Captain Destructo just turned 3 (help me, Lord). While I am celebrating the fact that she can now USE THE POTTY and do other exciting things such as insist on leaving the house wearing a dress, a tutu, 2 bracelets and a tiara, I am also realizing I need to start making a decision about preschool.
I don't know about you, but I don't remember preschool being such a big deal when I was little. I went when I was 4, but only because my mom taught there and needed something to do with my sister and I. We went to half-day kindergarten and we were fine. In fact, my kindergarten teacher wanted me to skip kindergarten. Booyah. Who was a tiny genius? This girl.
Anyway, it seems like there are 2 schools of thought on preschool around my area now. (1) Send kids to preschool, which has 2 sub categories: (a) send kids for a few half days a week, and (b) send kids full time.
(2) Homeschool preschool.
Maybe I'm terrible, or lazy, or whatever, but I really want to do none of those things. As September gets closer, I start getting itchy and stressed when I think about it. Captain Destructo is sweet and kind, and while she is a handful sometimes (particularly coupled with her wild child sister), I'm in no rush to send her off. This may be predicated by the fact that she turned 3 and said "I can't be 3, I don't want to go to preschool." And as for homeschooling preschool, despite the fact that I can't imagine how it would go trying to teach anything structured with our 1 year old wild child running around, I just don't know if I see the need to force her to sit down and do school work at this age. And then if I homeschool, I will have to grow my hair super long and wear long dresses and start making my own laundry soap, right?
But on the other hand, there's this worry that I'm doing her a disservice. If she gets to kindergarten, and the other students have had 2 years of preschool, will she be behind academically? Or worse, will she be totally overwhelmed by being in kindergarten for 6 hours a day and miss her mommy and cry and I won't be there and it will be terrible?
So that's where we are. Right now I'm pretty sure that she will stay with me next year, and maybe we'll do some academic type stuff, but maybe not. I'm going to keep having playdates and Bible class so she's around other kids, and pray that that's enough for her.
What do you do about preschool?
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2 hours ago
I don't know that I think a 3 or 4 year old NEEDS pre-school however, I do believe they need the time around kids their own age and time away from mommy!! That is why I opted for MDO - 2 days with other kids, away from me and she is getting some academic stuff too. For me it was also getting a day for me to do dr appts and help out at Jacob's school. So there was a it of a selfish aspect too! I don't think there is a right or wrong on this subject - just do what is best for you...and Molly! She will be fine come kinder - you are a great mom!!
ReplyDeleteI'll try not to be offended by that homeschooling comment. LOL Because I don't wear long dresses, although my skirt for church yesterday was pretty long, and my hair - I'm letting it grow out so I can donate it to Locks of Love, but you got me on the homemade laundry detergent. I just can't pass up 1 cent a load when I've got so many dirty kids running around. Just take your time! If she can potty and say her abc's and count to 10 you've already got it in the bag. She's only 3 once right?
ReplyDeleteHaha Annette! I think homeschooling (even though some of my very hip friends homeschool) and I totally picture Michelle Duggar. Not sure why? Sorry to offend :)
ReplyDeleteI think that whether or not you send her to preschool, she will not be behind other kids in Kindergarten. You interact with her and teach her things in daily life, even if you don't do it in a structured way. I think it's wonderful that you like being home with your girls! We'll probably do MDO this fall, but a lot of that is because of the types of reasons that Jennifer talked about. There are certain things that I just can't get done with Debbie in tow, and I don't always enjoy working things like doctor's appointments around my hubby's work schedule. Also, Debbie has expressed a real interest in school, but I can't afford a full time preschool. So hopefully MDO will meet both of our needs. I think you should follow your own intuition.
ReplyDeleteI believe in preschool for many reasons: 1 - anytime you can get a kick in the education direction DO IT 2 - socializing 3 - getting to know the "school" format early 4 - friends 5 - a little peace for mom and dad!
ReplyDeleteYou are Molly's mom and you know what is best for her right now in life. Just being with you all day she is learning things far more important than acedemics...that will come. You don't even have to send her to Kinder if you don't want!!! Can you believe that? I think you make your decision and stand by it, and don't feel like you have to defend your decision (that's how I feel since I'm not sending C to Kinder next year). What I have learned in C's pre-school is to learn through play. There is no sit down and do this sheet. She has no idea how much she is learning and I love that. So go out in your huge back yard and explore. That's my 2 cents that you didn't ask for:)
ReplyDeleteKristin
ReplyDeleteDo what's best for you and Molly. Dont stress, she's only 3. I think there is too much pressure on kids these days. School will come soon enough so enjoy her while you can.
I never comment on blogs - but I feel I must chime in! My daughter is 4 and is heading to kindergarten next year. I did not do pre-school (I am the ONLY person I know who did not). She is absolutely doing every thing, and sometimes more, that her friends are doing - writing, puzzles, math, coloring, etc. We didn't do anything formal, just what we were naturally doing at home. They learn a lot - whether at pre-school or at home. She will be fine and will have many years to spend in school! And, as an involved and intelligent parent, if she does happen to be lagging in an area at kindergarten, you will be able to help her through that no problem.
ReplyDeletePreschoolers 10 years ago is far different from today's generation. I could even compare my daughter from myself when I was little. But what makes me glad is that preschools today teaches about children's basic hygiene.
ReplyDeleteHey! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Its a good thing to read such information. My child turns 5 and I think I'm running out of time anymore. Should I've known this before, I might sent my child at school when she reached 3. Jane
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