At What Age Should A Child Begin School?

Numerous discussions concern the exact lad’s age to begin elementary education. This topic cause disagreement among educationists as some professionals suggest a child should reach a certain age before beginning school. In contrast, others conclude age does not determine the academic performance of young ones.

Do you have a young one and worry about the perfect time the child suppose to begin school? Do you want a scenario when your child will start school and not lack behind among other peers of the same class?

If your answer is favorable to the above question, you need to understand the various ages people enroll their child/ward in kindergarten and select which best suits your preference. However, note that the cognitive development of each learner varies as it determines their academic performance.

Is age four suitable?

Parents that enroll their kids in school as early as age 4 believe it helps develop their minds and enables them to complete their studies at a shorter duration. However, new research by Cambridge University suggests that lowering the age kids enroll in school could trigger stress and anxiety among young ones, eventually resulting in the youngster's education life damage. In other words, it could put the lads off school permanently.

The government primary education chief advisor, Sir Jim Rose, said kids at age four might not be able to deal with curriculum not tailored to their specific needs, emotional, or social adjustments. Their inability to fit in reception class causes stress and anxiety, so it is best they start school later.

Similarly, some young minds might not accommodate some experiences which simultaneously affect their academic performance. Although there are cases of students that begin their school at early age and performance well in the study, the percentage is low.

Is age five and above suitable?

Most individuals in Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, and other close proximities enroll their child in Kindergarten at approximately age 5. However, some professionals suggest this age is not appropriate for young learners to enroll in school because they tend to lose concentration as some still have trouble sitting correctly.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) study shows that 6% started school less than age five years, 42% was approximately five years, and the rest turned 6. The survey occurred in the 2010-2011 academic session.

To avoid a scenario where a lad will be too young or too old to enroll in school, parents and educationists try to address the issue of the right age kids should begin their class.

A parent named Nelson suggests that the delay in a child's kindergarten is when the guardian feels the kid is not socially, emotionally, and psychologically ready, thereby adding a year or two for more advancement. Similarly, when kids are older, there is a notion that they have more advantages than their peers in a similar class.

The NCES data also confirm that 6 percent of parents of kids that experience delayed kindergarten entry has a bachelor's degree or more with family income above the poverty line.

Overall, research shows that despite being older before beginning elementary school, it has numerous advantages. In addition, there are reports of social stigma when a child starts school later, which leads to grade retention.

Factors that indicate a child is fit to begin school

Kindergarten readiness assessment

As a parent, before you enroll your child in school, ensure they can perform basic self-care skills like putting on shoes, feeding themselves, etc. These skills show maturity and signify they are ready for learning.

Although some kids are still with wipers when in kindergarten, some lads are unable to tie their shoelaces. However, with the help of a guardian/teacher, they should practice these skills.

Emotional readiness

Talking about emotional readiness for kids does not mean advanced reasoning or handling emotional trauma. To signify that a kid's age is fit for the school, he should identify people, play, etc perfectly. Garforth said some parents and kids could have issues with separation, but children can develop these skills better at kindergarten.

When you notice how the child behaves around peers, older ones, and surroundings, you can decide if the kid is ready for school.

Final thought

Educationists suggest that when learners' ages are fit for the school, it reduces the chances of grade repetition or poor academic performance. As indicated above, starting school too early might be advantageous, but it has negative consequences on most kids.

If you have suggestions or inquiries about the perfect age, you think a child should begin school, kindly drop a comment below.

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