Academic redshirting is the practice of postponing a child’s entry into kindergarten to allow them additional time for growth and development. The aim is to provide youngsters with the opportunity to build confidence, learn, and ultimately increase their chances of success in school.
My daughter was born in early September, just shy of Colorado’s kindergarten cut-off date of September 30th. While I am confident she would have managed well in kindergarten this year, we initially considered the potential benefits of her starting school with a head start in maturity and knowledge. However, after researching the topic, we discovered a variety of conflicting studies. Some research indicates that redshirted children may not show significant academic advantages and, in some instances, may even perform worse than their peers. Conversely, other studies suggest that an additional year can provide children with the necessary time to thrive academically and emotionally.
Parents face a spectrum of opinions on this matter; some believe that enrolling children at a younger age pushes them to meet challenges, while others contend that being older equips them with the emotional tools needed to handle school pressures. Individual and socio-economic factors also play a role in each family’s decision-making process. Ultimately, we had to assess what was best for our child.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding this topic, we opted not to enroll our daughter as an “almost 5-year-old,” for several reasons:
- Understanding My Child: My decision isn’t based on a belief that she needs to be more mature, taller, or smarter. I chose to hold her back because I believe she will thrive regardless of when she starts school. I also see the potential for her to become a strong leader.
- Quality Time Together: Five-year-olds are a joy to be around. They can express themselves better, manage their emotions more effectively, and are often incredibly funny. I cherish this time we’re spending together.
- Flexibility in Our Lifestyle: If I were working full-time outside of the home, my decision might have been different. Thankfully, I can work from home, allowing me to engage in activities like puzzles or letter practice with her whenever we want.
- Friendship Dynamics: Many of her friends will be starting school next year. This shared experience will likely enhance her enjoyment and ease her transition into the classroom.
- Successful Older Sibling: My son, being one of the oldest in his class, has thrived academically and socially. He missed the cut-off for kindergarten by a mere 19 days, and I believe his age has contributed positively to his confidence.
- Educator Insights: All six teachers in my family advised against rushing her into kindergarten. Their collective experience has provided me with confidence in our decision. Although research may suggest minimal differences between redshirted and non-redshirted children, these educators assert they can see noticeable distinctions.
In conclusion, we are pleased with our choice to delay our daughter’s entry into kindergarten. I believe this decision will not hinder her development; instead, it will likely enhance her enthusiasm for school next year. Every family must make decisions that align with their unique circumstances, and for us, this was the right path.
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Summary: This article discusses the decision to delay a child’s start in kindergarten through the lens of a parent’s experience. It highlights the various factors influencing the choice, including personal insight, familial support, and the observed benefits of waiting. Ultimately, the author feels confident that this choice will support her child’s future success.