I remember going to school for the first time at the age of 6... i was in Prep then... i wanted to go earlier because i so envy my older sister...but my mother was firm on sending all of us upon reaching 6...
But nowadays... i see parents enrolling their kids at two, three, and one at 18 months... well they all have their reasons for doing that...
In your case... at what age did you start going to school?... or how old were your kids when you enrolled them?...
[question posted by aseretdd]
responses and comments:
I was 7 and it was infuriating because most of the children were allowed to start at age 6. I must have driven my mum nuts with the whining "Now am I old enough to go to school. How many more days must I wait?" My siblings were older and loved school, so I couldn't wait. It was so nice when they showed me their books and told me what they learned each day. [drannhh]
Well, my parent had to buy me a bag and some school Supplies eventhough i don't go to school yet just to make me stop bugging them about enrolling me with my sister... if i can do it all again... i would have started prep at 5 so that i could graduate early... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i started school at age 6 (grade 1 agad, hehehe). at that time, going to prep was not required. :) 18 months? really? [jdpartosa]
That is a wise thing to do... but in my case... if i work in a school where they will take my baby at that age... i wouldn't have second thoughts of enrolling her... since she will be with me...even if i am at work... [aseretdd]
I started kindergarten when I was 4....and never stopped since then...lol My older son started Pre-nursery when he was 3. And yes, you can include me on those set of parents...because I might put my younger son in a toddler group at the school I plan to teach when he is 18 months. If I wasn't going to teach, he would be home till 3 atleast. But since I have been offered the job and since the option is available, I would rather have him with me than leave him with a maid at home. It would be better if I had relatives to be with him at home(though I still prefer it if 'I' could be there)...but since that is not an option, this is the next best. [SViswan]
lol...thanks! But the credit to his intelligence should be given to his teachers who encourage his love for knowing more and guiding him right. And he did have tough competition...because most of the kids in his class are equally smart...and his class teacher loves this challenging bunch of kids...who makes her work harder..lol [SViswan]
Hello there my friend c",) I could hardly remember how i went to school that time. At age 5 i was not enrolled by mom but i was always bugging my parents to let me go with my sisters. They told me i use to cry my heart out whenever my two sisters go to school. So my mom tried asking the school if they would allow me to sit-in. I was grinning when they told me, they could never forget how i smiled hearing the news.lol!i was then allowed to listen inside write on the board sometimes and participate on their activities.The next year i was enrolled and still was excited for school. c",) God bless dear and thanks for this discussion, reminds me of the old times and always does makes me smile c",) [mycharm88]
I hope you still love going to school when you reached your highschool years... but i also know some kids like you... they were like the "Saling Pusa"... but most of the time they are the ones who excel in class... I am glad that i made you smile with this discussion... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i started at 2 yr and 6 months. i started age quite early. its my mom only who sent me to school at this age. but it was good for me i guess. i was quite a good student all about. [subha12]
Well, if you enjoyed yourself and excelled at that age... then it was really good for you... i wanted to go to school earlier so that i will also graduate early... but my parents never thought of that... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i started school at the age of 5, i skip nursery, i was accelerated to kindergarden back then.... [babymar]
Good for you... do you remember enjoying school when you were that young... and did you still enjoy it during your highschool days... sometimes kids who start school early tend to get tired of it in the long run... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was very lazy then so I stayed at home rather than attending nursery. I started at kindergarten at about the same age as everybody else. The trend of sending kids to school so early is all about competition. Kids don't need pressure like that at such an early age. I'd rather home-school my children during those times. [wisedragon]
I think that school who accept very young children in their school should make it a point not to burden the kids with too much work... nor to instill this sense of competition... school at that point should be fun... or a place where learning is fun... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was 4, it was called Nursery School. Of course I was a big baby and I made my Mom sit in the parking lot the whole time...and if the teacher wouldn't lift me up to the window so I could see her sitting there, I'd throw a fit and cause a huge scene until I got my way [Druscilla34]
Oh my... i can just imagine that scene... the teahcer liftin you up to the window... and you throwing a fit... i hope that did not last long... it is kinda funny thinking about the things we did and demanded when we were little kids... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
WHen I was 5 years old, I was allowed to join my brother's kindergarten class. I wore the school uniform and participated in the activities, but I wasn't exactly a real student. The teacher didn't write me a report card. I was a "saling-pusa" as what we call it in our language,and I guess the best translation for that would be an "extra" student. The next year, though, I went to kindergarten and I was a real student then. [katcarneo]
The "Saling-pusa" students are still prevalent in a lot of public schools and even day care centers... my husband's niece and nephew were among them... i just don't know if i will allow my baby to be one also... maybe if she persist in going to school... then i would definitely consider it... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to kindergardend at the age of four and did not go to preschool. I think all children should go thorough preschool at least one year. [teapotmommommerced]
But i think it depends on how ready the child is... some are very eager to go to school very young... but some would rather spend time playing at home... and we also need to consider the capability of the parent to pay for preschool... thanks for the response... By the way, i notice you have a new avatar... it is very lovely... [aseretdd]
I had started going to school at the age of two. So early ? yep.. [beyond_tomorrow]
Thank you for elaborating... it must have been fun walking to school during those days... [aseretdd]
I started at kindergarden when I was three.All the children at my age would started to go to the kindergarden in Hong Kong.I asked my mother why I need to go to school at three,and she said that it is just because all of the children of her friends and our relatives sent their children to school when they are three.Also, she want me to learn how to read as soon as possible.=] [yuriii]
Oic... but did you enjoy yourself when you went to school?... your mother had her best intention when she did that... but i don't think that kids should go to school at a particular just because everyone else is doing that... thank you for the response... [aseretdd]
i cant really remember the age at which i started schooling but my parents told me that i started school at a tender age of 3 at the nursery where my mum told me that i used to cry a lot and im sure that was true because i love my mum really well when i was so young [emma44]
I agree... a saw a lot of young children cry when they are left by their parent in school... my niece was like that also... but when she became friends with the other kids... she got used to it... her mom doesn't even need to accompany her to school anymore... she has a service and she's okay with that... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started school when I was 4, I was sent to pre-k, and then I was in kindergarten at a different school, and then went back to a different school for 1st through 6th grade. what always set me apart in school was that I was a 'tuitioned' student at a public school, I always lived in a city and went to a different school, simply because that's where one of the people that raised me worked. My kids 3 out of 4 were in programs from age 3-5 for kids with developmental delays and learning disabilities. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
What do you mean by "tuitioned student?"... did you pay tuition in a public school?.... i think your kids are very lucky to be in such programs... in my country... it is very rare for kids that age to be enrolled in such... very little or none at all is done until they are quite old... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was 5, but would have loved to go sooner. [spectrum42]
Thanks for sharing your first school days experience... i admire your mother for being your first tutor... my mother was working when i was that age... but i remember my father teaching me how to write my name... [aseretdd]
I didn't have kindergarten, so I had just turned 6 when I started first grade. Both of my boys were 5 since they had kindergarten. [Ldyjarhead]
Well that was the trend during the so called old days... i think that was okay since... during that time... life wasn't that hard... families can still afford to live a good life even with only one parent working... but that is not the case today... so some schools tend to become like day care centers that cater to families with both parents working... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Well if you're talking about preschool then i guess it's ok but otherwise i think it's kind of overkill to send your kid to actual school at the ages you mentioned! I started going to school for the first time at age 6 like you. [balalaika]
Yes, some would think it is an overkill to send a child to school who is below the age of two... but it is still a case to case basis... if i work in that school and they can take my baby in... i would grab that opportunity since i will still be with her even if i am at work... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was 5 when I started. My oldest two started at 5 also but turned 6 shortly after they started. They have to be 5 on or before August 1st before they start kindergarten here. And of course my kids birtday is in Nov and Oct. I don't like that way because my kids were ready for school around 4. [shymurl]
Well, that is the same thing here... school starts in June so first time students should make the age requirement before that... and i think they should consider those who are younger but are qualified academically... especially if they were homeschooled by the parents... good thing my baby was born in April... so i don't need to argue with school officials in the future... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started school when I was 5 years old .I turned six the following month, though. My little boy is two, and I just recently enrolled him in a preshool 2 days a week, 4 hours each day. [Rhamah]
Wow... that is so cute... a two year old boy going to pre school... well i think the 8 days a week is a good schedule... that way they won't get tire of going to school that early... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to school at age 5. I too see parents enrolling there kids earlier and earlier. I am blessed and allowed to stay home with my 3 young ones (6,4,3)I homeschool.I want to be the first one to see my child draw a house or scribble their name., I don't want to have to hear it from a childcare provider.I want to be there as much as I can.They grow up fast enough, don't let the moments slip by you. You can't go back. [bluereddog1990]
I am also thinking about homeschooling my baby... but my husband wouldn't hear of it... in my country... homeschool is like an alien way of educating a child... so i think i will bring this issue up again when my baby is 4... like you... i would love to see my child's progress first and even be her first formal teacher... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was dragged off to school reluctantly at the age of 3v years and 11 months. It was far too early in my opinion and i didnt learn anything for a year blessed be [ESKARENA1]
Well i am sure you won't... since you said that you were dragged to go to school against your will... young kids should not be forced to go to school if they are not yet emotionally ready for it... some would resent school even when they reach their highschool days... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was six, and almost seven. My older sister went to kindergarten. But we moved to a place that had no kindergarten. One of my children went to nursery school at four, the other started school in kindergarten at age five. [GenevaC08]
I place without a kindergarten is weird... nowadays... most places even the remote ones have a kindergarted or two.. why did your children start school at a different age?... most parent would see to it that is one child starts at 4... the rest will follow suit... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think I started at 7 but went straight to elementary. Education has advanced now and we can enroll kids even if they are so young to nursery or prep school. My kids started around 4 or 5 going to nursery, prep or daycare school. :) [p3halliwel2005]
I agree... a lot of school have mushroomed and each can cater to the needs of the family... there are pro's and con's... but we all have to go with the flow of development in the educational system... gone are the days when kids can stay at home until they are 6 or 7... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
5.and i think it was so good for me.now i'm 19 and i m at the university.it is an early age for university in my country.and at the age of 22 i will have started my job.it is a perfect thing in turkey.i am very lucky i think... [hardpuzzle]
I envy you... if i can do it all over again... i would love to start preparatory school younger than 6... because i would have graduated early... thus giving me the chance to work early... so you are indeed very lucky so make the most out of it... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was in kindergarten at age 5. I can still remember my teacher. Her name was Mrs. Wilks. She was an awesome 1st teacher. My daughter starts kindergarten this August. I hope she has nice memories of her teacher. [ersmommy1]
Good for you... i can't barely remember my prep teacher... but i know that her name is Ms. Manalang... she doesn't teach in the school where i went to...but i think she is quite a good teacher since she was able to handle a lot of very young kids... i hope your daughter enjoys her first day of school... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i went to prep at the age of 4... heheheheh [chicha0522]
Wow... that is pretty young for a prep student... some would be in nursery or kinder at that age... so i think the school let you off a little to easy... was it fun for you?... did you still enjoy going to school during your highschool days?... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started going to school at age 4. I was enrolled in nursery school when I was four years old. I was in kindergarten at age 5. I was in first grade at age 6. [dolce_vita78]
Oh... so you skipped one year of prep... well that is okay since they teach almost the same things in kindergarten and prep...if you have children... will you enroll them at the same age as you?... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started when I was 4 to pre k, then 5 to kindergarden. My daughter will be starting school this september she will be 4. And all my friends kids started or will be starting at age 4 as well. [steffyhoney]
I started prep at 6.. but i am still thinking if i will enroll my baby at that age...and just homeschool her at 4 or 5... since it is now so common for young kids to be enrolled at a very early age... i am still having second thoughts about this... but i hope you daughter will enjoy her first day of school... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I didn't go to preschool. I started school in kindergarten. I was 5 1/2 when I started kindergarten. My son was 5 when he went to a preschool type program for 6 months and then he started kindergarten at age 5 1/2. [lilybug]
Like mother like son... i think kindergarted is a good way to start school nowadays... starting it at a very early age can be an overkill for some... but advantageous for working parents... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Hello aseretdd, *Laughs* I didn't attend kindergarten as I could read the newspapers when I was 5 (I still wonder till now why my parents didn't send me to kindergarten that time and because of that I missed the 'maggi mee session' *laughs*) During my time, you can send your kids to kindergarten at 5 years old. Nowadays, parents can send their kids to kindergarten when they are 4 years old. I started my primary school when I was 7 (yes, that was the first time I stepped into the school compound). I attended primary school for 6 years before going to secondary school at 13. I am thinking to send my son to a proper kindergarten when he is four and that will depend solely on his interest. If he shows a very strong interest to study, I will send him. If not, I will only send him when he is six *smiles* [gr8life]
That is a very wise thing to do... we should not pressure our kids to go to school early... if they show great interest as a very young age then do so... but if not... it would be better to just keep them at home and let them play all day... that way... they won't resent going to school even when they are in highschool... But it is so sad that you had to start quite late... your should have been enrolled earlier... maybe your parents thought that since you can already read... then there is no need to send you to school early...thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i remember going to school at the age of 6. i was in my first grade then, i never went to kindergarten or prep when i was young because of financial difficulties so i went straight to elementary. [djmarion]
Financial difficulties is the major reason why some student skip prep and go right to grade one... i have some friends and relatives who experienced that... but then... i don't think there should be any problem as long as the parents are supportive and the students are responsible... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to school at five. I was the youngest kid at that time and couldn't write a letter. After the first day, I refused to go to school because I was so bad at writing that urgly letters. My fater put me on the shoulder and walked to the school the next day. He put me in the classroom and left. I cried and cried until I was tired. I wish my kid like going to school. [yannycui]
Oh my... i hope your parents introduced to you how to write those letters and numbers... my father did... so i did not have that kind of problem... but it was nice of your father to carry you to school on his shoulders... i usually see kids crying when they are left by their parents... but after a while... they get used to it... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to school at the age of 2.5. Dont wonder!!! There was a school next to our home and when I had been seeing kids going to school, I really wanted to go too and so my parents got me a bag and a Water bottle and I went to that school for 2 years just for the sake of going to school. I started real classes at the age of 4. My daughter started school at the age of 4 and son at the age of 3. [Swaana]
Wow... going to school at that age must have been fun for you... you were the baby of the class so i think the teachers and other student pampered you a lot... i hope you still loved going to school even when you reached highschool... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started at nursery at the age of 4 and started primary school the term of my fifth birthday. My four children all started pre-school at 2 and 9 months which was for 3 afternoons a week. Then on to nursery the term of thier fourth birthday which was for 5 mornings a week. Then into primary school a year later. I have just put my youngest sons name down for pre-school, who will be two in may, and hopefully he will be able to start in september. [littleone3]
Your kid started school quite early... but i think the schedule is great... 3 afternoons a week for pre-school is like have a regular play time... and 5 mornings a week is also not bad... as long as those kids are not given tons of homework and the school concentrates on learning as fun for the kids... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to play school when I was three and primary school when I was five. Then I went to secondary school when I was eleven. When I was sixteen I went to college for two years. In my twenties I went to university. My son went to nursery school when he was three and primary school when he was four. He was in the Reception year of schooling. By law children must go to school by five in the UK but most start at four. He began secondary school when he was eleven. My nine month old son goes to a play group for disabled children. He has spina bifida. When he is older he might go to a mainstream school or a special school. I worked as a children's nanny in Finland and children began school at seven there. In the Netherlands they start later than the UK but speak English quite fluently by the time they are eleven. In fact children in some countries start late they learn at a fast rate. Girls can be ready to learn to read and write at four but some boys are not ready until five or six. It is sad if they get bored in school before they have learned to read and write. [maximax8]
Oh my... i never thought that there were certain laws that dictate the age when children are suppose to go to school... my country doesn't have such law... they just say that children should go to school... and we have public school for those who cannot afford private education... Almost all Filipinos can speak and understand English... but of course in different levels...most school use this as a medium of instruction... I hope you don't mind... but what is Spina Bifida?... this is the first time read this condition... [aseretdd]
wow. a two-year old going to school?? that kid must be a genius! i only know about a three-year old going to prep. my friend's son wanted to go to school when he was 3 but the school didn't accept him because he was too young. he had to wait for the next year. he is such a smart kid. and he's my godson. ^__^;; i first went to school when i was 5 i think. because when i reached 6, i was already in Grade 1 and during that time, schools don't really accept kids below 7 years old. but i was persistent and they agreed to accept me but on a temporary basis. i think they agreed that if i pass all the subjects, i can proceed to Grade two. so i was the youngest in my batch even when i was in high school. ^__^ [secretbear]
Good thing you were very persistent... lucky for you... to have graduated a year early... i wanted that... but my parents were more persistent in making me go to school at the age of 6... but with my baby... if she is ready and she wants to... then i will enroll her at an early age... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Well i started going around the ages of 3-and 4. It was ok. I learned alot. Thinking back though i might have wished my parents choose differntly. Oh well. [Bunnypal]
Well what is that wish that your parents chose differently... did you want them to have sent you to school earlier or at a later age...and if you have children... at what age will you send them to school... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I went to primary school when I was 7 years old. At that time 7 years old was the suitable time for children go to school. Now many children go to school at the age of 6. So I think I will let my son go to school at that time. [youless]
Actually... a lot of kids nowadays go to school earlier than 6... i know some parents who enrolled their kids at 18 months... and my niece went at 4 years old... but i still think that 6 is the perfect age... since by that time... kids are more mature and they don't need their parent to be around most of the time... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
my birthday fell the day after the cut off for school age enrollment so I had to wait an entire year for being 1 day too young. I started school then at age 6. [Modestah]
That must have been quite frustrating... waiting another year just because of being born 1 day late... the school should have been flexible with that... if that happens to my baby... i would have searched for schools that would take her... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started school at age of 7. Today our kids in Sweden start at age of 6. I think it is too soon They are still kids and it is a hard world in school today. They demand to much of them and the community want them to learn quickly. I think our kids today have to much to handle and many kids are feeling stressed out and get lots of things to worry about to soon. [anetteh]
Wow... why are they so demanding... kids who start earlier than 6 in my country... study in schools but it is more like a play time... study while playing... young kids should not be put under stress by giving them a lot of school work... they might end up hating going to school that way... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was 6 when i started going to school.I was on kindergarted.I daughter was 2 1/2 years old when she started going to school.I knew she was young but it was her who wanted it.I never forced her it was her choice.I think she was feeling envy with other children who wore uniforms and bring bags and she wanted it out from curiosity.Now, she is Grade 7 studying here in the US. [giePortlandOR_08]
Your welcome.Take care!Hope to hear from you soon! [giePortlandOR_08]
I started going to school when I was 5 years old. I went to nursery before then it was sort of like school. [Shaun72]
That is what nursery was back then... little kids were treated like little adults... and they were expected to behave... which i think is quite impossible... so, now nursery schools are more like playtime... kids play while learning... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started primary school at 5. But before that I did go to pre-school sometimes, it was pretty fun, I was able to be entertained so easily... I think mostly I just ran around while I was at pre-school. [cellophane]
Well, i could just imagine you and your classmates running around... and the teacher do not know how to stop all of you... it was really fun during those times... just play and play... with no worries about grades... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started going to school i.e. 1st standard at the age of 5. Before that I was in K.G. and prior to that in Nursery. Nursery is like a playschool that prepares you for the real school. Nursery starts at the age of 3. So if you consider nursery then I started going at the age of 3. [sohelkm]
So i guess you went through all the stages of education... 3 is pretty young to start school... and i hope you enjoyed it very much... i started at 6 and during those times... playing was only done during recess... but nowadays... playschool is very common... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I started when I was 5 years old. Same as with my brother and sister. My younger brother however started when he was 4 years old. When we enrolled him for 1st Grade, he was 6 years old at that time. Normally here in the Philippines, a First Grader should have an age of 7. [reejane]
I started prep at 6... then grade 1 at 7... but 5 is also a good age to start going to school... school at that is is more about play learning and having fun... my youngest brother started at 4 also... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i started wid kindergarden when i was tree. then started wid my primary education at the age of four. Here in india we have junior kg , senior kg n then the first year. [itsmepinky]
It is the same here in my country... we also have kg 1 and kg 2 before going to preparatory school then grade school... you were pretty young when you started and i hope you enjoyed it... don't worry about the typo error... i always make that mistake too... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i started going to school at 6, i was in grade 1 then, even i know how to read and write at 4 my mom does not want me to send to school that early, she wants me to enjoy my childhood days out of school first, me i wont send my children too early in the near future, they have to enjoy first.. [mhayelynna]
That is ideal if your future child has a lot of playmates... if not... then it is best to enroll them to school where he/she can interact and play with other kids... i would do that... but since my baby has her cousins to play with... school would have to wait... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
It was when I was 3. Every kid here have to go to school when they are 3. It's kind of like day care, we played games, learned to write our names, learned some basic alphabets and sang songs. Those were the good and fun times! [wondericequeen]
3 is quite an early age to go to school... but with the fun activities you had... i would mind if my parents sent me at that age... it is like learn with others while playing... makes childhood more productive and fun... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
My birthday landed the day after the cut off date for starting kindergarten so I did not start for another year. I was 6 when I started. it probably worked out best that way. I did not want to go at all, and I recall holding on very tightly to the bed railing and my parents tugging at my legs in the air trying to make me let go. [Modestah]
I can picture it now just like in the cartoons where the boy or girl refuses to go to school... it must be a very funny scene... i hope your parents were able to take a picture of that... i hope you changed your mind about going to school as you grew older... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was 3 or 4 years old. My parents enrolled me in a methodist school where they have nursery to kindergarten grade there. It was fun! Have lots of pics there from childhood. [jesbellaine]
Yes, that is right. My life as a child in school were really cool and fun! Had a great time there! [jesbellaine]
I remember i started when i was 5 because i always remember my karate class i always prefer not go to that class and remained in the classroom hearing stories about animals xD. [Psyclown]
A lot of kids enjoy Karate class very much... but i guess during that period... you prefer the more subtle activity... but i do love the animal stories when i was very young... thanks for the response... welcome to mylot... and i hope you enjoy your stay here... [aseretdd]
hi aseretdd, how's your day? happy anyway, maybe at age 5 or 4... its funny studying back then... thanks for posting and sharing this....rolleyes cheers and God bless... [delgar]
It is a Holiday today... so i don't have to stay the whole day in the office... i will meet with some friends to eat lunch... thanks for asking... and thanks for the response... [aseretdd]