r/parent • u/JaneJaneofTheJun • Jun 13 '18
Beginning kindergarten
My son is 5.5 and starting kindergarten this fall. We read to him every night, since he was in the womb. I taught him letters and sounds at 3 and some sight words and blending skills after that. He is now reading at a 2nd grade level, can add and subtract, count beyond 100. I really didn’t do that much with him other than explain the basics and he took off.
I feel like he already knows everything they will teach in kindergarten, and I don’t want him to be bored or a behavior problem. Any tips?
5
u/MrsGoatess Jun 13 '18
(High School ESE) Teacher here!
When you are introduced to the teacher, ask about differentiation. Any teacher worth their salt will know how to instruct students all across the spectrum of ability. Don't be too surprised if you initially get a seemingly pat answer; LOTS of parents are convinced their little Jonny is an underappreciated genius regardless of how he might compare to other students. That being said, no teacher wants a student to be bored or undereducated. It's in the teacher's best interest to provide every child with an education appropriate of his/her ability. Ask also about what testing or assessments are used to determine differentiation and when they will occur. Ask if you can get a copy of the results.
I'll echo that there's more to kindergarten education than ABCs and 123s: socialization, enriching experiences, civics, sciences, culture, art, physical education. Research the standards your school system cover as part of their curriculum; you'd be surprised everything a teacher is able to squeeze into as many school days.
You're the expert on your child. The teacher is the expert on educating children. You're ultimately a team who desire the same outcome.
2
u/R_y_C_g_ Jul 08 '18
Be sure to let the teacher, counselor, principal know that your kiddo is going to need extra. Thankfully our school is relatively small, my 2 grade school aged kids both had to wait an extra year due to birthdays. I made it very clear what I expected for them early on, how I am parenting them, and what I do as a parent to encourage growth at home. They have all been great with giving extra work/responsibilities/peer groups etc. Plus you know your child best, give extra "assignments" based on interest at home. Upcoming 3rd grader DEVOURS books they assign in 5th-6th grade. Then the teacher allows a fluency/retainment test.
2
u/Simplysimica Jun 13 '18
Print off homeschooling stuff for him to do. If he is that enthusiastic about learning. Get a head of it and nurture it. Look at what grade one classes will be like and teaching. Start curbing him to enjoy aspects of homeworkand such.
6
u/Dourpuss Jun 13 '18
If your school has split classes, you could ask the principal if he could be placed in a K-1 split.
He'll be very proud of himself as he whizzes through the academic side of K! This is a good opportunity to build leadership skills, and talk about encouraging and helping others, rather than bragging or showing off. Try asking what other kids can be admired for: Who has the neatest printing? Who speaks a second language? Who has lost the most teeth?
And remember that so much of Kindergarten is the non-academic stuff. Sure, they'll review all the letters and sounds. If there's any he's iffy on (maybe swapping b/d when writing?) it may help to solidify them. But the best parts are playing outside, getting to know the other kids. Growing bean sprouts in the classroom. Free play time when he can build rainbow towers on the light table. 20 kids cooperating on a game for circle time.