Decision's on Kindergarten

My preschooler is getting to the end of K-4. My toddler is becoming a preschooler. Now the decision begins on kindergarten.

Living in a small town, there are not too many choices. I have been happy with the Montessori school my son is in and would love for him to continue in the fall. My husband works at a public school and wants him there with him.

But my son is way passed beginning kindergarten because of the Montessori program. I feel he will be bored or held back from what he is capable of doing. My husband wants him to be at his school.

There are many things you have to consider when deciding where to place your child for kindergarten. Funding, location, and curriculum are just a few. If you can afford a private school, is there one that is a good school that aligns with how you believe kindergarteners should be taught. I do not believe in too many worksheets or cookie cutter projects. I like students to be allowed to explore what interest them and have lots of play time. Some private schools are well suited for most children, but some children need a different style of teaching.

You may want to home school. Becoming a little more mainstream, it is a possibility for some parents that have the ability to stay home or work in shifts.

And public school is a great option too. As a public school teacher, I certainly see the benefits of what can be offered in a public school. It all depends on what school it is (but don't think the best school is the one the parents love the best!) and how the administration is.

And mostly, it all comes down to the teacher. The greatest schools can have the worst teachers. The worst schools can have some great teachers.

A lot to consider in the coming months!

Parks and Playgrounds-

One thing many parents forget is the free (almost all the time) opportunity for playtime at the park. Parks are a wonderful way to encourage large motor skill development and some risk taking. By the time children are 3, they can do most things at a playground and have enough knowledge about safety issues that you can let them play on their own. They can gather and play with other children around the same ages. This will be great social skills.

In addition to the time for the children, parks are a great opportunity for parents to socialize. Parents often sit on a bench or hang out near their children. This time can be spent having a chat with a new person or coordinating times with other parents to go to the same park at the same time.