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Summer School?
Long story short, the school my daughter attends wants to have her repeat kindergarten in the fall. I am against this for 2 reasons. 1) They just tell me their reason is she is not mature enough for 1st grade. 2) Kindergarten is not mandatory in MI actually school is not mandatory until you are 6. Since her birthday is in the fall she started when she was 4.
So in hopes to better prepare her for 1st grade I am looking for a summer school, that is not a day camp program, to send her to. If anyone knows of a school, in Oakland county, that offers summer school for kindergarten and 1st grade please let me know.
I also think part of the problem is that the school she attends is a montessori school and there is really no structure, it's all child lead learning.
Re: Summer School?
I don't have any recommendations for you, but I was once in your daughter's position. After Kindergarten the teacher's said that I was not ready for first grade (because I was not mature enough), and I attended a "junior first grade" program that was offered through our school district. My parents did have the choice to just send me straight to first grade, but they decided to follow the teacher's recommendations. I'm so glad (and so are they) that they decided to do that because it made the difference in me being able to excel throughout my school years instead of struggling. It was much better to be held back at that point instead of risking the possibility that I would struggle in the future and then have to be held back later on after making friends, etc.
Whatever your decision, I wish you and your daughter nothing but the best in the future!
My sister was a very young kindergardner as well and let me tell you, she was in the academically gifted program very early on and is one of the most brilliant people I know. You do what YOU feel is best for your child. I would personally contact the local school districts around you and see if they have any resources to offer/suggestions of some programs for your daughter. Best of luck to you!
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Hi,
I don't know of any specific programs, but I know that some districts offer tutoring in Reading and Math.
Also, a lot of teachers look for tutoring jobs during the summer. If you found a first grade teacher, or a a teacher that was able to provide strong support for your daughter that may be an option.
Coming from my background as an educator, the most important thing you can do for a child is give them every chance to succeed. If you work with your child at home, and you feel she will mature and has the skills to succeed in first grade, then go with your instinct.Good Luck!
Are you planning to keep her in a Montessori environment for her elementary years? If so, it is not a huge deal. The teachers in your daughters classroom are trained to teach lessons up to a 3rd grade level. It will not mean that she is being intellectually held back in any way. She will not be 'repeating' a year as she would be in most other school environments. I know there is a bad stigma associated with it, but it is a very common thing to happen. They are not saying your child is dumb or anything, and are simply considering her emotional well being. It is a hard thing to accept, but try to step back and objectively listen to them with an open heart and an open mind.
I am not sure exactly what Montessori school your daughter goes to, but most Montessori schools are extremely structured. The structure is just not traditional or obvious to outsiders. They have a schedule and are very good about routine.
If you would like to talk more about specific issues that you are having or things you don't understand about the Montessori philosophy I would be more than happy to try to explain/talk you through it. Before becoming a SAHM I was a Montessori teacher.