Separating in school -- preK then K

[ninjabridemom]

I want the boys to stay together for kindergarten. I'm pretty set on that -- it will be a new building, new teachers, new sets of kids, etc. I think they will appreciate the support and as I'd like to help in the classroom it would be a better transition for me as well.

However I am beginning to think they might do better in the preK 4 class (so next Sept) if I separate them. Marc needs to find more of his voice -- Gabe needs to make friends outside of Marc. 

Is it weird/damaging if I separate them in preK then put them back together for K? I wasn't originally planning on separating them until 1st grade at all but if a school year apart helps them before embarking on public school I am open to that.

[josieposy]

I personally am all about dealing with the current situation. My kids don't start Kindy until next year, but since they were 2 we have had them in the same class and in separate classes. It changed based on their needs and what the teachers were seeing. At times they were too aggressive or codependent, and other times they were fine. So as class sizes have allowed, we have had them separated for most of the day (sometimes for months) and it has been a good experience.

As far as Kindy goes, I don't plan to make a request either way because at this point in time I think they will be fine either way. It really just depends on the kids, I think.

So if you think they can benefit from a temporary separation, I say go for it.

[macchiatto]

Not at all; we'll take it year by year.

[breezy8407]

We were encouraged to separate them before they moved to preschool from the older toddler room. It seemed harsh at first, but I trusted the teachers. It was tough at first, but they are doing great. They are in their 2nd year with the same teacher. (Montessori)

We were told DD was bossing DS around and they would bother each other, fight, etc. We wanted them to be on their own.

I haven't thought about kindergarten, but I am guessing we will keep them separated.

[floridakat]

Ours girls are together this year for PreK. They've been together in the two other schools we've done. Fortunately, they're in a program at their elementary school, so transition to K next year should be fairly smooth. However, our school automatically separates in K. I could probably fight it if I wanted to, but I am actually looking forward to separating them. One is bossy, the other is handsy. It's going to be harder on the bossy one to be separated, but ultimately I think it will be good for her. The other one probably won't even notice, LOL.

I think you should go with your gut. And doing a trial separation in a comfortable environment before starting K makes a lot of sense.

[darthnbjenni]

My girls were together in private K3 (3 day, 3 hour/day program). They were together in public K4 (only one class for kids in need inside their elementary school), and I have had them apart for K5 and 1st grade. Having them apart has been SO much less drama.

[kittycat196]

It's perfectly fine to separate- you have to do what is right for your kids situation and personalities.
Mine need to be separated first due to behavior in preschool and now in kindergarten its due to them needing time apart. They would look to each other for answers instead of doing it on their own.
Being separated can be a good thing.

[Deleted]

My guys have always been together and have thrived. They are in third grade.