My son is 7 and is going to be in grade 4. My wife feels that he is emotionally and mentally younger than his class and thinks we shud let him repeat the class. Although academically he is doing well, but the worry is that as he progresses he will find it diffcult adn if he has to repeat its better to do it early.
Re: Repeating Class
Best thing to do is talk to the teachers and school administrators about this. If he is academically fine, then its doubtful that they'd agree to keep him back at this point. I too was in this situation - I was the youngest in my class and had huge social issues - my mother has always regretted letting me start school so young. I had very few friends - and those that I had were a grade behind me. Its a tough call. But these days, schools are so much more understanding about the importance of social abilities and skills. They may agree to keep him back - or they may offer some type of program, activity or counselling to help him navigate the schoolyard more successfully. Your wife has a very valid concern because no matter how smart a kid is, if they are not doing well socially then their scholastics will at some point suffer also and so will their ability to enjoy the learning experiences.
Its the job of a school principal and responsibility of teachers to ensure the very best for each child and the vast majority of them want to do exactly that....so call the school and ask for an appointment to talk this out and plan for his next school year.
All the best to the little guy!
Re: Repeating Class
ps...Icon! I just noticed, he is 7 and going into grade 4? Really? Wow. My 8 year old is going into 3rd and my 7 year old is going into 2nd!!!! And they started school at the appropriate age, no skipping or anything. Did your son skip a grade?
Really 4th graders are 9 and 10 years old and their hormones are starting to kick in. Its WAY too much socially for a 7 year old IMHO. Ask the school to put him in a socially age-appropriate classroom and give him "accelerated learner" status and instruction.
Re: Repeating Class
Thats exactly what my wife feels also. Its seems that the kids in his class talk about lot of "stuff" that he feels confused about. Otherwise socially he is doing fine, he has lot of friends.
I was youngest in my class too, i wasn't even 17 when i entered medical school, and though i used to be top in my class, when i entered medical school i felt it to be very difficult, i did eventually ended up graduating a year later.
I discussed this today with his teacher, but she was against it. She felt that he knows too much to remain in class 3 and might loose his habit on concentrating if things are too easy for him. I am going to see the Principal also about it.
Re: Repeating Class
Go for it Icon....its the school's responsibility to give each child the best "free and appropriate" education....there are specific laws that apply to this. If the school cannot provide the best education for him (ie., age and socially appropriate, with scholastically appropriate lessons) then u can send him to a private school for which your school district will have to pay! f it becomes an issue, start googling "IDEA" and you'll find all sorts of advice - legal and otherwise on how to attain the very best "free and appropriate" education for your child. You school district should have an "advanced learner" program - but if they dont, you are entitled to find a private school that does have such a program and your public school district will have to foot the costs. Its your and your child's legal right.
This is what we pay so much taxes for yeah?
Re: Repeating Class
iconoclast- lots of good advise in this thread.
it can be socially tough, I finished highschool before I turned 16 and then waited a year before I started uni just before i turned 17 and that was helpful for me.
if their concern is that academically it will be boring for him they can always challenge him with additional stuff.
If he is academically gifted for his age, then he should be in a gifted program and not just pushed up to the next grade. my 2 paisa on this subject.
Re: Repeating Class
never ever let ur kid repeat an other academic year, until he/she is not demoted/failed.
cuz these things instead of making it better, make things worst.
Go for it Icon....its the school's responsibility to give each child the best "free and appropriate" education....there are specific laws that apply to this. If the school cannot provide the best education for him (ie., age and socially appropriate, with scholastically appropriate lessons) then u can send him to a private school for which your school district will have to pay! f it becomes an issue, start googling "IDEA" and you'll find all sorts of advice - legal and otherwise on how to attain the very best "free and appropriate" education for your child. You school district should have an "advanced learner" program - but if they dont, you are entitled to find a private school that does have such a program and your public school district will have to foot the costs. Its your and your child's legal right.
This is what we pay so much taxes for yeah?
SinceIconoclast is saying Class instaed of grade, I think he's in Pakistan. its not unheard of there. My mom tried hard to get me to skip a grade and I was 7 too going into grade 4. it worked out fine.