School readiness is a definite concern for many parents. Although the more traditional readiness markers are highly important when assessing appropriate kindergarten entry age, this article goes beyond specific developmental and scholastic evaluations and provides a more practical approach as the child grows and matures.
Thinking Beyond Kindergarten
The kindergarten year is a critical step into the world of academic education for all young children. Much time and energy is spent weighing the pros and cons of beginning as early as a young five year old, or delaying entry until the child is (or nearly is) six.
In making the final decision to start or delay school entry, it is important to think of the child from a life span development approach. How will early entry impact the child years down the road in academics, social endeavors, leisure activities, and the many other unforeseen issues?
Chronological Age and Cutoffs
A child’s chronological age may have little to do with the child’s overall development. Each child is an individual and will reach different milestones and markers at varying points. Additionally, family and community cultures and expectations play important roles in the child’s overall development. Despite this, many institutions and organizations will impose chronological age cut-offs for child entry.
Sports
School sponsored and community sports leagues often give age cut-offs for entry into specific divisions. Some of these are flexible, while some may not be. A child who has begun kindergarten at barely five years old may be left behind his or her grade level friends when playing sports such as baseball, softball, football, or soccer. For example, the starting age for baseball in a community may be seven years old in the spring of first grade. A child who had turned five weeks before starting the school year will still be six, and may be forced to instead play in the kindergarten T-ball division.
Summer Camps
Another age specific cut-off may be summer camp programs. A child with a late summer birthday may end up in the camp group above or below his or her friends. A younger child who is placed with children a grade level below may feel embarrassed and babyish. Conversely, an older child who is placed with others in the grade above may feel immature and not as confident in his or her abilities.
Physical Growth and Development
Size is an important issue as a child grows into the middle childhood and later into adolescence. Although chronological age may not predict physical size in all instances, it may have some impact.
A child who is much taller or smaller than the other children may feel awkward and uncomfortable. This may manifest in a general feeling of embarrassment, or may be linked to specific issues. An older child whose schooling has been delayed may not fit well into small elementary school desks when he reaches fifth grade.
As the Child Ages
As the child moves into adolescence and beyond new age related issues may arise. Driving, voting, and drinking alcohol are all age-related allowances. It may be difficult for a younger child to be driven around by mom and dad as his friends drive themselves.
There is no clear cut answer as to how school entry age will impact a child as he or she grows. When making the decision to begin or delay kindergarten entrance, it is important to take all of the child’s developmental and educational needs into account. Instead of simply thinking about the child’s present developmental state, think into the future. Consider multiple age related issues that may arise as your child grows. Include sports and leisure activities, physical size, and age restricted privileges before making a decision.
