Is he going into prekindergarten?

My grandson went into prekidnergarten and then transitioned into kindergarten with ease now in first grade..I think it helps them in begin around kids their own age..There is a fine line structuring that begins and it helps the little ones know what is expected of them..

Your little one will be fine..It's harder on us letting go than on them..

I love hearing my grandsons stories..He is such a hands type of guy when explainging things fun to watch and listen to..k

I know you're nervous, but there has been a lot (and I mean *A LOT*) of research into the benefits of preschool. Look into what is called "The Perry Preschool Project"--a study done years ago about the life-long benefits of preschool. They are still interviewing the participants, who are now in their 40s. "The study found that adults at age 40 who had the preschool program had higher earnings, were more likely to hold a job, had committed fewer crimes, and were more likely to have graduated from high school than adults who did not have preschool." I'm just pointing this out to reassure you that it really is the best thing for him, even if it will be harder at first (for both of you).

Just something to think about.

Ok, I'm not sure about the research but pre-school should be a wonderful experience. My friend is a kindergarten/pre-school teacher. She has told me many times that the children coming into Kinder from pre-school are so much more advanced in their social skills. As for learning they all eventually catch up, but the social aspects of pre-school is wonderful as long as it's a fun learning environment and not just some daycare that doesn't have a structured program.

I did placed him once at play school so that he could well be adjusted when he's ready to go kindergarden. On my spare time we'd read some books or play with some educational toys. Is it true that boys are a bit slow in language and quick in numbers? I've read it once in a magazine.

Girls mature in every way faster than boys. It's just always been that way. Also, children who speak late or learn to read or do math a little later than the others aren't any less intelligent, like I said, most children catch up with the others who may have just been taught earlier. So teaching your child to read at 2 years old isn't going to make them a genius like parents think. However, socially children who go to pre-school tend to do better socially in kinder. I'm a teacher and I've done my research for quite a few years. I taught middle school, children with special needs and first grade so I've done my homework...lol In answer to your question, I don't think a 3 1/2 year old is too young for pre-school. They say 2 years old is a good time to put them in a part-time program. For anyone who is a stay at home mother, it's good to find other stay at home moms to help with socializing.

Thanks for the info, wendyrs. Zach is gonna be 4 this October. So, I'd guess that would next year then.