Kate has stayed in the 2s class this year, but rather than go just on Fridays is going on MW. (next year, she will skip 3s and go to 4s MWF and then preK 5 mornings a week the year after that)
This morning was orientation, and her teacher told me that 2 of their Friday morning kids moved away, so they have 2 spots open in that class. She thinks I should add Kate to that class, and Kate would then go MWF, same as Anna.
IDK about this. I mean, she only went one day last year, plus putting her in the Fridays this year too would mean I wouldn't have that one on one time with her, but I will have lots of that next year while Anna is in school 5 full days (OMG). Plus it adds on another $64/month to our tuition. And Anna is not pleased that this is a possibility, lmao.
But when I asked Kate if she would like to do it, she said YES!!! And this morning she was excited to be back, and ready to push me out the door. And her teacher is AMAZING. Beyond amazing, really. I ADORE her.
IDK. I am leaning towards sticking with the 2 days right now, but wanted to hear some input. Thoughts??? (she'll be 3 in October, btw)
She is not moving to another class, right? Just adding a day?
If you do not mind the extra money, then I guess why not? Is it just because you want her home or do you think it would be too much for her? Like you said, you will have one on one time with her for the next two years, right?
2. an amazing teacher? take advantage of that!!!!!
3. imo that school environment, the structure, learning to deal with other kids and situations is so invaluable....
clara jumped straight into full time school last year - 28 hours a week and had no problems. i totally would not worry about adding one extra day. she already did 2 days last year. (plus you get one more morning os "me" time to go to the gym or whatever...)
She is not moving to another class, right? Just adding a day?
If you do not mind the extra money, then I guess why not? Is it just because you want her home or do you think it would be too much for her? Like you said, you will have one on one time with her for the next two years, right?
Exactly-she would stay in her current class, and then also join the Friday class, which she was in last year (and as a bonus, she would have the same co-teacher for the Fridays that she had last year-she LOVED her-but she only does Fridays).
I'll have to talk with Bill about the extra money. It isn't a ton, but every little bit counts, and we are trying to save (not very successfully, lately) our pennies so we can move in the next year or so. But yes-you are right. I will have MWF afternoons with her next year, as well as all of TTh, and the following year, I will have every afternoon with her, so she and I will definitely get one on one time. (that is actually going to be really weird for me, lol)
IDK-I guess it is just my fear that I am pushing her to grow up too fast, and I don't want to do that. But she loves school-and she is in the 2s class, so it isn't like they are doing algebra, lol. Most of the other kids are younger than she is (only one older), and seem like babies compared to Kate!!! That is how she seemed just last year. But I think she could handle it fine-I have no reason to think otherwise. She really does love school. (and she wouldn't be the first to do this-the director's son did 3 or 4 days in the 2s last year as well)
Anyway, I guess I am just holding on...maybe a little too tight. And I do have in my mind that, while we do hope for more children in the future, there are no guarantees, and Kate could end up being my last if things don't work out the way we hope. I just don't want it to fly by too fast.
2. an amazing teacher? take advantage of that!!!!!
3. imo that school environment, the structure, learning to deal with other kids and situations is so invaluable....
clara jumped straight into full time school last year - 28 hours a week and had no problems. i totally would not worry about adding one extra day. she already did 2 days last year. (plus you get one more morning os "me" time to go to the gym or whatever...)
Thanks Megan!
The thing about Kate though, is that she *wants* to, but what does that really mean??? She *wants* to get rid of her diapers, but everytime she is without them, she pees herself (though maybe she would figure that out too if I just left her in them long enough, IDK). IDK. I would hate for her to get overwhelmed with it (she only did Fridays last year, even though she did ask if it was her turn to go to school on other days).
Seriously, her teacher is unreal. She is definitely doing what she was made to do. I can't say enough wonderful things about her, and Kate loves her too!!!
I am glad to hear that about Clara. I guess they are probably more adaptable than we are, huh? I wonder if it would be weird though, having different kids in class with her, you know? The Friday class will be totally different kids.
But then I would get two chances to get good school pics out of her, lol!!!
I am not even really sure why i am so hesitant. I know the money is an issue-I will have to talk with Bill about that later.
if she loves it and it makes her happy, then i would
however, if i couldn't swing it financially, i'd not do it and never think another thing of it
Thanks D.
We could do it, it is just that that is $64 less we can save per month, kwim? We need to figure out if that will make an impact in the long run or not. It works out to be a little less than $600 for the year to add her into that class. I think Bill and I need to talk about that and see what we think. I mean, $600 isn't going to make or break us for a house downpayment, but it is also nothing to scoff at.
You know in one way I think yes, go for it if the financial aspect doesn't hurt you guys at all. But at the same time, I know how awesome that one on one time is. And at the same time I know how awesome that alone time is. Hmmm, I think I'm leaning more towards school though especially since you will still have another year next year where Anna will be gone and you will get that one on one time.
I'm probably one of the few, but I wouldn't push her into 3 days a week even if she was begging for it. She is 2 and IMO a 2 year old (even almost 3!) cannot tell you what she really wants or needs. The idea of being in school 3 days a week might sound like fun today, but on Friday when she is supposed to go and is throwing a fit because she doesn't want to leave (hypothetically) you will be kicking yourself for that extra money you put into tuition. Kids are in school long enough when they start real time school...I think you should keep her home. Make that extra day she would go to school a day that you two go to the library or feed the ducks or something fun. JMO. I know you will do whats best for Kate..and you are her mommy so you know what she needs. But if it were Aubrey, thats what I would do. : )
Hi, Laura! I would totally be torn too, so I definitely understand where you're coming from. (Edited to say: Well, I guess that doesn't make complete sense......"I understand that you're torn" is what I should've written. If it was me, I would stick with the 2 days. : ))
FWIW, Emilia's not doing preschool at all this year (and didn't last year either), and she and Kate are pretty much the exact same age (as you know). They don't have an "old 2s" (or any 2s, for that matter) program at Addie's preschool, and I didn't want to have to go to two different schools, so we're just waiting until next year.
I guess the biggest question to ask yourself is, "Do I want and/or need more alone time or not?"
Kate will most likely be fine if she goes one extra day, and she would be perfectly fine if she doesn't. (I am definitely more of the opinion that it's not detrimental to kids to have less preschool or even no preschool, but I am sure others feel differently.)
I hope it's not too stressful of a decision for you!!!
-- Edited by allvowels on Wednesday 2nd of September 2009 03:44:47 PM
Laura it sounds like she is ready for 3 days. My Anna is only going 2 days and I really hope a spot opens to let her go 3 because she loves it and is doing amazing in there. I really understand wanting that one on one time with her but maybe you could work out a mommy and Anna aftertoon one day a week and a mommy and Kate afternoon one day as well. I have done this with my girls a lot and it is nice.
I'm so glad that Kate is loving school this week. It's fun to watch them turn into such little social butterfly's!
This choice has been tough-I know she would love the third day, and I know I will have one on one time with her for the next two years, so it definitely would be nice for her to get that extra day.
BUT...the thing I am really hung up on is that while yes, it would be nice, it isn't necessary. She will thrive with 2 days or with 3, but she doesn't *need* the third day. Given that plus the additional cost to put her into the third day, and I think I am going to pass on it.
Part of me would love for her to do it. But that extra money, while not breaking the bank, does help us get a little further towards moving out, and that is truly our number one priority. It isn't just about the money-I mean, I wouldn't hold her back,you know? But saving money is definitely something we need to consider with every expense.
So-unless something happens that changes my mind, Kate will stick with the two days for now.
I think it's fantastic that she loves school and has a great teacher. But, when I really think about it, this age is SO short, and eventhough you'll have one on one time with her next year, I think having a day with her this year would be invaluable.
I fo sho wouldn't judge you FOR sending her - I think the pros for either way are pretty even. For me, it would just really come down to whether I thought she would gain more from a social/education standpoint at school in that extra day, or whether she would gain more from having some individual time with you, even just for a short time span.
But, like I said, I don't think you can make a wrong choice, just whatever works for you girls!
