Parenting Forums

Posted: 21 May 2008 at 9:08pm | IP Logged

I do think it depends on the child but in saying that my sil didn't send her lo until she was 5 and 6 months, and she  is the oldest in the class and has been made aware by her class mates.

The other thing is have you considesed how old he will be doing his leaving cert (Gsc's) and what if he needed to repeat a year ???

I wouldn't worry about him not being interested in reading and writing as once he is in a classroom setting where every one is learning he could show great interest.

At the end of the day you know your child best and know what is best for him so only you can make that decision.

I am sending Rachel to play school in september, two days a week, and that is daunting not to mind when she is going to big school.

good luck in  your decision.

Posted: 21 May 2008 at 10:19pm | IP Logged

I know here in September formal education is changed to 7 years old. Joshua will be entering year1, which on the old curriculum he'd have been expected to start reading books and sitting at a desk, but now he'll continue to learn through play and only has to do formal learning skills if he wants to. There will be the optionto read, write etc but it wont be forced on the child, nor will they be encuraged to sit at desks all day. Im still a bit in 2 minds how I feel about this, I do believe children learn through play but Im just a bit worried atm about the teaching methods when he gets to 6 and nearer 7 where he still isnt required to sit and learn, but we'll see!

Eons, Im sure if you booked an appointment with the school head teacher they wpuld be more than happy to sit and talk with you about their school, expectations and your views and concerns.

Posted: 22 May 2008 at 1:43pm | IP Logged

thankyou everyone for your replies.

out of 11 replies 9 think he should start 4 1/2 and just 2  with 5 1/2 mmmmm

Im still out. Will chat to teachers next week & decide  ThankyouElaine