The ABC's of Kindergarten...

Ok, so McKenna, out of all my kids was the MOST ready to go to school. She recited her alphabet, could count, and loved to sit down with the older kids and do her "homework." But, now, I'm not so sure.

She did just turn 5 in October. If we were still in DODDS or most other states, she wouldn't have even started this year. And, she's loved going. She does her homework, and had a fine parent/teacher conference report. Yet, yesterday I received the phone call...she's not retaining her alphabet. WHAT???

I had been getting a little frustrated with her myself...I'd ask her what a letter was, and she'd be right about 1/2 the time. The really frustrating thing is she'll change which ones she knows...how does that happen? I've considered every possible explanation, including "stagefright" during assessments...maybe she's too shy...too coy...too masochistic. Her sweet teacher said it was just a heads up, but she's on a list of possibles to repeat kindergarten next year.

Of course, I'm taking it personally. I did everything with her that I did with the other kids...she didn't do a formal preschool...but I really thought she was ready...she seems ready. I know she's young, but don't know if that's the problem.

Here in Hawaii, they allow kids to start school who are turning 5 up until December 31st. They call it Jr. Kindergarten, but it is essentially the same as regular, in the same class. It just means they have a greater chance of moving up to "Kindergarten" the next year, while the older Kindergarteners go to 1st grade. McKenna falls in this category, but in name only, as she is fully still doing Kindergarten right now. And, it's not even required in this state.

Her teacher did say it was ultimately up to the parents at the end of the year to follow the teacher's recommendations or not. Like I would not hold her back if she were REALLY struggling? My Kindy teacher friend, Pam, says at her school they rarely hold a child back, but move them on, focusing on the struggling areas in the next grade. Therein lies the rub, folks...we're not at her school....or state.

Education, education...you can't pick up a Hawaiian paper and not have some article, Letter to the Editor, or critique of the educational system here. And, to make matters worse, they have run out money, so instead of laying off teachers, they added 17 furlough days into the current school year...in a state where the kids already get less instructional days than most other states. It's a hot topic of debate right now. The bottom line is there aren't any extras. There aren't any programs for reading help, like Reading 101 programs. There isn't ANY special ed type help, except in cases of extreme dysfunction. So, were she in Pam's school, she'd get more help as she progressed-- here she won't. Many do private school here, but most could cost a college tuition, and ALL are out of our price range.

So, the question I came to, is whether it's worth it for her to continue at all this year...? The selfish part of me would love to have her home with me for another year. We could go to the beach...have playdates...go for walks. I could reprise my "mom" role I've been missing every morning in this quiet house. I could work on what she's missing...that ABC sight recognition...she'd be ready next July when they start the 2010 school year.

But, for now, the practical part of me is going to take the sage advice of my mom and teaching experience of Pam: sit in on her class, hit the flashcards, play some memorization games. Pam says she should be picking it up in a couple of weeks. We'll see. If not, I'll assess it at the end of this term, take her out during winter break. I call it my Plan Beach....