logo
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Hi Cheryl...

Have you ever heard of making preschoolers who are getting ready to enter Kindergarten in the Fall take an actual test to see if they are ready for it? My son just took his and he didn't do very well. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> They are re-testing him next month.

They won't force me to keep him out of Kindergarten (legally they can't do that), but they are "suggesting" that I keep him back, pending the outcome of the second test.

My son is shy with strangers and the test took all of 5 minutes. They asked him questions that I KNOW he knows the answers to, but refused to answer. The teacher didn't even introduce herself to him....just grabbed his hand, said "come with me" and took him to another room.

I think testing 5 year olds is really too much pressure. They tell me that the second test will be a bit longer. But no matter how long it is, if he doesn't know the person giving it, he's not going to be very forthcoming with his answers!

Have you ever heard of testing 5 year olds for Kindergarten?


Why is there never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over?
Sponsored Post Advertisement
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 640
Gecko
Offline
Gecko
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 640
Chris what you are describing is becoming increasingly popular with school districts. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Personally I find it ridiculous! What a great way to scare the heck out of a small child - a test before they even have a kindergarten class. :rolleyes:

Chris you and your son are not alone. It's not an uncommon thing for a preschooler to be shy. They are used to the people within their world and newcomers can be frightening.

In fact, my five year old is the very same way. He isn't the least bit interested in going to kindergarten. New situations are fear provoking. They just don't know what to expect and the last time I checked that's usually scary for adults too. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If I were you I wouldn't worry to much about what the "testers" say. You know your son. They obviously didn't take the time to do this test the right way. By that I mean, there are certain ways you deal with preschoolers and certain ways you don't. Not introducing yourself, taking them in a room without mommy, etc. isn't a proper way to deal with a child of this age.

<img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> It burns me up the way some people who are supposed to be "experts" don't have a clue.

If they do the test again, or a different test and he doesn't do well, don't sweat it. If they recommend he doesn't start kindergarten yet, it's completely up to you to make that decision. Yes your son may have a little trouble adjusting to leaving you when school starts, but you know what, so do half the kids in kindergarten. They survive and with a good teacher they actually thrive and do well.

I think most public schools are too interested in having these perfect little kids who sit in their seat and act more like robots than children. Ok, I'm getting on my soap box so I'll just stop here for now. Just keep in mind one thing, it's your decision, you know better than anyone else what is best for your son. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Thanks! Right after I posted this, I read a Letter To The Editor in my local paper from a Mom who had the same problem with the Kindergarten test. She said in the letter that her son was extremely shy and the teacher grabbed him and pulled him right into the classroom w/o so much as a word to him. The mom followed after them, assuming she could go into the room while he was being tested. She was stopped at the door, and told that parents were not allowed to observe.

She explained to the teacher that her son was extremely shy and probably would not answer questions from a stranger. The teacher's reply was "Well, I have been doing this for many years, and I know how to handle kids."

What scares me is that the idiots giving the test are the ones teaching Kindergarten!


Why is there never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over?
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 640
Gecko
Offline
Gecko
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 640
Quote:
What scares me is that the idiots giving the test are the ones teaching Kindergarten!
I know exactly what you mean! It is these sort of tactics and attitudes that makes so many parents choose homeschooling.

I disagree with alienating parents from these sorts of situations. When you are dealing with pre-K children it can do more harm than good to not allow a parent's presence. Plain and simply, new people can be scary for kids this age.

I'm glad that the mother wrote a letter to the editor. Chris, I encourage you to do the same. If parents will speak out and show their discouragement it may change the way things are done.

A great example is that there was a school system from another state visiting to see how our school start times have improved the system. We went to early start times for elementary children a few years ago. The k-5 kids start catching buses at 6:30am and school starts at 7:30. When the parents of the visiting school system found out they launched a campaign to show their displeasure. It worked. That school system scrapped the early start times. Now it was a small district but the parents still made a difference. Perhaps if enough parents speak out about the way their preschoolers are being treated it might make a difference in the way things are done.

I know that I would not want my son, who is heading to kindergarten next fall, to have a teacher like the one you're dealing with. He's shy and sensitive and a super sweet boy who would not do well with people like that.

It's essential that the kindergarten teachers get them off on the right foot. Kindergarten and first grade can and often do set the tone and attitudes towards school permanently.

Perhaps scheduling a conference before school begins with the prospective teacher would help to get things off on a better start.


Moderated by  Nicki - BF & EC Editor 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Brand New Posts
Make It Sew Easier
by Cheryl - Sewing Editor - 03/27/24 04:34 PM
2024 - on this day in the past ...
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/27/24 01:31 PM
Planner Template Kit - Weekly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:39 PM
Planner Template Kit - Yearly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:37 PM
How to Use Digital Planner Template Kit
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:36 PM
Review - 20 Illustrator Color tips Helen Bradley
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:32 PM
March Equinox to June Solstice
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/26/24 12:27 PM
Hobotrader unleashes never seen opportunity with i
by Jamal molla - 03/26/24 11:55 AM
Psalm for the day
by Angie - 03/25/24 09:05 AM
Genealogy, Sort of
by Angie - 03/24/24 05:39 PM
Sponsor
Safety
We take forum safety very seriously here at BellaOnline. Please be sure to read through our Forum Guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
Privacy
This forum uses cookies to ensure smooth navigation from page to page of a thread. If you choose to register and provide your email, that email is solely used to get your password to you and updates on any topics you choose to watch. Nothing else. Ask with any questions!


| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2022 Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5