To Send or Not to Send?

Yes! Kids get so much from preschool...besides the socialization, they get to have a relationship with another mentor (aka adult teacher) and they learn about the responsibility and commitment of going to school (getting up on time, getting dressed for school, doing work, etc), and they have to learn to get along with all types of kids (not just siblings, and kids with the same interests like ballerinas ;-). Plus, you get a break to do your shopping, bill paying, etc. without having to tow two kids around! Because of preschool, my daughter was speaking basic Spanish at the age of 4 and reading simple books.

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Mom, there is an organization called NKCAC Head Start. It is for income impaired people and is totally free. I don't know the income guidelines, but with four children I sure would give it a try and see. I am employed there and all 4 of my children went. They have classes from 8 to 11:30, 8 to 2, or 12:30 to 4. As I said we are income based, and I don't know the guideline but you can go into our office at 437 W. 9th st in Newport to put in an application. You can call ###-###-#### to find out what information you need to bring with you. It's worth a shot. We provide transportation and breakfast and lunch, or breakfast, lunch, and snack, or lunch and snack.(depends on what session they come to)

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Hi N. I wanted to say that I understand what you mean by wanting to stay at home and teach your child there however there are things at preschool he or she will learn you cant teach like,interaction with other kids and other adults... how to build relationships with other kids on his own.. preschool did wonders for my younjgest daughter who wasnt ready the first year but this year she has flourished so thats just something to think about.

C.

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While I'm sure she is getting plenty of interaction at home, through ballet and playgroups the main thing I think for school at such a young age is learning some routine and structure (for lack of a better word). While kids are always learning through play, in order to get them ready for kindergarten it may be important for them to understand the difference for play time and learning time. My son is 3 and attends a preschool where there is lots of play, circle time for reading and singing, art, clean up time, snack time etc. This goes through a routine that will prepare him for kindergarten and if anything this is probably the best reason to send--of course only in my opinion. I am a stay at home mom as well and it is tight for us to send him there, but we feel it is worth it! Good luck with whatever you decide.

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I would have to say send your 3 year old to preschool. I sent my daughter when she was 3 and it did wonders for her in learning to deal with things without mommy right there helping her through every step. Also, I, like you, thought I would just teach our daughter at home instead of sending her (I have a degree in elementary education and thought that I would just use that--seeing as I never really have) but when I started looking into preschools I realized that I wasn't going to do a creative movement class, chapel time, music class or spanish class with her which are all things that her preschool did. Those are the reasons that I sent her and I also have a 1 year old at home and I was really afraid that I wouldn't be able to give my oldest the time for preschool at home like I wanted too. And now I'm glad that I sent her, she wants to go everyday she loves it that much, too bad it's only 2x's a week.

I wholeheartedly beleive you should keep your child at home. They learn so much from you, they do not need to go to a school if they have a prent who cares.

I'd say do what you feel is right. A 3-year old does not 'need' preschool. Both of my children are in preschool but not for the education... I don't have family around and I have a husband who works all the time so I need some free time. That's it. If you need a babysitter, then send your child. There is no way that they will learn more at preschool than they do with an active parent at home. My son (he's 5 now and going to K next year), has been in a part-time program for 3 years. I can't think of one thing that he's learned. Mostly, he's shocked his teachers with what he already knows. However, being a shy child, the social interaction has been good for him.

That said, many children are better prepared for kindergarten by going to preschool. It really depends on a child's home environment. If they sit around and watch TV all day at home, then they'd be better off at preschool. If the parents are active and interact with the child in different activities, preschool isn't so important. Think: outdoor activities, art, music, animals, etc. and read, read, read.

Good luck with your decision!

I would definately send. Even if it is just a couple afternoons or mornings a week. It will make the adjustment to kindergarten that much easier.

There are plenty of resources online for you to be the teacher!! Preschool covers the basics(colors,numbers,letters) and there are plenty of websites with free games and coloring pages,etc.. There are workbooks avaliable at Walmart for preschool level. It sounds like the social ascpect is covered so "homescooling" would offer an economical option. As a homeschooling mom it also offer a great bonding experience with your child. Local parks and libraries have free programs too!

D.

N. I say follow your heart. Only you know your child best. Preschool is mainly for socialization, the secondary reason is minor education for colors, letters, and motor skills. There is no reason you can't offer her the same education at home, or even a better education. It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job allowing her to experience the world and make friends already. I would search the internet, find out what is required for Kindergarten entry in your area and begin teaching her that at home. It's very simple to do and can easily be intigrated into playtime. There are thousands of websites and books and other places to find great educational materials. You could even get together with other moms with children your daughter's age and play-educate the children together. Mom's know their kids best! Follow your heart and if you feel that you can provide her with the socialization and education needed to enter Kindergarten don't waste the money paying someone else to do it for you.

I think whatever works for you is what you should do. If you're going to spend the time w/her learning her letters and things then do it. Childrent don't "have" to go to preschool. It's all what works for you!

S.

Hello N.. I agree that you should follow your heart; you know best. Some alternitive ideas could be to check into public preschool to avoid the cost or Cubbies (for young fives prior to K held in most school districts). Or you could conduct a "preschool" in your own home for your 3 y/o when the youngest is napping. There are alot of internet sites where you can print off preschool materials; the one I used in school was "preschoolprintables.com". Or, we can't aford preschool, and my four y/o attends Awania Cubbies at the First Baptist Church in our town and it is set up like preschool and it is one night a week with "homework" we do during the week. Best of Luck!

Hi N., both of my daughters went to preschool. My oldest went for 2 years and my youngest is just finishing up her one and only year. It is expensive, that's for sure but I know plenty of kids who didn't go at all and they are doing fine in school. I would say as long as she is getting the socialization she needs you shouldn't worry. I babysit and always keep those curriculum books on hand like they sell at Sam's Club for the different grade levels and subjects and I have my kids all do pages out of those too. Don't feel like you're a bad Mom if you don't send her. Just make a point to work with her at home. Good luck!

my daughter does attend preschool jsut because it was something she wanted to do but all she is really learning is her colors and shapes and now numbers socialization and listening skills, acedemically she is learning more by siting here while i do work with her older siblings and during story time at night, so depending on her wishes i won't be sending her back next year as long as you allow your child to socialize and she is properlly adjusted i don't feel there are any real advatages that kids that do go to preschool have over the kids that don't. good luck

N.,
My sister in law is a kindergarten teacher and I posed this question to her. She believes that preschool can help prepare children however, she feels that as long as you read to your children and interact with them, they will be prepared for school.

Something I also did was I went to the website of the elementary school my daughter would be attending and I looked at what she would need to know in kindergarten. This also helped me know what things I may need to focus on as well.

Good luck with your decision.

I think it depends on your child. My son (now 4) really benefited from 3 year old pre-school – he was very shy, adjusts very slowly to new situations and environments, has a hard time making friends, etc. Even though he was in gymnastics at 3 – the addition and routine of pre-school is something he really benefited from. My 2 year old (will be 3 in July) I don’t think needs the 3 year old pre-school, her social skills are better, she is not as shy, she adjusted to new people and situation much easier. I think just going when she is 4 wouldn’t put her behind at all. However, I am still sending her because she so much wants to be like her big brother, and I think she will have fun. You have to just evaluate your daughter and see if you think the benefits SHE would get are worth the cost. Education (ABC’s / colors / etc.) can all be taught at home and you always have 4 year old pre-school to prep her for kindergarten.

I am planning on sending my almost 4 year old to preschool next year at the local public schools. Gratefully we live in a wonderful school district and it helps out in all cases. Kindergarden is very fast pace compared to what it use to be. By Jan. they have to know and write all their letters, and be able to "read" some site words. They start reading books in the second half of the year and to pass to first grade they have to be able to write a full sentence. If you can prepare your child for (what I feel is slightly too) high pace then by all means keep them home! :)