Monday, February 24, 2009

Seeking Advice on Kindergarten

Hi Roger,

I have enjoyed reading your book Coloring Outside the Lines which I found very insightful. It has inspired me to be a little more critical of educational systems (the US one I am putting my 2 kids through and the Jamaican one I went through and fantasize of sending my kids through). I will be sending my 4 1/2 year old to Kindergarten this Fall and I am confused and stressed out about it. I have a few options and I would greatly appreciate your opinion.

(1) Nuevas Fronteras, a Spanish-immersion school with 3 kindergarten class each of size 20 students. And in case you have insider information, this school is located in the South Washington County 833 School district (My Minnesota school district). I will not have this opportunity when my daughter is ready for Grade 1, as you can imagine. Not sure of the research related to immersion programs with kids less than 6 or 10 years old.

Foreign language immersion is great if and only if the child will practice that language seriously the rest of his or her life; by and large I think this idea is silly in a part of the country where there really is no second language.

(2) A small Kindergarten class (www.paideachild.com) with 10-12 other students with a teacher with 20+ years of experience whose philosophy is to focus on whole language and EQ development while following some innovative and fun curricula (Zoophonics, journal keeping etc.)

Certainly nothing wrong with this.

(3) Possibly a chartered school called Nova Classical (www.novaclassical.com) with a good reputation of academic excellence. Founders were influenced by the book entitled "A Well-Trained Mind". A good classical education with uniforms (reminiscent of my education) and Latin instructions (which has benefits in recognizing word-meaning and spelling). Two Kindergarten classes with 20 students each.

Latin? you must be kidding; what for; these people clearly haven't a clue.

(4) I would consider a private Montessori school. I have just read the book by Tim Seldin entitled "How to Raise an Amazing Child-the Montessori Way", and I didn't realize the wonderful ideas on teaching kids practical living skill and encouraging awareness and respect for their environment. I am inspired to purchase some of the school products for my home.

Montessori works for me; if a kid has to go to school, this is the best choice.

(5) Let my daughter decide, but I suspect she would want to stay at Paidea, choice #2, her current daycare with a Kindergarten option.

Children of 5 can decide what toy they want to play with and should be allowed to choose between nutritious foods; apart from that, don't ask their point of view -- help form their point of view.

Thanks. I can imagine you're an extremely busy person, but I would really, really appreciate your advice.

Thoughtful mother of 2, and full-time biostatistician.
(Identifying information removed upon mother's request.)