Oldest kids in class do better, even through college - NPR

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you heard this on NPR, it must be true!

Well NPR is only reporting it -- another entity did the study

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/18/544483397/oldest-kids-in-class-do-better-even-through-college

"The study focused on differences between Florida children born just before and after the Sept. 1 cutoff date for starting kindergarten. That means the youngest children in any class were born in August and the oldest in September of the previous year. Figlio and his co-authors found that, on average, demographically similar September-born children performed better than their younger August-born classmates, all through their academic careers."

The differences between the youngest and oldest children were small but meaningful all through school, including college. This study also took into account family income and there was a difference between even children from wealthier families who were the youngest vs. the oldest.

I have an August birthday boy and although he's only 3 now, I can't imagine sending him to K only 2 weeks after he turns 5. It seems like most summer birthday boys and about half the girls start K right after they turn 6. I definitely see the benefit to waiting, although private pre-K or an extra year of day care definitely isn't cheap.

It appears this study addressed academic performance. I think it is ridiculous, and there have been other studies that have refuted this. FWIW, I was one of the youngest in my class, and graduated in the top of my class from a top University. I worked hard and did well.

What studies have refuted it? Please don't make stuff up.

[Anonymous]

There have been other studies showing that the youngest kids tend to perform better, so that PP isn't making that up.

My DD is the youngest or second youngest every year and has been one of the stronger students the past 2-3 years. She started slightly behind, then average, and then really took off thereafter. I wouldn't use a study to determine what's best for my child when I know personally what she's capable of handling.

[Anonymous]

I was the youngest in my class and had ADD - had a miserable education till college. Our 1st was born last day august and we gave him an extra year of preschool so he would be the oldest rather than youngest. He was also small for his age. Its worked out just fine and he has always been among the smartest in his grade. Daughter born in Jan is right in the middle of age group for her grade and does very well too.

When in doubt give them 'the gift of an extra year' in preschool or at home - what is the hurry?