Gabriel, born in October 2018, was one of the youngest in his New York City kindergarten class. The city’s policy requires any child who turns 5 during the year to start kindergarten immediately. Despite being considered 'first-grade ready', Gabriel showed signs of struggle in kindergarten. Initially excited, he became anxious about his writing abilities. Early in the school year, he stopped trying to write his name, leading his parents to realize that his confidence had diminished significantly, prompting them to reconsider his readiness for the next grade.
In many other parts of the country, he wouldn't have started kindergarten until fall 2024. But New York City's rigid age-based enrollment policy means that if your child turns 5 during the calendar year, they're expected to start kindergarten that September.
Gabriel was born in October 2018, making him one of the younger kids in his New York City public school kindergarten class in fall 2023.
Just six weeks into the school year, we noticed changes. When we sat down to write thank-you notes after his fifth birthday party, Gabriel refused to write his name.
That readiness is not just a skill set; it's a state of mind. Today, he believes he is smart and that school is for him.
#child-development #kindergarten-readiness #education-policy #parental-guidance #bilingual-education
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