What should I do my daughter will be bored in preschool?

[Carrie S]

I dont thinks she super advanced or anything. Its just she has a strong interest in learning and reading and already knows what all the preschools seem to be teaching. Shes doing phonics and most preschools teaching letters and colors and she has know them since 2. We tried a preschool last year but she was bored stiff and the teachers didnt do anything about it even when I addressed it to them - we ended up pulling her cause it was more like daycare. Which I understand for most preschool is jsut about getting use to things - socially and school setting etc but would if your kid wants more? Id love to put her in Kindergarten but obviously your not allowed to put a 4 yrold in Kindergarten (shell be 4 in June before the school year.) Ive looked at public, charter, private and montessori. Montessori seems the best option but the only ones are out of my district and they do a lottery every year if your out of district so she may go 1 year and not the next I dont want that either.???

[Shelby]

You must be very proud of your child!

Programs to consider: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, High Scope, Waldorf...or a really great pre-school that understands the whole child.

If you can, try to find a pre-school program that has good schedule and routine but gives the children quite a bit of choice time and center play----where children can be involved in things that interest them. (Observe the program to make sure it is stimulating) Children learn through play and hand-on activities.

Academically, to start kindergarten---a child minimally should know the ABC's, colors, count to at least 20, write their name and know shapes and be able to cut them out. It sounds like your daughter is ahead on all of this. Do children start Kindergarten knowing more or less than this? Yes...

However-- more important are other factors. Children grow at different rates in all areas of development. She chronologically is going on four--and cognitively may be at 5.5 years of age-- but how old is she socially, emotionally and physically? How are her large motor and fine motor skills? How well does she follow directions, wait, sit in a group, and communicate her needs and feelings? These are all levels you need to take into account. She may be gifted in the academic area--but she is still going on 4. It is extremely unusual to have a child that is at the same age level in all areas.

To meet your child's needs-those are the questions you should ask to do in what is best for her. Those answers will tell you what to do. In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing to encourage her LOVE of learning! Time and a really good program will help prepare and develop all other areas of growth. :-)
Barb Shelby