Introduction to school at age 4: Yes or No?

I have a 3 year old son and I am planning to enroll him at school when he reaches 4. I'm a bit hesitant because he's too young but my little one is interested in the idea of going to school.

I am a Filipino and our education system here are as follows:

1. Nursery (not compulsory) is an early education stage that accepts 3 to 4 years old.

2. Kindegarten (not compulsory) is an early education stage that accepts 5 to 6 years old.

3. Elementary that last for six years.

4. High school that last for 4 years.

5. College that last for 4 to 5 years depending on what is the student specializes.

Even though my son is not yet in school, I see to it that he's learning here at home. I pretend to be his teacher and teach him basic knowledge like familiarization on the alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes.

 

I sent my child to preschool at age 4. It was a good thing. She learned quite a bit. It also prepared her for kindergarten. I am in my 30's and school now days is not like when I was a kid. It also let her be in an environment with children her own age. It was a wonderful experience for her. In my opinion,I highly recommend school at the age of 4.

 

It is better to send children to school during the early years because they will learn how to mingle with others. Children learn quickly and the earlier the better. I used to teach my son after he completed two years and by the time he enrolled in school, he was quite knowledgeable and this helped in his grades.

 

When my kids were that age, I personally just let them learn through play. Kids are only little for a short period of time and they should be able to enjoy it. With that being said, my son taught himself to read at age 4. I still have no clue how he did that. We did not push for him to learn. He learned because he wanted to learn. I didn't even know he could read until we were in the store one day and he was reading all the signs above the aisle. He was reading on a 5th grade level by kindergarten. But I would have never taught him to read at that age. I guess my point is, all kids learn things at different times and I don't think putting them in preK at 4 necessarily helps them in the long run.

 

If you can enroll him in a quality program, I say go for it! Both of my kids were enrolled at an early childhood education center. My oldest just transitioned to kindergarten at a public school, and she's way ahead of her classmates in terms of academic preparedness. The best part is that the center they attended follows a variety of educational principles, including Montessori and Waldorf, and they really tailor the curriculum toward the needs of small children. Most of the teaching was done through play, and the preschool teacher my oldest had was very focused on getting the kids outside and teaching them about the natural world around them.

 

Speaking from someone who actually started Kindergarten at 4, he is always going to feel like he is left out because he is the youngest. He won't be able to drive when the other kids drive. He won't hit puberty with everyone else. These things really separate you from your group. On the other hand, he will be able to start his life faster than everybody else. Since he is asking to go, he will probably not be bored because it is probably the level that he needs to be at mentally. My little brother was so bored at school that he would get into trouble almost everyday and it was because he had already did the work before everybody had gotten their paper. My mother didn't want to have him skipped because she already had let me start early. You really have to weigh out the pros and cons of it, and you have to know your child.

 

yes, i agree . Because children in this age can learn more and their become busy by the time.

 

Personally I think 4 years old is too young for school. However, if you don't have them in pre-school at 4, then they are already behind once they start Kindergarten.
If I could have stayed home and taught my daughter on my own I would have done that. I have to work so I an unable to teach her at home. I have her enrolled in a small private school and find that works good for both of us.

 

We also have more or less similar educational system. In order to be enrolled for a college, 12 years of schooling is compulsory. However, nursery and kindergarten are not compulsory. In our country, usually kids of 3 years old are enrolled in nursery. However, some working parents are enrolling their kids as young as 2 years in a nursery. If parents do not have time they should definitely enroll their kids in school in young age, but for parents who have time for their kids, nursery and kindergarten education is not necessary.

 

I believe in early schooling for kids. I am not a parent as yet but I am an advocate for early education. Yes, you can home school your kids or even tutor after work but never undermine the importance of socializing. Children should be able to play and interact with children in their age bracket even if they have siblings.

 

I think preschool or nursery would be appropriate for a 4-year-old. I've heard that kids who start kindergarten at 4 don't do so well and tend to lag behind their older peers. I'm sure some kids do fine though. That was based on a study, so it is just on average that 4-year-olds who start kindergarten struggle more.

 

Here is the Department of Education Order No. 5, s. 2016 which requires Kindergarten as a compulsory for 5 years old kid to enroll. and 6 years old for grade one.

You may enrol your 3-year-old to a Day Care Center until he is 4 years old. Then when he reaches 5, you enrol him to the Kindergarten with a certification that he has completed an early education when he was 4 years old. You should also submit a NSO copy of his birth certificate.

 

As an educator I feel children are always ready and able to learn. Children are like a sponge and enjoy learning through new experiences quickly. Therefore enrolling your child in a pre-school education program is definitely beneficial to both their academic and social development.

 

Yes,the earlier the better.Young minds will get accustomed to learning easier than older ones.It would be too hard for a child if they join school late after getting so used to being at home next to their mums.In my country a child is already in kindergarten at the age of 3yrs which I feel is a very good age to introduce school to kids.

 

I think 4 years old is a good age to start preschool. However, starting at 3 or 3 1/2 might be okay, too. I started preschool at 3 1/2, and I started kindergarten when I was 5. I was held back in preschool because I was very hyper and was struggling to learn. I was in a learning center at that time as well. I felt like it was a good thing because I was much calmer when I started kindergarten at age 5. It's up to when the cut-off date is, too. I don't know if the Philippines has one, but I would get all of the information from whatever school you plan on enrolling your son in.

 

It's totally your decision on whether you send your child to school at this age. If you're happy and he's happy then go for it, don't worry about what others think, it is up to you. He would have a great start in life and will probably enjoy making friends and seeing then nearly everyday.

Children who do well in classes tend to enjoy it more than those who struggle, so having him start younger can only do more good than harm.

You seem like a wonderful, caring mother and I'm sure whatever you decide upon will be what's right for you both.

 

It seems to me very good idea, because children are like sponges, they learn very fast, even if they haven't a good understanding of what they are learning, when begin to grow will be easier understand what you already know what does not yet know. We must also remember that we are in a very competitive world and the younger and better learn things, will have greater advantages in life

 

Children of these age are usually excited about the idea of school. If your child is interested in joining then you should definitely go for it as pre-schools these days are providing toddlers with better learning opportunities which are fun for the children. They learn to interact and be friendly, they also develop helping nature as at this age they do not have a competing behavior with each other. For them learning is fun. And the pre-school provides them with efficient atmosphere to learn and enjoy.