I am a concerned grandma. My son & daughter-in-law are going to homeschool my grandson for kindergarten and then send him to public first grade next year when his sister will go to public kindergarten. He will be 6 the end of December.

He is very bright and the actual learning part of kindergarten does not concern me. My concern is that he needs the socialization of kindergarten. He also needs to listen to other adults and have something that is his own. He has two year old twin siblings along with the 4 year old sister. He gets bored with always playing with the younger kids.

Also, I think that when children enter kindergarten they all enter on a level playing field. When he enters first grade all of the other children will be familiar with the school and comfortable with the teachers and other children. I feel he will be at a big disadvantage.

The town is 1700 and the school is small.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience in this matter?

Wondergirl

What is the curriculum for homeschooled Kindergarten? Wouldn't that be something the parents have already worked on with the boy, or can easily do while he attends a brick-and-mortar classroom?

Are the parents trying to avoid the "aggravation" of traveling to the school with only one child in the car?

I agree with you. The biggest part of Kindergarten is the socialization with other children and learning classroom skills such as listening to instructions, taking turns, sitting quietly for a specified time, etc. Your grandson won't be able to do that at home, because at home alone with his teacher those tasks will be much easier without distractions. And yes, the next year in first grade, he will be the "odd" one whom no one knows, although at that age, he should soon find his place in the class.

It isn't your decision to make. Any "hysteria" and arguing on your part will totally turn off the child's parents. Is there a way to subtly get your points across and convince them that homeschooling for only a year won't be helpful to your grandson?

(I taught preschool for three years and was a Kindergarten sub and aide.)

concerned grandma 6

Hi Wondergirl,

I, too, taught pre-school for 12 years and have subbed in public schools.

I have tried hinting, but have never come right out and voiced my opinion. My philosophy is to give my opinion when asked, but if I am not asked I don't volunteer my opinions. Thus...the reason for trying to get other's feedback and experience through this website.

I hinted that he might be bored at always playing with the younger children and his mom's answer was "he'll just have to get over it".

These are very educated and intelligent parents with very strong opinions. I am at a loss!

macksmom

My daughter starts kindergarten this year too She has no other siblings and often gets bored playing with me. I think it is very important to choose either one or the other...home school or public school...not a mixture of the two. Kindergarten is like a stepping stone, it eases children in to the school setting and get them familiar with what will be expected. It also develops their social skills. I think if she is sending him to public school next year, she just needs to start him out there. I fear it will be more of an adjustment to go from home schooling to 1st grade in a public school, especially at the young age.

Wondergirl

I feel your pain.

Why not send him to school? Do they give a real reason? Homeschooling for only one year seems um dumb, and a bit lazy. How far would they have to drive to his Kindergarten? (Town of 1700 isn't big or traffic-y.) Or maybe it's just the disruption of their day? I'm getting the feeling this decision is more about them than about him.

(I like how you write. I KNEW you were an intelligent, educated person! We are probably of an age....)

Eileen2005

Hi,

I know it is difficult to see that your loved ones are doing something wrong and keep quiet. It is a pity they do not ask for your opinion. I lost my mom after I gave birth to my daughter and I am so sad she is not here anymore to give me her thoughtful hints about raising my child. Maybe you could find a way to discuss it with them without implying that you are interfering. Or maybe you can just discuss it with your son and show him articles in this regard and ask if you can help if there are problems. However, remember, no parents are perfect and I think probably they have their own reasons and are having problems that they cannot explain. Even if they do not listen to you, you should not be worried about this. You have done your part and raised your own children and now it is their responsibility to raise theirs. Besides, there are probably other children in the school who have not gone to kindergarten and he will not be the only one. He is lucky to have a grandma like you.

Fr_Chuck

Of course I am a firm believer in home school if the parents have the time for it. As for as being social, is the child in any activities, mothers day out, several home school parents meeting once a week. Perhaps music lessons for homeschool kids. Even sunday school at church helps.

But often the the home school child will be much further advanced if the parents will put alot of energy and time into this

GoldieMae

I agree with Fr Chuck. If the child has other extra-curricular activities, home schooling is not a bad thing. But activities outside of the house are an absolute must. Sorry, need to spread the love.

happylady123

I think it's important to send children to school, it's time to cut the cord. Especially if they plan on sending him to school for 1st grade he might as well get used to the idea of being in a classroom now. This is the time where the kids learn proper classroom behavior. He can miss out on making new friends, as well as learning how to interact with children without his parents around. Home school can work, but I feel school is an important part of a child's life.

tcooper

Hello
I have a 4 year old daughter also and she will beginning Kindergarten this year on August 20 . I believe it is important for her to go to school to interact with kids her age. I know it will be a big adjustment but I know it help her out in the long run.