is my kid too advanced for a preschool curriculum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand OP's concerns. My daughter also had mastered all of the preschool basics before her third birthday, and could even read a couple of words and do a little simple addition. I had to decide to let go and let her just enjoy the socialization of preschool. She's been in preschool for 6 months now and has not learned a single academic thing that she didn't know a year ago. On the other hand, she's making friends, having fun, and learning to love school. I'm hoping that when the time comes for her to learn new things again, she'll excel. And in the end, it doesn't matter whether she starts reading at 3 or 4 or 5 -- as long as she loves learning, she'll do well.

Love this. I totally agree!!!

I know people have different opinions on this, but I think pre-school is less about cramming their heads with academic skills at that age and more about enjoying school, experiencing social dynamics (sharing, waiting patiently, participating in a group, understanding friends' feelings etc.) and playing in a way that develops building block skills (fine motor, gross motor, logic, spacial reasoning etc.)

This is not to say that some pre-schoolers aren't capable of learning more advanced skills, including reading. But I feel like that's something parents can supplement in fun ways outside of a pre-school setting. At that age, I think school itself should be more about PLAY!!

[Anonymous]

Have you considered a montessori preschool? They typically take them as young as 2 1/2 and the whole philosophy is child centered and the work and lessons are geared and directed toward the individual child's abilities and interests. It is also a wonderful environment full of socialization in a mixed age classroom where each age is learning from each other and learning to cooperate and coexist peacefully. If you want your child to continue a forward trajectory in the ABC's and numbers (by the way, there is no stronger math curriculum than montessori in the early years, IMO), then it's worth a look.


Good luck