How necessary is preschool?

[Anonymous]

Preschool is not about academic skills.

[Anonymous]

Not necessary NOR must you do a preschool that is full day or all 5 days a week. My kids both started at age 4, 3 days a week- great exposure to social learning and how to engage in ways when mom/dad/siblings not there. Transition to K was great.

[Anonymous]

I think that at least one year is absolutely necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Preschool is not just about academics. It is learning how to function in a group setting with other children, sit in circle, listen to the teacher, line up, etc. Playing with other children and navigating social relationships is important, and it is different when you are with the same kids in class every day than on a play date every once in a while or with a sibling. Each of my children gained confidence going to preschool and were very proud to show of their accomplishments from there.

Personally, I couldn't imagine not sending my child to preschool. I'm not sure there are any kids in my child's kindergarten who skipped preschool, but I do not for sure. All of my child's friends attended. I do know that when my child was 3 or 4 and in gym class, the child not in preschool had a much harder time following the teacher's instructions and the teacher had to spend a lot of time dealing with her.

+1

+2

I used to teach an extracurricular for 4-5 year olds, and it was pretty apparent which kids had these skills from being in preschool, and which didn't. (Of course, if a child is in daycare, they may gain many of the same skills! But it's hard to attain from being at home all day every day with a parent or other caregiver.)

Another +1 to both posts above.

OP, kindergarten today is not at all like it was when any of us were kids. Kindergarten now requires a LOT more of children, behaviorally and academically. It used to be that K was the year when kids transitioned from being at home all the time to being in "big kid school" and learned behavioral basics -- how to follow directions (from an adult who is not mom or dad); how to move from one activity to another even if you really don't want to do so; how to keep hands off other kids; and so on. Now that is no longer the function of K; teachers have to get kids started on the academics in K far more than they once did, so kids entering K without any exposure to a classroom setting, or exposure to having to listen to and obey a teacher, are starting at a disadvantage. Most kids will adapt and "get it," yes, but it's more of a struggle for them, their classmates and their teachers if time must be spent on these skills in K. That's why a good preschool helps a lot. Preschool does NOT have to be all day, five days a week; do what's best for your kid, and maybe just three half-days a week or whatever will be fine for your child....but consider that it's good for a child to have at least some preschool before kindergarten, these days. Avoid "academic" preschools that hand out worksheets or drill kids hard on academics, but seek one that does expect children to learn to move with the group from activity to activity.

[Anonymous]

If you think you can teach your child that she is one of many kids and not the best not kid who matters, go for it.

[Anonymous]

My DD never went to preschool. She's in 7th grade now. Her only difficulty in kindergarten was the harsh reality of learning the concept of mean girls. Oh, and she thought she'd learn academics she didn't already know, which she didn't.

[Anonymous]

I was a SAHM and only sent my oldest child to 2 day a week preschool at age 4 for socialization and classroom readiness. The 5 day a week schools are not necessary. And 2's preschool was a total waste for my youngest. I think it actually gave her anxiety and do I didn't send her at 3 and then did 3 day a week at 4.

We did the cheapest co-op preschool and it was great.

[Anonymous]

Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

[Anonymous]

I didn't feel it necessary to send any of my kids to preschool. I was home with them and provided lots of enrichment, as well as teaching them appropriate behavior and cooperation skills. They did fine. As intelligent people with no impulse or behavior issues, kindergarten was a breeze, if a bit dull at times, for each of them.

[Anonymous]

I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

I am surprised how many people fall hook line and sinker into the expensive preschool abyss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

But it WASN'T necessary for my DD. She skipped into kindergarten and the only two things that surprised her were that she didn't learn more academics than she already knew, and that some of her new friends were mean.

The only thing I'd forgotten to teach her was her address. She only knew the intersection that she always overheard me tell cab drivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.

What a weird, narrow little life you must lead.

[Anonymous]

Teacher here, trust me we can tell if your kid didn't go to preschool.