When to start School

[Rowellen]

GW - I think some kids might just be followers. I know my DS is certainly like that. I have watched him playing (with both older & younger kids) and he is very much a follower. It scares me a bit but I think we will just have to make extra effort to teach him that it's ok to say no to his friends, what to do if he's uncomfortable with what his friends are doing and that sort of thing. It is human nature for some people to be leaders and some to be followers. There is nothing wrong with that. I have asked DS's kindy teachers and they think he'll be fine (he'll be 5 in feb 2014). I am still a bit concerned but I don't intend to delay starting him at this stage. They change so much in just a few months. I have a while to decide in any case. I didn't see that story, I will have to look for it.

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

GW - I think some kids might just be followers. I know my DS is certainly like that. I have watched him playing (with both older & younger kids) and he is very much a follower. It scares me a bit but I think we will just have to make extra effort to teach him that it's ok to say no to his friends, what to do if he's uncomfortable with what his friends are doing and that sort of thing. It is human nature for some people to be leaders and some to be followers. There is nothing wrong with that. I have asked DS's kindy teachers and they think he'll be fine (he'll be 5 in feb 2014). I am still a bit concerned but I don't intend to delay starting him at this stage. They change so much in just a few months. I have a while to decide in any case. I didn't see that story, I will have to look for it.

Yep, I totally agree with this Rowellen. The issue with my DD is that she is very "headstrong" and stands her ground with us, ppl she knows as well as 'strangers'...A prime example is that we went to a play centre last week and within 15 minutes of being there, she had the kids lined up, waiting their turn to go down the slide and this was both older and younger kids. So for me, I don't think she is a "genuine" follower, because I've seen first hand how she can lead etc. The two girls she is "best friends" with at Kinder are very similar in personality so I'm not sure if its just a case of DD not wanting to "upset" them by not doing what they ask her to, or if she is just still finding her feet? - I haven't said I am keeping her back next year, but i won't send her just because it's perceived as the "norm". In the conversations I've had with her two Kindy teachers both have said that she is above average for her age and that *they* think she will be more than ready given that there is 10+ months before she starts prep. They suggested i have her assessed by an external Field Assessment Officer in addition to their advice, so that's what I will do. I also know that the primary school I want to send her to do both an academic and emotional "test" in December this year, which also helps to give an overall picture of their readiness for school.