Why is redshirting so common around here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the brightest kids it's never even a question.

I was that brightest child and it absolutely should have been a question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there any rational anti-redshirting people? The ones posting here sound totally nutty.

Seriously! I've had more interesting conversations with my kindergartener!

Your kindergartener who should be in first?

Yes, my sweet little 6yo boy who can actually engage in a real conversation. Unlike PPs ("no - there are exactly 2 reasons blah blah!"). LOL.

Your 6yo boy who should be in 1st grade.

As others have mentioned, all the brightest kids were kids who started school on time. DH was the youngest in his grade. He made it to med school.

He should be right where he is.

And as I've said before I was the youngest in my class - I have zero issue with my kids being the youngest. If anything, the research shows that younger kids are pushed more than older kids. Still didn't make sense for this particular kid of mine though.

[Anonymous]

To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there any rational anti-redshirting people? The ones posting here sound totally nutty.

Seriously! I've had more interesting conversations with my kindergartener!

Your kindergartener who should be in first?

Yes, my sweet little 6yo boy who can actually engage in a real conversation. Unlike PPs ("no - there are exactly 2 reasons blah blah!"). LOL.

What's a third reason? We haven't heard one yet.

If you weren't open to hearing it the first time around, then I'm not really seeing the point of repeating myself. However, if you were seriously trying to understand other reasons why real people hold back their real kids then please go back and read the previous posts. Not everyone falls into your theoretical categories.

Hahaha. Got it. (No third reason.)

Phew - I'm so glad I didn't go to the effort of typing it all out again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

I think this is a valiant effort at a possible third reason. I'm not sure I buy it, though. I'm the farthest thing from a tiger mom, but kindergarten was developmentally appropriate for my very young kindergartener and plenty of his classmates.

[Anonymous]

It is unrealistic to expect a 5 year old to be "mature." They are five. They have not had the life experiences to be "mature" and I worry about a child where the parents brag they are mature vs. age appropriate or behind. I question what kind of childhood they have if they are so mature. (and this comes from the parent whose child is at an academically focused peek, does workbooks and more).

If anything, I question our parenting and play based preschools for not setting up the kids well enough to function in a classroom setting and teaching them the basics. If your child is in a preschool or you work with them at home (baring special needs), most kids (whose parents can) should know their basic shapes, colors, numbers, letters and very basic reading. And, if kids are not learning them at home, they should be at preschool.

I wish my child would have gone this year. He has special needs and I don't think that is the excuse for holding him back. If anything, him being in school a full day, has helped him catch up and his delays have gone from significant to minimal since the start of the school year. What are childhood delays will now impact him life long in terms of academics and at least for the first few years, he will not be challenged as he's already working several grade levels ahead in reading and other areas.

And, instead of those looking for college scholarships, be a parent and start saving. Why put that kind of pressure on your child in less it is an absolute necessity?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there any rational anti-redshirting people? The ones posting here sound totally nutty.

Seriously! I've had more interesting conversations with my kindergartener!

Your kindergartener who should be in first?

Yes, my sweet little 6yo boy who can actually engage in a real conversation. Unlike PPs ("no - there are exactly 2 reasons blah blah!"). LOL.

Your 6yo boy who should be in 1st grade.

As others have mentioned, all the brightest kids were kids who started school on time. DH was the youngest in his grade. He made it to med school.

My husband was the youngest. And smartest (valedictorian, NMF, near perfect SATs). And went to Harvard and med school. And he is the one pushing to redshirt our child. He thinks the social aspect of school is as important and that he was at a distinct disadvantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

I think this is a valiant effort at a possible third reason. I'm not sure I buy it, though. I'm the farthest thing from a tiger mom, but kindergarten was developmentally appropriate for my very young kindergartener and plenty of his classmates.

+10000 I do not understand how K. is not developmentally appropriate. If anything that goes to our parenting and preschools not adequately preparing kids for preschool. My child is in a prek that focuses on academics and I find it way to easy for him. If anything K. will be another repeat of what he has learned at 3-4. If it is not developmentally appropriate and the qualification is maturity, then maybe we need to look at the entire system and how it is impacting our kids. There is no reason why the majority of kids should do some level of very basic reading, addition and subtraction, and writing by the end of K.

[Anonymous]

One of the (I think very rational) reasons I am against redshirting without a developmental disability is the social justice and fairness of the school system. Public schools are one of the mechanisms we have, as a society, to provide opportunities to all. The fact is that parents without means ALWAYS send their kids on time to kindergarten. Many even get them in at age 4 (ask teachers in poor schools about this). So your already advantaged 19 year old will in fact be competing against an already disadvantaged 17 year old for college spots, scholarship money, etc. It's funny to me that I have so many VERY liberal friends who think it is totally acceptable to hold back their July birthday boys and spend and extra $20k on preschool. It is, in fact, gaming the system, and I don't think it's right. Most redshirters are doing it to provide their kid with an advantage, and yes, being the oldest is an advantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the (I think very rational) reasons I am against redshirting without a developmental disability is the social justice and fairness of the school system. Public schools are one of the mechanisms we have, as a society, to provide opportunities to all. The fact is that parents without means ALWAYS send their kids on time to kindergarten. Many even get them in at age 4 (ask teachers in poor schools about this). So your already advantaged 19 year old will in fact be competing against an already disadvantaged 17 year old for college spots, scholarship money, etc. It's funny to me that I have so many VERY liberal friends who think it is totally acceptable to hold back their July birthday boys and spend and extra $20k on preschool. It is, in fact, gaming the system, and I don't think it's right. Most redshirters are doing it to provide their kid with an advantage, and yes, being the oldest is an advantage.

So you do think there is an advantage to doing it? Because most people who are against it continually repeat how there is no advantage and no one should do it. The only smart kids are the ones who go on time, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

I think this is a valiant effort at a possible third reason. I'm not sure I buy it, though. I'm the farthest thing from a tiger mom, but kindergarten was developmentally appropriate for my very young kindergartener and plenty of his classmates.

Do you hold a degree in early childhood education? If so, than you are qualified to determine what is developmentally appropriate. And I hope that you congratulated the teacher who was able to create that environment despite the policies that make it nearly impossible. If, however, you do not hold an e.c. Degree, than please accept that what you think is developmentally appropriate may not be what those in early childhood education term it to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

I think this is a valiant effort at a possible third reason. I'm not sure I buy it, though. I'm the farthest thing from a tiger mom, but kindergarten was developmentally appropriate for my very young kindergartener and plenty of his classmates.

+10000 I do not understand how K. is not developmentally appropriate. If anything that goes to our parenting and preschools not adequately preparing kids for preschool. My child is in a prek that focuses on academics and I find it way to easy for him. If anything K. will be another repeat of what he has learned at 3-4. If it is not developmentally appropriate and the qualification is maturity, then maybe we need to look at the entire system and how it is impacting our kids. There is no reason why the majority of kids should do some level of very basic reading, addition and subtraction, and writing by the end of K.

This varies dramatically by school. In our local elementary in McLean, if all you were doing what very basic reading, addition, etc by the end of K, you would be very, very behind.

[Anonymous]

I know that academics are only one part of the school experience but with all due respect, I think it's wishful thinking that an extra year will solve social problems. Socially adept kids are going to be fine whether they are the oldest or youngest. Either can be awkward, but it depends on the child, not their birthday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me, the bottom line was that public school kindergarten is no longer developmentally appropriate. It hasn't been for well over a decade and it is not going to be any time soon (if ever). The kindergarten curriculum more closely reflects what we experienced as first graders. That is why I chose to give my child an extra year. It is also why every elementary teacher I know who has a summer baby either has done or plans to do the same.
I, personally, despise the term "redshirting". It implies that we were looking for an advantage over others when, in fact, I couldn't care less about the other kids levels.

+1000

I think this is a valiant effort at a possible third reason. I'm not sure I buy it, though. I'm the farthest thing from a tiger mom, but kindergarten was developmentally appropriate for my very young kindergartener and plenty of his classmates.

+10000 I do not understand how K. is not developmentally appropriate. If anything that goes to our parenting and preschools not adequately preparing kids for preschool. My child is in a prek that focuses on academics and I find it way to easy for him. If anything K. will be another repeat of what he has learned at 3-4. If it is not developmentally appropriate and the qualification is maturity, then maybe we need to look at the entire system and how it is impacting our kids. There is no reason why the majority of kids should do some level of very basic reading, addition and subtraction, and writing by the end of K.

Please read up on early childhood education. Your kid's preschool is definitely not age appropriate if the 3s are covering K academic content!