When individuals, including my child’s preschool instructor, suggested that I should consider delaying my son’s entry into kindergarten (essentially “redshirting” him), I was initially taken aback.
He celebrated his fifth birthday in the spring preceding kindergarten. Isn’t that the age for starting kindergarten? It seemed straightforward. Yes, he was on the younger side: he struggled to focus during preschool activities and had difficulty forming letters properly. He didn’t show any eagerness to read, but I couldn’t fathom what could be so challenging about kindergarten.
Reflecting on my own kindergarten experience in the late 1970s, I recall a classroom filled with a large slide and a sandbox. The days were half-full of playful activities like games on the playground, block building, and storytime during naptime.
However, after just a brief amount of research—reading about how kindergarten has transformed into a more academic-driven environment, consulting friends with school-aged children, and feeling frustrated about the Common Core standards—I quickly realized that the kindergarten I knew has vanished.
I once thought that parents who opted to delay their children’s kindergarten starts were merely trying to “game” the system. They seemed to want their kids to be smarter, more athletically gifted, and ahead of the curve to secure scholarships or Ivy League admissions.
Now, I understand their motivations more clearly. Many parents seek to extend their child’s carefree years before they enter a system that can be overly demanding. They recognize that pushing academic concepts on kids who aren’t developmentally prepared can lead to negative outcomes: decreased self-worth, lower academic performance, and anxiety. They see the value in play-based, hands-on learning, as opposed to worksheets and memorization. Research even indicates that postponing kindergarten until age 7 can have significant mental and academic benefits that last well into the future.
Children don’t all progress at the same pace. We accept this truth when it comes to milestones like walking. My son, Alex, walked at 15 months, while my neighbor’s daughter, who is the same age, took her first steps at 9 months. By the time they were 2, it was impossible to tell who had been the earlier walker. The same principle applies to literacy; studies show that whether children learn to read early or late, they all generally reach similar reading levels a few years later.
Choosing not to send your child to kindergarten right away isn’t a failure. It’s a decision that only you can make, and it’s perfectly valid.
Factors to Consider When Contemplating Delaying Kindergarten
Here are several factors to consider as you contemplate this choice:
- Explore Transitional Programs: Check to see if your community offers transitional kindergarten or “Young Fives” programs. Initially designed for children with summer or late birthdays, these programs can benefit many kids who might not yet be ready for kindergarten. They typically have a more relaxed curriculum, shorter days, and a stronger emphasis on social skills and foundational literacy.
- Look for Half-Day Options: Research local charter or private schools that might provide half-day kindergarten programs. Don’t shy away from private schools due to cost; many offer substantial financial aid. My son now attends a Waldorf school that focuses on play-based learning, rather than the public school system.
- Consider Homeschooling: While this may not be feasible for all families, some friends of mine chose to homeschool their children instead of sending them to kindergarten. You can always enroll your child in kindergarten or first grade later on, depending on their readiness, or continue with homeschooling.
- Understand School Expectations: Before making a decision, find out what the school requires. Is there homework for kindergarteners? What is the teacher-to-student ratio? How much recess is allotted? Many districts are beginning to recognize the importance of more play and less homework for young kids.
- Advocate for Change: If you have the option of choosing among various educational paths, you are fortunate. Many other parents lack this choice. The real solution is to reform the educational system to prevent developmentally inappropriate expectations for young children. Look for ways to engage with organizations like Defending the Early Years or Parents Across America to advocate for change in local and national policies.
Ultimately, prioritize what’s best for your child.
In summary, if your 5-year-old isn’t ready for kindergarten, it’s absolutely okay. It’s vital to explore options like transitional programs, half-day classes, or even homeschooling. Understanding school expectations and advocating for better educational practices will also contribute to ensuring your child has a positive learning experience.