Quote:
Originally posted by viet_mom
Yesterday we got report cards and last night was parent-teacher conference.
1. Vietbabe -Sept. b'day (young compared to most in class but 2 other Sept. b'days in class and they are doing fine academically).
2. Catholic kindergarten with 18 kids in her class.
3. Although she is tired b/c no nap anymore, I have always gotten her to do her homework and we haven't missed any school. We read every night and do normal things but not like that character in Parenthood with the flashcards.
4. Report card: highest marks in Self Confidence, Happy, Friendly, Plays Well With Others, Polite (you name it). The only comment is that she's a bit too much of a social butterfly and may be talking while directions are being given by teacher.
5. Conference: teacher showed me her classwork. Not picking up as quickly on phonetics, "math" concepts and such. The teacher seems good. And I always make sure Vietbabe does homework, gets enough sleep, ready for school, all that. So, I think it's not something that can be changed. Teacher thinks she will probably recommend that Vietbabe repeat K and that she really is "that behind" and that 1st grade at that school is particularly challenging. I asked what are the chances that increased help outside school (flash cards and work on weekends with her) would change that but she says it is not likely.
I am so grateful my child is "Happy" and "Self Confident" and "Plays Well With Others." But this morning, I'm upset and teary-eyed even though I know it's "just Kindergarten". Anyone have input? Thank you.
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My youngest is almost exactly Viet Babe's age, and he is now in K. I will almost certainly have him repeat it (either K or first grade). The only reason he is in K is that he was "not ready" for the Pre-K program at the private school, so they asked him to leave after two weeks. (Sigh - long story). Anyway, he's doing fine in the public K (his class has only 12 kids), and he's made lots of friends and is SO happy -- and for that I'm grateful. I adore his teacher, and more importantly, she adores him. The whole nightmare with the private school turned out to be a total blessing -- but I digress.
However, were it not for the snafu with the private school, he wouldn't even be in K this year. I figure it's better to have him repeat a year when he doesn't care/won't notice, than when he's in 5th grade (or whatever) and there will be lots more self-esteem issues involved.
What's the downside? I don't see one.
Also, my oldest is a summer birthday (so technically made the cutoff), but for NYC private schools, the "unofficial" cutoff for boys is June 1 (which he didn't make). He started K at 6 and I have never regretted it. Not for one second.
My other thought (for the K'er) is to have him go to K and first grade in the publie school, then have him do !st grade again in the private school.
The private school has already said he can go back to it next year for K, but I'm going to let them sweat it out for a year. Assholes.
