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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 7:49am | IP Logged
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Okay, so I've always felt that grade levels are arbitrary, especially in the early years. Even if all kids developed at the same rate, there is a year or more between the youngest kids in the class and the oldest. My two oldest are June birthdays, and the cut off for our state is August, so they are rather young for their grade.
Now, I realize that a lot of people hold their boys back at the onset, especially if they are on the young side of that arbitrary scale, but I did not. For my first, this seems to have worked in his favor. He reads far above grade level, so schoolwork at grade level is easily manageable. He started to read at 6 1/2 in the middle of first grade and quickly leapt to a 5th grade level in a matter of months.
My 2nd child is different. He is 7 1/2 and still not reading independently. He is just a really different thinker than my first, and I am not worried about his being a late reader at all, but I am perplexed about what I should do as I start thinking about the Fall. If I had held him back and put him in first grade this year, he would be fine, but he is not really able to do 2nd grade work without being able to read at a 2nd grade level.
The second half of 2nd grade and into 3rd was when I started to get serious about schoolwork with my oldest, giving him checklists to work through with a great deal of independence. Now, as a 4th grader, I put forth the work to outline his daily work in detail, and he is able to do most of it independently, coming to me when he hits a wall.
In the short term, I am thinking that I might like to hold ds2 back and repeat 2nd grade. He is exactly 2 years younger than his big brother, but this would make him 3 years behind him in school, and I fear in the long term, he would resent being asked to spend an extra year at home. This is the biggest thing keeping me from planning on holding him back, that and realizing he could all of a sudden start to read next month and be right on track come Fall.
I really liked having an idea of resources to use and being on track for the various grades, but I suppose that I could brainstorm and find a different system to work for this different child to keep him going on grade level, learning independence while still learning to read????
On the other hand, my third's birthday is September, placing him just over the cusp for school year, so while is is only a bit more than 2 years younger, he would be three years behind his big brother in school. So, holding back my second would essentially just be swapping the gap if I am thinking in terms of sibling rivalry and competition.
My state does not require and transcript or reviews or testing or anything, so it is really up to me to decide what "grade" he is ready for and what that grade should entail.
Any insights? I have one local friend who uses Kolbe and had her son repeat 2nd grade years ago, and it was the best decision for them both, but then, using a curriculum as she was, the question of whether he could do third grade work was a bit more defined, and there are bigger age gaps with his being the only boy, there is less of the competitive, living in the shadow of siblings psychology to factor.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Betsy
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 8:47am | IP Logged
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We did that for our oldest, except it was 4th grade. He was doing fine. He was advanced in Math, but slower in Reading....so I felt like we had a foot in each grade, so to speak.
But, for me was looking forward and not wanting him to graduate when he was 17. It just seemed like it was going to pose more problems down the road. It was a great decision for us.
Also, up until that time we never referred to "grades" so he didn't really know that difference. But, as the my kids have gotten older their grade is how they relate to other kids. So, while I don't care about it, it is part of their identity.
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3ringcircus
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 9:19am | IP Logged
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My eldest is close in age to yours and seems to be a 1/2 grade below his age. I feel he is just now capable of doing second grade work. I haven't decided if I will change the grade he says he is though, since I suspect that once he really hits his stride with independent reading and arithmetic, he will be able to make up for lost time. I think I'll figure that out in upper elementary and middle school. That might be a bit late to make a decision, but even if I held him back now, he'd feel awkward next to the two cousins he has in 2nd grade. He's a Jan. birthday, as is his brother, who is slightly closer to grade level in K.
What is your take on your son's abilities? Is he "smart" but just immature? Is he really not getting the content? Are you expecting him to work at the newer, accelerated standards, or is he behind what they expected 20 yrs ago? I have G on Hooked on Phonics reading and he is easily into 2nd grade, but their program seems to be behind what I know the school kids are doing.
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Mimip
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 9:46am | IP Logged
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Lindsay,
I could have written your post but with my daughters. My oldest is a June birthday and while she was a late reader, I just knew it was maturity and should would eventually catch up. I was right and right around 6th grade it all just clicked.
Now my second daughter is an August birthday and at the end of second grade I just knew that there was no way I could move her along to third grade. I used to teach 4th grade in school and I knew how far away from that she was so we had her do a 2nd/3rd grade year and a 3rd/4th grade year and this year she is doing 5th grade. She is still reviewing some things from 4th grade but WOW what a difference it has made for us.
Grade levels REALLY matter in the long run when talking about graduating in my opinion. We have dear friends who are struggling because their oldest daughter is now on track to graduate from High school at 16 and wants to go away to college across the country and now they feel stuck because she is intellectually able but 16 and in college!!!! Yes, she could go to a junior college or somewhere close by but its hard to explain that to a 16 year old who feels like that is some kind of punishment. Tough situation, not that that would happen to everyone but I completely understand Betsy's thoughts with having her son graduate at 18 instead of 17.
As another case is my brother. Now he went to traditional school but is a December birthday. Back when we started school it was the old "year" thing for the start of school so he started school at 4 and 1/2. It was fine for a the first 3 years but as he got to 4th-6th grade oh my he REALLY struggled. At first it was academically but in the long run socially as he was always a few steps behind the other boys. To make a very long story short, my mom made him repeat 7th grade. It was AWFUL! He switched schools and ended up with a huge chip on his shoulder. He spent 2 years with no friends and it took him YEARS to forgive my mother. I say all this not to scare anyone or say that you SHOULD do one thing or the other BUT to say this:
My Mom ALWAYS knew he should have started school later. Every year she wanted to hold him back and EVERY single year she was persuaded to just let him be and let him mature. FINALLY she listen to her Momma's heart and did it and it was just too late:( She has told me it is one of the few things she truly regrets in her life. (How sad for her.)
So listen to your heart and do what you think is best for your son.
Many blessing to you and your decision which I know is a very tough one.
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Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 9:51am | IP Logged
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I only have a minute to chime in Lindsay, but since I empathize so much with your spot, I wanted to add a couple of thoughts.
Like you, we let the boys move naturally into their studies and reading depending on readiness. Only now (for me anyway) is the grade level "label" starting to really concern me. We just called it whatever grade...you know...they started so we called it K/1st. (My youngest son and my 2nd daughter are both working between grade levels though), but toward graduation, it does start to matter. It impacts decisions. So, for both of our boys, we're seriously praying and considering ensuring that they graduate at 18. We're not calling it "holding back a year" - mainly because we won't be doing that. They'll continue with their studies in a seamless way. Which I do love about the type of education we undertake - living books, literature based - the curriculum meets the child where they are, not the other way around. In a sense, for me, this makes the transition with this type of decision very simple and almost barely noticeable. So, we've talked to the boys and both are very agreeable if we do this. We're calling it an "extension of a year" rather than "holding back" which has a negative connotation.
Here are our specifics if it's at all helpful....
My oldest has an October birthday and is in 8th grade. Academically, he's always been pretty on track. In fact, if anything at this point, he's a little advanced. He read early (probably my earliest reader). At this point, he's set to graduate at 17 (he'd be 18 a few months after graduation). We're considering extending 8th grade into next year - in other words we'll "label" the year as 8th grade, but of course, as you all would do, he'll just continue along with his studies at an appropriate level for him. He's in Algebra I now, and I'm counting it for high school credit. I'll do the same for any high school credit-worthy science work. Here are the reasons we're considering this:
** Boys mature later than girls so we're considering that academically he may be ready to graduate in 4 years, but maturity-wise, the extra time at home would be helpful for him.
** I've talked to so many moms whose sons graduated at 17 and they all wished they had their sons at home for an additional year.
** This will give him more time to get the requisite number of high school credit work done earlier, leaving him his "senior year" to dual enroll while still being at home, and get a good jump on college studies. (This student already knows his path post-high-school)
** Scholarships, if they are awarded, must be taken immediately out of high school and into that students fall freshman semester. If the student is a little immature, or uncertain of their path and wants to go slow, or even work a year and then enroll, that scholarship cannot be deferred. It would be lost. Which could mean a waste of valuable scholarship money.
We're still praying/considering this...and I know this is WAY down the road for you, but I thought it might help to see how the decision now could impact choices down the road that you might not even be considering as variables in this decision yet.
My other son is *technically* labeled as 4th grade right now. He was a late reader, and has really just started leveling out with grade level reading. His birthday is in December and I definitely think this son would benefit from the extra year at home so we'll be extending a year of study for him so that he graduates at 18.
For my first son, the extension will allow him to complete high school level work now, while he's ready, and possibly finish up the required number of high school level credits early as well, giving him internship opportunities and dual enrollment possibilities without also having to worry about his high school work and needing to finish up there.
For my second son, the extension will allow him to grow in his reading abilities. He's younger, so I can't see into the future with this son, but knowing that if he does advance academically and we can begin counting high school work for credit in 8th grade, this gives the same son the same extra working opportunities during that senior year.
I like having those options while also considering that these boys can continue to mature and grow in responsibility at home as we afford them more and more outside-the-home opportunities at reasonable ages.
Still praying here...but empathizing greatly with your thoughts!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 9:59am | IP Logged
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Mimi and I were cross-posting - so enjoyed reading her thoughts!!! 
And she reminded me about the academic jump in 4th grade. Now gratefully, this doesn't apply as much in a Charlotte Mason education, which I am SO grateful for (!!) because we use tools like narration which are universally appropriate and fit the child *where-they-are*...wherever that is...but in other curriculums (especially any curriculum or program that makes use of reading comprehension questions!!), and certainly in the math area, there is a big jump in 4th grade moving toward the abstract. And that can be a REALLY tough jump for a boy!!!
Anyway, wanted to add that observation - which could definitely be a factor to consider.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Betsy
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:11am | IP Logged
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I am just going to add that my dh went to a large public High School (4000+ students) and graduated as the Valedictorian at 17.
He was so advanced intellectually but socially it was SOOOO difficult for him. He ended up getting his master because he in no way felt ready to enter the working world at 21 (even though he had a 3.9 gap in Engineering). He almost started his PHD for the same reason.
So, the boy maturity thing is really difficult. My dh never had an issue with school, obviously, but his maturity was quite lacking compared to his class mates.
So, to anyone who is reading this and might be tempted to feel "failure" or some other negative emission remember that isn't not ONLY can they do the work. Honestly, I think it's even more of an issue now as there is so much more emotionally that kids need to deal with now days.
Oh, and I also wanted to add that in most home schooling circles you tend to be looked down on for "holding your son back". It almost seems to be a race. So, I also give you encouragement to do what is truly best for you kids and not feel pressure from anyone!
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:12am | IP Logged
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Thank you, Jen. I hadn't really considered holding my oldest back, but that is definitely an idea for dh and I to discuss. I admittedly was a little nervous about ds not turning 18 until the summer before starting college, and holding them back would definitely give breathing room for high school, helping my oldest as well as my youngest.
I'm also thinking that making that choice now will impact them both less than it would if I were to make that decision in high school in terms of their identifying with their grade.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:16am | IP Logged
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Betsy and Mimi, thank you for sharing! I had been thinking of high school as being a time he might resent my holding him back, so it is good to hear stories about why holding him back now could be a positive and prevent resentment. So much to mull over!
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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SallyT
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:16am | IP Logged
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I think it's probably better to stretch out and take time *now,* when the need is evident. I'm not sure the extra year before graduating will make as much difference as you might worry it will, especially if, whenever you do start to talk grade levels, it's fairly clear from fairly early that Son2 is in 7th, not 8th, grade, for example.
It might actually be 6th or 7th grade before you have a clear sense of what "grade" he really should be in, in terms of readiness for ramped-up work across the curriculum. For him, "3rd grade" might just look really different from "3rd grade" for your first child. By roughly 5th, you may have a far clearer idea of whether he's going to be ready to move into middle-school-level/high-school-prep work in the next year, or not, and you may or may not choose to extend "primary" learning for another year.
Where this all does begin to matter, in my experience, is when you're looking at 1) independent reading and writing ability AND 2) algebra readiness, by which I mean, can you see that child being ready for algebra in . . . two years? three? And can you see that child handling a greater reading load plus more advanced written work? Those things decide whether you move forward into what I really do think of as the "high-school prep" years of 7th and 8th grade, when a child *could* actually be garnering a few high-school credits already. Is the child ready to move into that phase at . . . 12? Or does he need another year?
We do talk some about grade levels in our house, because most of my kids' friends are in school, and, you know . . . everybody wants to know if you're in 4th grade, or what?
But I tend to *think* in larger blocks:
1) "primary," which lasts from pre-K through . . . 5th? 6th? Depends on the child.
2) Then "high-school prep," during which my main objectives are to ramp up reading and writing and do first pre-algebra (which can be spread over 6th and 7th grades) and algebra, plus the first serious year of what will become the high-school foreign language.
3) Then high school, the standard four years.
Currently I've been in something of a negotiation phase with my 10th grader, who has been pressing us to let him graduate early. His sister did graduate at 17, and that's worked out fine -- she was a mature 17, it was time for her to move on, and her college experience has been very good. The 10th grader is also mature and very bright, but he's probably not as mature as he thinks he is, and even though, thanks to college classes, he'll have his credit requirements covered by the end of next year, we're not ready to have him graduate, for all kinds of reasons. Maybe if we'd planned it in 7th grade, as we did with our daughter. But to fast-track, starting at the end of Grade 10? Not happening. I don't care that his best friends are graduating next year and going away. Not happening for him.
I think he is reluctantly being persuaded by the need to give himself time to make his best standardized-test scores, since we can't help with tuition -- he's either got to go to a school in Belmont Abbey's tuition-exchange network OR get some seriously awesome kind of scholarship, or it's not happening -- AND by the fact that an extra year at home gives him extra time for his job/internship, summer internships and programs. triathloning, and possibly a more interesting array of courses to put on his transcript.
So . . . no matter what you do, you may find yourself dickering about these things with your teenagers. Even the best-laid plans either change or require some negotiation to keep them going. I'd just do what's needed now and sort out the rest as that need arises.
Sally
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:27am | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
| We're not calling it "holding back a year" - mainly because we won't be doing that. They'll continue with their studies in a seamless way. |
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I hope you will share how you end up handling this.
It just occurred to me that simply transitioning to a CM way of labeling our studies (Level 2, taking 3 years instead of only 2 for my oldest so it is more like 4 4/5 and 5) would be a good way to verbalize this seamless continuation.
BUT
When you say that, are you still effectively "holding them back" in that you will be repeating the current grade level on the paper work you file with the state?
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 10:50am | IP Logged
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CrunchyMom wrote:
Mackfam wrote:
| We're not calling it "holding back a year" - mainly because we won't be doing that. They'll continue with their studies in a seamless way. |
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I hope you will share how you end up handling this.
It just occurred to me that simply transitioning to a CM way of labeling our studies (Level 2, taking 3 years instead of only 2 for my oldest so it is more like 4 4/5 and 5) would be a good way to verbalize this seamless continuation. |
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Exactly. I started this transition last year in anticipation of this decision. On my *8th grader's* booklist and term work, I list 8th grade/Form III. So, next year he'll actually move forward to Form IV, and we'll spend two years in Form IV, and three years in Form V (grades 10, 11, 12). And as I plan his year, we'll step forward academically, and I'll move forward with time period in our history studies, and choose a different science coursework. Just as if I were mapping out a 9th grade year. In planning, it will be like planning every other year - consider the child, and move a little wider and a little deeper. I will continue to choose the same books I've always looked to choose - rich, meaty, some a stretch, some right at where he is in terms of his reading level. It would be good to have the extra year to help continue transitioning his written narrations (if anywhere, that's where he's behind - his writing).
Crunchymom wrote:
BUT
When you say that, are you still effectively "holding them back" in that you will be repeating the current grade level on the paper work you file with the state? |
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I don't think so...not any way I look at it anyway.  We work for mastery here. Once there is mastery, we move forward. Period. If our situation was with a student who did not have mastery and we felt the student needed more time (in any subject), then it's "grade level x...or....Form whatever continued. An extension, but not holding back. I won't "hold back" in the sense that we make him repeat, and there will be no slowing down here. We're just extending the time we take to complete coursework.
Betsy,
I'm really grateful you shared your perspective - it sounds very much like the situation we find ourselves in with ds. He's advanced, ready for more academic work, is targeting engineering with a reasonable amount of certainty and by all accounts could be ready. But the extra time maturing and working hard toward responsibility here...well your post was really helpful to me in considering this decision! Thank you!!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 11:02am | IP Logged
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Re-read your question - I didn't answer it very well above....
CrunchyMom wrote:
| are you still effectively "holding them back" in that you will be repeating the current grade level on the paper work you file with the state? |
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Not really. Not in our state (AL) anyway. I imagine this might be different in states that require more paperwork and get more involved in the day-to-day and the record keeping aspect. In which case, I'd probably proceed the same and just explain that student x will finish 8th grade plans by mid year of next year, and then pick up with 9th grade plans at that time with a projected finish date of 9th grade in one and a half years. (Effectively taking 1.5 years to complete two grade levels) However, since I only have to report attendance (I don't have to submit records, work, nor is testing required), AND because we're doing this before high school, I don't think this has that much impact. **IF** I do this in high school, then yes, there's more paperwork and a paper trail of extending their high school experience. On paper anyway. Which is why I appreciate all the perspectives shared here on this transition taking place earlier vs. later.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 11:30am | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
Re-read your question - I didn't answer it very well above....
CrunchyMom wrote:
| are you still effectively "holding them back" in that you will be repeating the current grade level on the paper work you file with the state? |
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Not really. Not in our state (AL) anyway. I imagine this might be different in states that require more paperwork and get more involved in the day-to-day and the record keeping aspect. In which case, I'd probably proceed the same and just explain that student x will finish 8th grade plans by mid year of next year, and then pick up with 9th grade plans at that time with a projected finish date of 9th grade in one and a half years. (Effectively taking 1.5 years to complete two grade levels) However, since I only have to report attendance (I don't have to submit records, work, nor is testing required), AND because we're doing this before high school, I don't think this has that much impact. **IF** I do this in high school, then yes, there's more paperwork and a paper trail of extending their high school experience. On paper anyway. Which is why I appreciate all the perspectives shared here on this transition taking place earlier vs. later. |
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I only report attendance, too, but I have them registered as being in 2nd and 4th grades, which still puts them on track to graduate from 12th in a certain year. If I extend their time at home, would they need to be on a track to hit 12th grade a year later? Or will you put down 12th grade two years in a row so it has graduation at the end of the 2nd?
I'm not sure if I'm making sense.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 12:07pm | IP Logged
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CrunchyMom wrote:
| I have them registered as being in 2nd and 4th grades, which still puts them on track to graduate from 12th in a certain year. If I extend their time at home, would they need to be on a track to hit 12th grade a year later? Or will you put down 12th grade two years in a row so it has graduation at the end of the 2nd? |
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I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you're concerned because this move could potentially mess up how YOU have them on track to graduate...or you're concerned that the state will notice that you wrote 2nd grade for two years in a row? (Which, I don't think they will...I don't think anyone even looks at the paperwork.)
We don't have to "target" a certain graduation year - not with the state and not with a cover school. So, the kids are on track to graduate...but there's no published timeline. If Mark stays put, he'll graduate in 2018. If we move him, his 12th grade year will be in 2019. I won't list 12th grade twice. I like to "package" high school transcript/paperwork as generic and standard-looking as possible. Which is why if we do this, now's the time. Before high school.
Am I still not understanding your question/concern, Lindsay???
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Jen Mackintosh
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JennGM
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I'm skimming through the responses and just giving my two cents. My oldest son's birthday is in September, right before the official cut-off. I started him early because he was ready, but knowing that I could slow down at some point.
Our operating system is for him to graduate at 18. This is extremely important for my husband. So, that means counting backwards, he should be doing 4th grade work right now. I have him officially as 5th grade, so he could become an altar boy this year (our parish is 5th grade AND 10). Priorities, you know.
Because of my health, our schoolwork has been floundering quite a bit, but I felt that I had a year of wiggle room at least for him.
Now, I'm might be joining in your question, Lindsay. Because I'm thinking that when I declare my intention with the state, I need to repeat 5th next year, just to make it current.
He socially fits better with the younger side than going up. I can see the social reasons for holding him back, so I am very comfortable with this.
Now my second son just turned 6 in December, so he's an late birthday (right?) and I didn't start him for Kindergarten until this year.
Not to hijack, but I'm so impressed, Lindsay, by your son being so independent. I've really dropped the ball being organized and having good plans (and I know I have a good reason, but still). My sons need more of that independency and self-motivation.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 2:36pm | IP Logged
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This is so interesting. I have been thinking about what I will do with Peter who will turn five next August. Max turned six last November and he is in kindergarten (in a very informal way and not officially declared anywhere). They are 19 months apart. Peter is very quick and bright. I don't even have to do anything official with him, so it is not a huge concern. All of my other children are two years apart as far as grade level even though my two oldest are only 17 months apart. My oldest didn't turn 18 until the first month of college, but she's a girl. :)
All of my other children will be 18 when they graduate. I never really thought about age on the graduating end so I am thankful for this conversation. We do grade levels here, always have, because it is easier to talk about our homeschooling life with unsupportive family members or friends when the first question asked is always about grade level. I can see how it would be much easier to just not have Peter be a kindergartner next year and keep calling him a pre-schooler versus having to make some kind of a change when he is older.
Lots to think about.
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Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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CrunchyMom
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Mackfam wrote:
CrunchyMom wrote:
| I have them registered as being in 2nd and 4th grades, which still puts them on track to graduate from 12th in a certain year. If I extend their time at home, would they need to be on a track to hit 12th grade a year later? Or will you put down 12th grade two years in a row so it has graduation at the end of the 2nd? |
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I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you're concerned because this move could potentially mess up how YOU have them on track to graduate...or you're concerned that the state will notice that you wrote 2nd grade for two years in a row? (Which, I don't think they will...I don't think anyone even looks at the paperwork.) ...
.... Which is why if we do this, now's the time. Before high school.
Am I still not understanding your question/concern, Lindsay??? |
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That is all I was asking, if you were planning to write down the current grades for this year again for next year.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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JodieLyn
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Lindsay, I would hold off until about age 9.. I recall that a lot of research showed that early readers and later readers tended to be at about the same place at age 9. So that if at the end of 4th grade they were still behind, that's when I would switch up the grades.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 11 2014 at 4:41pm | IP Logged
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CrunchyMom wrote:
Mackfam wrote:
CrunchyMom wrote:
| I have them registered as being in 2nd and 4th grades, which still puts them on track to graduate from 12th in a certain year. If I extend their time at home, would they need to be on a track to hit 12th grade a year later? Or will you put down 12th grade two years in a row so it has graduation at the end of the 2nd? |
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I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you're concerned because this move could potentially mess up how YOU have them on track to graduate...or you're concerned that the state will notice that you wrote 2nd grade for two years in a row? (Which, I don't think they will...I don't think anyone even looks at the paperwork.) ...
.... Which is why if we do this, now's the time. Before high school.
Am I still not understanding your question/concern, Lindsay??? |
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That is all I was asking, if you were planning to write down the current grades for this year again for next year. |
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Oh - ok. Good! Sorry I was having trouble getting it.  Yes, we'll just list next year's grade level identification as the same as this past year's - for both boys. So, we'll write down 4th and 8th grades on paperwork if we do this.
Good luck with your decision, Lindsay! I've got "date nights" set up with THIS EXACT TOPIC as a conversation point!  Doesn't that sound romantic of me to plan it like that???
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Reading Level and Grade Level Discernment
