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AUS-MUM
November 6, 2009

starting school late how to help him catch up

Posted in Elementary School Parents Elementary School Parents

Hi we were met to be in the usa earlier this year but my partners job was delayed we have finally got word that his job starts feb 2010. My son is 5 1/2. 6years old in June. in Australia we start school in the new year but as you start in Sept. he will be coming into your school system late. My son has a few langage issues. i would some ideas about how to help him catch up and settle into school the best way. i was thinking about getting over to the usa in early Jan. so he can start the new term with everyone else. i would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. thanks.

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Parent Replies to "starting school late how to help him catch up"

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TeacherParent
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TeacherParent November 11, 2009
Re: starting school late how to help him catch up
Enrolling your son in a preschool as opposed to a kindergarten is a good idea given his age and his language issues. Preschools are much more open in their enrollments and it's much easier to begin preschool mid-year in a new country than it is to begin kindergarten mid-year.
In any case, good luck with this and with your move and welcome to the States.
MsBear
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MsBear November 6, 2009
Re: starting school late how to help him catch up
I agree with lockmama..
Starting kindergarten at fall is not late start if his birthday is June. If I were you, come to US in January, sending him a preschool or a prekinder for 6 month, so he can have time to adjust US culture. Then start new school with everybody else..
The reason is (1) culture shock. It can be very stressful time for whole family, especially a young one, when you move from one country to the other. You are coming form Australia, so you at least will not have language problem, but your whole family need to settle down in very different culture.. (I'm an immigrant.). (2) Your boy's birthday is June. So if he get into the Kindergarten in Jan, he will be probably the youngest in the class. Sometimes, it does not work out well..

However, this is really upto you and your son, if you son is outgoing, and easily adapt, advanced in his age, and you are able to find good school, he will do good and may better off get in January.
If he is shy and does not like adapt new environment, give him time.

Good luck..
lockmama
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lockmama November 6, 2009
Re: starting school late how to help him catch up
You might have your son start kindergarten in the fall when you arrive next year. If he has some language issues and you are concerned about him having to catch up, this would allow him to start at the beginning along with all of the other kids. "Red-shirting" kindergartners (having them wait until they are six to begin school) is becoming somewhat common in the US so your son would fit in.
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