QUESTION:
We are left with 3 decisions for my 4.5 year old boy regarding school next year:
1) Public JK where we hear the curriculum is very play based.
2) Montessori - will receive individual attention and improve reading and math
3) Stay home for another year with his siblings.
I would love your opinion for this young student of mine :)
ADVICE/ SUGGESTIONS:
Since the given details are rather bare, I will give a general answer that I believe is the most effective in most circumstances. First though, I want you to understand that the educational world at large seems to be pushing parents to start structured learning soon after the cradle. I vehemently disagree that that idea is NOT the best way to educate our children. I come from a family of educators. I'm a retired teacher, and my mom in particular, worked with 5-6 year olds for decades. With all the experience and expertise in my family, and utilizing the rapport that I've developed with my colleagues in the profession, here is my response:
OPTION 3 IS THE BEST.
The best learning, educating, and maturing can come from the home. Imaginative, creative play is a great form of learning. Reading daily with your son 1 on 1 is an extremely effective way of educating and bonding. Avoid excess screen time, provide a few toys and play equipment for your son, utilize the magical discoveries he can make in the Great Outdoors(collecting bugs, playing on the trampoline) and get out of the way. It is not your job to entertain him or to make him happy. It is his job. Let him learn how to play alone and with his siblings. Show him some chores that he can do daily. Focus on teaching manners(the "pleases" and the "thank yous", etc) and how to put the interests of others ahead of himself--teach him to bake cookies, and then bring some to the elderly neighbor next door. Go to the local library for StoryTime, and then check some books out for him. Teach math by allowing him to go to the grocery store with you so he can learn how many "dollars things cost." There are innumerable opportunities by his staying at home one more year. Research and our country's past history show there are no distinct advantages academically for those who stay home that extra year. And, I believe, there are several major advantages in staying home.
Mike Smart, CLPC
"Parenting OutSmarted"
smartmike59@gmail.com
