As if the baby naming challenge is not enough, we also are trying to decide about preschool next year. Josh wants Kayden to go to preschool two years, I think one year is plenty.
My reasons against two years:
- he will be in school the rest of his time with us, what's the rush?
- I am not a morning person, and getting Kayden and baby ready in the morning would take some serious discipline...or a shorter work night.... on my part.
- We go to Coffee Break on Tuesdays and MOPS every other Thursday anyway, so the interaction and time spent with other kids is about the same as it would be in school.
- I am not ready to let my baby go to school!
- Oh, one more thing...the money. With no employee discount on the horizon, I would rather hold off that tuition bill as long as possible.
The pros, according to Josh:
- he will get an early start. The theory is that the earlier you get that brain stretching and challenged, the further along he will be when you get to kindergarten.
- MOPS and coffee break are great for interaction....if Kayden would actually interact. He is all too comfortable sitting by himself and watching.
- my days of sleeping in until 8 are probably over anyway with a new baby coming.
- it is only really two days a week for four hours, and Josh is directly across the hall.
- he will be almost four, not really a baby anymore.
So, please weigh in bloggers!! What did you do--one year or two of preschool? Did it make a difference?
17 comments:
Hmmmm ... prepare yourself for differing opinions and the great debate right here on your blog. ;)
I didn't send the girls but I sent Zach because I thought he would be bored at home with just me because he such a social boy. (Sounds llike Kayden can be shy & might want to stay home with mom.)
My two theories are: 1) They are only little for such a short time, keep him home. 2) If he needs to maybe learn how to socialize (ie. is shy) or is super-social, send him.
Aren't I helpful? ;)
Unless they have orginizeed sports at the preschool - stay home and practice. Dribble with left and right hand. PS. I voted for Jamie on Chelle's blog.
This is such a tough one. Especially with those summer & fall birthdays.
If you decide to do Pre-School, you could have one set of teachers for the first year and the other set for the second year, that would change things up a bit.
Having said that I found real joy in not making myself too busy (with a newborn in tow) by running back and forth to Pre-school, as it kind of cuts into nap time. And don't forget about all the field trips, special days and the like.
You won't feel like you have lost him forever to big bad school, because it is so adorable with their little backpacks, and 4 hours a week is manageable.
It's hard to make this decision now, isn't it? when it is still 7 months away. You have time to pray, think, see how Kayden matures as the year goes by. And to see what kind of baby you will have. He/she may be a breeze of a baby and go with the flow very easily.
If you do enroll, you always have the option of changing your mind.
Kayden will reap benefits from whichever route you choose be it Preschool, MOPS, or Coffee Break, home. You will do right by your child because God will lead you. Keep trusting in Him!
oh and tell Fig, they do have organized sports in Pre-school.
Parachute games,
Bike day,
teddy bear day??
Ok, maybe not. :)
Well done Chelle, that was a full three point sermon with an introduction and application at the end!
I say, just start him off in Josh's fourth grade class.
I do what I can.
I think that he should just skip pre-school all together and just come to my house 2 days a week for some special one on one time with Grandma.
Gee, I wonder who anonymous is?
I have no idea who Pearl is (my guess would be Braaaaad), but Chelle makes a lot of sense:-)
Never an easy decision. I sent Emma for the second half of the first year and then for the full year the second year. She was ready and needed the structure - she became a different kid once she entered school in a very good way. Each kid is so different and you have to do what you feel is best for him.
I agree with Chelle, you can always back down and not send him if you decide in the fall he's not ready, but you may not be able to get in if you don't sign him up and then decide to send him.
You'll make the right decision. :)
Ohhh, you are too new at our church. "The Pearl" is Merle the Pearl. The old nickname for Merle back in his previous tenure at our church.
Yes it was me, that was for Chelle's benefit
Ohhh, you are too new at our church. "The Pearl" is Merle the Pearl. The old nickname for Merle back in his previous tenure at our church.
Yes it was me, that was for Chelle's benefit
Ashlyn was beyond ready, but Austin is a summer bday. I decided to go for it...otherwise, the boy would be running errands with me, folding clothes or...just sitting in front of the tv....I also noticed a change in both my kids once they started...It was a maturing factor. I have to agree with Josh and his reasons...Noah's Ark is an amazing program.
Merle the pearl...I like it.
We could send Bella to 3's preschool in the fall, but we're not going to.
1. Tuition - why start paying a year earlier?
2. They're only little once.
3. They get a head start at home! That's what the reading books, crafts, puzzles, games, folding laundry, building snowmen etc. is all about! Everything a three year old does is learning! They're constantly absorbing everything.
4. It's a disruption to the day to have to drive there and back for such a short amount of time.
5. Most kids at age three love to play and learn "around" other kids, but not "with" them. Social interaction is important, but can be found other places such as coffee break, play dates, playing with his new sibling - and even the Mc Donald playland!
That said, every kid is very different! If he's getting really bored at home or needs lots of structure, it may be a good idea to send him. But if he's content to stay at home, why rush things?
Wow Sonny that was a 5 point sermon. And Braaaad, grandparents love to have the kids over. Someone has to eat all the treats.
We decided against send the twins to 3-school this past fall.
Reasons:
1. like Sonny commented, why pay for another extra year of school, especially if you are going to other "programs" that are free or cost less, that you can enjoy as well.
2. It a longer drive for us...by the time I get home from droping off, I spent 30 minutes at home and then go back I pick up. It would really screw up nap time for Connor. Plus I would have to make 3 trips into school in addition to Mike's morning trip (Thank You, Mike!!!) What alot of $ of gas.
3. Plus they grow up way too fast.
But only you, Josh, and God knows what's best for Kayden. Spend some time in prayer, God will let you know what path to choose.
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