part of the problem is probably that they are bored, but how many times are they going to be bored in school for the next 12+ years. Right now it may be because it is too easy, but in 2nd grade it may be because they are just not interested in the subject, or in 5th grade maybe they'll be bored because it is too challenging for them. Paying attention and good behavior in school is a skill that needs to be learned and will benefit them forever.

I know that it is hard to send your kids to school and know that they are academically ahead of the other kids, believe me I know! But, have do an honest evaluation yourself and think about your kids' weaknesses. If the teacher is any good at all, respect her knowledge and experience and work with her to come up with a great plan to get your kids fully prepared for 1st grade. Their natural smartness isn't going to go away if concentrate on the other stuff. If there is a concern that your son has ADD, it is great that he already knows the kindergarten curriculum...maybe it will be an opportunity to work on some of his behaviors without medication and without the concern that he is falling behind the other kids academically. Think about it.

Sorry if my thoughts and writing was kind of scattered, but I'm in a bit of a hurry and wanted to get it all out. Good luck...I hope you are able to work it out.

Kelly
Ben, Jack & Drew 05/28/02
Charlie 07/06/06
Aunt to: Liam, Aidan & Connor 03/05/08
www.outnumberedmommy.blogspot.com

There is a lot to learn in Kindergarten...from academic, to social to behavioral. Your kids are ahead academically, and it seems...physically. If they are able to deal with first grade social/behavioural requirements...then I would guess moving them ahead would be something to try.

After my own experiences in school, I would rather see a child move ahead if they are ready than to spend a long time coasting through the classwork, tutoring classmates, bored to tears while listening to the same concept again and again which the rest of the class cannot comprehend, and generally not really fitting in.


Susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message

  

I feel your pain. Mine are so far ahead it is laughable. The only thing I have going for mine is it is only 2.5 hours, so they don't have time to get bored.

Michele
Sarah, Gregory, Amanda
born 1/22/04 at 35w1d

Our surprise baby Austin born 06/15/2005

www.fourtimesthefun.blogspot.com

I appreciate everyone's helpful comments. I've really been struggling with this because I recognize that there are distinctions between social and academic development.

But, I spoke with Caeleigh and learned what caused my son's second yellow slip and then I spoke with his teacher this morning. I talked with her before speaking with the principal because both of my parents were teachers and I have so much respect for teachers and would never wish to short-sheet her -- I suggested that we try an experiment and place them with the first graders next week to see how they fit in. From there, I reminded her that I had warned them that my son would turn into the class clown and run the teacher nuts while Caeleigh would turn into a kiss-up and people please.

I had to laugh at what got said next. I had noted that the yellow slip cited "failed to follow instructions," so the teacher corrected this and said he was making disrespectful sounding noise. I sort of laughed and said, "Well, actually his sister informs me that when you started reading the book about rectangles, her brother said, 'blah, blah, blah...' And, I understand that this caused another child to laugh and get in trouble. I think I warned you that he would become the class clown and run the teacher nuts." But I also pointed out that he was turning off on listening at all and that I got to witness this behavior yesterday and did not want to see this become a pattern. I assured her that this is not typical for him.

But she also said, "Caleigh is just so very good. There's nothing wrong with trying your best to be good." I thought I was going to wet my pants on this one. At least there's confirmation that I know my children, huh???

I haven't spoken with the principal yet, but I really think we should try having them sit through with the first graders. I just think they will be much happier and less problematic, but I don't know... We may just go back towards home schooling, but this doesn't address any of the social issues.

And, if I didn't feel uncomfortable letting Caidan shut down and stop listening, I'd presume that he needed to learn to behave when he's bored or over-challenged or whatever. Everyone here has raised valid points and this is what has been so frustrating to me. I'm seeing this from all kinds of angles and not knowing what the solution should be, but it is a real problem. And, I am so grateful that you have all understood that this is a problem and can lead to significant issues.

Of course, I am not letting him in on the fact that I understand what is triggering his behavior -- as far as he knows I am absolutely down on any inattentiveness and down on any disrespectful behavior (I really am down on these things). I know that my concerns would never be understood by him and he would miss the fact that I am completely against his behavior.

I'll be seeing if there are other suggestions that might help. In the meantime, I'm going to print off your responses and re-read them and cogitate on them a bit. You've given me some excellent advice and I need to absorb it. You guys are the best.


Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.

We are still in preschool, so I'm not sure if my opinion means much, but I have "late" birthday kids so I've talked alot of teachers about my own kiddos and the difference between being socially ready and academically ready. The consensus was that being socially ready was more important than whether the kiddos were academically advanced. Pretty much, kids can get the extra learning they need at a most schools through gifted programs, but that by about 4th grade the behavior issues show up if a child starts school too early. My friend just pulled her son out of kindergarten and dropped him back to pre-K-4 because he was having so many behavior issues...and he can almost read!

Now, I am obviously NOT suggesting that you hold your kids back--I am simply pointing out an argument against moving them UP. I think a pp alluded to these same issues.

At our orientation for parents only, one mother walked in and announced that her child was just too smart for preschool (she had tested gifted already), would only get into trouble if she wasn't challenged, and that she was only going to preschool for social skills. The mother asked about a million questions about the curriculum (it's K-4) and told us all how her child was so above all of that...better than my mere mortal children. The teacher, in a response that I thought was AWESOME, responded that she will give each child what they need to move beyond the curriculum...like a springboard for those kids who were beyond the others on some concepts. I was very impressed. Perhaps this is an angle for you take with the teacher...something to enhance their kindergarten experience academically without denying them the chance to learn some basic social skills.

I do think my kids are quite smart, but I plan to keep them in preschool an extra year...No point in being the youngest in the class AND the triplets...enough pressure already.

Good luck!

Alice

GGG born 9/3/05 at 35w3d

Cat~

Were your children tested before school began? I'm pretty sure it's a standard test everywhere called Kindergarten Screening.

It gives teachers an idea of where the child is at academically along with other areas like gross and fine motor skills, as you may already know.

Were there any results to indicate that Kindergarten might not be developmentally appropriate for them?

Lisa

I for one would much rather have children that respect their teachers and know that it is not acceptable to mock them or disrupt the class because something they are learning is something they already know. How do you know that in six weeks or nine weeks they will not be learning something your children do not know and their will be a child in the class that does know it. What if that child disrupts the class and prevents the teacher from teaching your child what they are there to learn.

Respect by far is more important in my book at this point and time. Your children are always going to be present with learning things or reviewing skills in which they may already know, the deal is they have to be able to sit there and have enough respect for the teachers, administration and fellow class mates not to disrupt the class room by acting as if they are too good to be in the class.

My three have been in Preschool since they were two years old, they know their site words, they can read some books (sight word and bob books) they have been writing their names for some time, yet they go to school and do the work just like everyone else. They even help their classmates who are not writing their names yet and if any of them EVER mocked a teacher they would be in more trouble than they have ever been in in their lives.

oh and my three were tested and could have gone in first grade but I did not think they were ready on an emotional or social level, neither did the counselors or teachers.

BBG Triplets Born March 31, 2004
31 weeks three days
Douglas
Kalie and
John Michael

Cat,

My trio just started kindergarten also. In our school district, it is a full day (8:45am to 3:30pm) but only every other day.

Two of mine are also far more advanced and the boy is especially skilled in math and vocabulary. Fortunately, my son has not acted disrepectful toward the teacher and I would not condone it either. He did say to me one day, "Mom the teacher wants us to learn to count to 50 and I already know how to count to 1000." I explained to him that the teacher is doing this because the majority of the kids in the class does not know how to count to 50. I told him that if the teacher ever ask the class who can count to 50 for us, he can raise his hand and show the class. He did not seem to have a problem with this. Honestly, I see kindergarten as more of learning to be social ~ listening/respecting the teacher, getting along with other kids and etc. My kids love kindergarten and constantly talk about their new friends. They actually do not have much homework and I am fine with that.

It is true that many teachers do not understand gifted children and most school systems do not cater to gifted kids ~ pull out programs are only once a week and does not even start until 3rd grade? Homeschooling is an option but it is not for everyone. I know I am definitely not organized or disciplined enough to homeschool, at least not at this point. Another option is to talk to the teacher and request that she gives Caidan extra and more challenging homework assignments. Just be careful with your words though. I have read an article about how teachers hates it when parents say their kid is bored in class.

You can always have them tested and moved up to first grade. Personally, I would not choose this option, definitely not if they skip more than one grade. I was 15 when I graduated from high school and went straight to college. If given the choice to do it all over, I would choose not to skip grades. I missed out on the whole high school experience and made up for it in college. I hung out with 18 and 19 year olds, drank beer, played cards, skipped classes and etc. I managed to get average grades despite skipping classes and not studying. I now wished I had put more effort while in college and gotten better grades and maybe gotten into medical school. Everyone is different and that is just my experience.

Another thought, if you do request more challenging homework, maybe request the homework be in an area your son is least skilled at. Although my son is good in math, he cannot actually read a book. What he is good at he will naturally learn on his own or ask about it. Just yesterday, he asked out of the blue "Mom, how many days have I lived?" I asked if they were learning in class the number of days in one year? He said no, he just wanted to know. I am not going to request extra homework for any of my kids. Right now, they are having fun making friends and I want school to continue being a positive experience for them.

Div

I think as parents, we must realize that we always think our kids are the cutest and the smartest kids in school. The reality check is when you go to school and spend time in the classroom, you see just how smart the other students are. They each have their own areas where they excel. There is a huge amount of curriculum that the teachers are required to get through in a school year, while teaching it to students of all learning levels. Give them a chance to do their job. They are the trained experts here.

mom to:
Ryan 32 The Lawyer
Jason 30 The Chief Meteorologist
Chris 30 The College Student
Tim 30 The college grad

I love hearing their versions of their childhood memories!!

One of my dds was disruptive in Kindergarten. She was easily distracted and talked A LOT (when she should've been quietly listening to the teacher). Her behavior was something we had to constantly monitor throughout the year. I work at her school, so I had daily updates on her progress or regression, whatever was the case that week. Yes, my dd was one of the brightest students in her class, she was the only student in Kindergarten to be identified g/t that school year, but I never used boredom as a reason for her acting out. She just had a harder time accepting (due to her outgoing and rebellious personality) that school has rules that need to be followed. Thankfully, my other 2 dds, identified g/t at the end of 1st grade, have always been model students in every aspect. I don't think I could've handled 3 disruptive children in Kindergarten- lol!

My dd had fewer behavioral problems in 1st grade and by 2nd grade she was behaving beautifully - still a chatterbox but at appropriate times. I think she just needed some time to mature. My dds are now in 3rd grade and are all doing well. Their teachers rave at how smart and well-behaved they are. Do I think they should've skipped a grade when they were younger because they were among the brightest in their grade? No, they were happy at their grade level. They had friends, they liked their teachers, and even though my dd was disruptive she was a happy Kindergartner. As far as the homework goes, sometimes I thought my dds had too much homework in Kindergarten! I'm with Tasha that I don't think kids need to bring home a ton of homework to learn.

Personally, I think you should give it some time. I think you're overanalyzing the situation, as we parents tend to do at times especially when it comes to our children. Since you seem to hold a high opinion of the teacher and her abilities, it seems like your children are in good hands. -- Gloria

Cat,

I wanted to give you another side of the story. I have been homeschooling for 7 1/2 years, and I have 2 advanced kids, 1 average, 1 a little behind, and 1 that isn't school-aged yet. I am also in school to become an educational psychologist so I have a little of that perspective as well.

If you truly want individualized learning for your children, then the only option is to homeschool. It sounds like you have your kids in enough extracurricular activities that they will still be socialized.

If that is not what you want to do, or if you can't, then you have to find peace with the school system. If you can't or don't want to move your kids to 1st grade, then you can keep your kids in Kindergarten, and consider this year a time of working on character and social skills. Then at home you can add extra work.

I do have a suggestion about the worksheets at home. You may not want to continue broadening the knowledge gap between your kids and their peers. Maybe at home, you could focus on providing your kids with a more well-rounded education. Follow their passions. Is your son fascinated with dinosaurs or bugs or trains? Does your daughter love to learn about airplanes or plants? Help them learn everything they can about those subjects and you will be able to foster a love of learning in your children. If they spend 4 hours a day at school learning math and language arts (even if it is beneath their level), then come home and do more math and language arts worksheets, they will learn that learning is boring. And you will make it more difficult to place them in appropriate grade levels if they keep advancing at much faster rates than their same-age peers.

These are just my thoughts. Good luck with your kids!


Jennie
Proud mom to BBB born 09-02-03 @ 32.2 wks
and 12 yr old big brother
and 2 yr old little brother

Cat, I don't agree with moving them ahead. Kindergarten is not the issue. Sure, it's easy now, but it's 3rd grade when the s&!t hits the fan. Also maturity-wise, they will be behind. There's no doubt about that. It's rare that they are ready both cognitively and maturity.

I think your son needs some physical play. When he gets home, go the park and shoot some soccer balls, ride a bike. Can you go for a walk in the morning before school? Than after some physical play than sit and do homework.

Think about the lunch too. Church, sitting...school, sitting...yup, he's bored.

Karen

Cat,
My kiddos aren't school age yet, but I am a teacher and I thought I would throw a couple of suggestions out there that I didn't see anyone else giving.

If you decide to keep your son in kindergarten, maybe you can ask the teacher if he can sit next to one of the "lower" students. Then, he can be the kid's "buddy" and help him out with his work. This would not only keep your kid busy, but it will also help him work on his skills because having to "teach" something you know actually makes you retain much more of it that just doing it.

Also, IMO, I would not move him up a grade, mainly because of the social issues. Hell, our kids have a late birthday in July, so people have already asked us if we are holding them back a year so they will be bigger when they play football! That's how we do it in Texas, LOL!

But, seriously, those social issues come into play ALOT in junior high (where I teach). It doesn't seem like a lot now, but I have kids that were promoted in elementary and it seems that they get left out of a lot... when the other kids have big thirteen parties or other stuff.

Anyway, I wanted to throw that out there. Hope everything works out for you!

Megan

B/B/G triplets born on 07/24/2008 at 33 weeks
Cullen Andrew- 3 lbs, 14 oz
Jake Byron- 3 lbs, 15 oz
Elliott Calo- 4 lbs, 8