Academic redshirting refers to the practice of postponing a child’s entry into kindergarten, allowing them additional time to develop emotionally, socially, and academically. The goal is to enhance their chances of success in school by giving them a little extra growth time.
My daughter’s birthday falls in early September, just before Colorado’s kindergarten cutoff date of September 30th. I genuinely believe that she could have thrived if we had enrolled her this year. Initially, we thought, why not give her every possible advantage? Why not let her start school with as much knowledge and maturity as possible?
After conducting some research, we found that opinions on this topic are quite diverse. Some studies indicate that redshirted children don’t necessarily outperform their peers academically and may even lag behind in certain areas. Conversely, other research suggests that the advantages of an extra year can lead to better overall performance in school. While some argue that placing a younger child in school can motivate them to rise to the challenge, others contend that older children possess greater emotional maturity to handle the responsibilities of a school day. Each child is unique, and I must focus on what’s best for mine.
Despite the mixed findings, we decided against enrolling her as an “almost 5-year-old.” Here are a few of our reasons:
- Understanding My Child: I know my daughter best. Choosing not to enroll her isn’t a reflection of her capabilities; rather, it’s about ensuring she feels secure and confident in her abilities. I believe that she will thrive as a leader with this extra time.
- Quality Time Together: Five-year-olds are such a joy! They can express themselves, manage their emotions better, and are incredibly fun to be around. This year has been wonderful, and I cherish the time we get to spend together.
- Flexibility in My Situation: If I were working full-time outside the home like many of my friends, my choice might have been different. Fortunately, I can work from home in my pajamas, taking breaks to engage in puzzles, letters, coloring, or simply enjoying a movie with her. This arrangement suits us perfectly.
- Friendship Dynamics: Many of her close friends will be starting school next year, which should make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for her.
- Observing My Son’s Experience: My son, who is among the oldest in his class, missed the cutoff for kindergarten by just 19 days. He is doing well, exhibiting confidence and motivation. While I don’t attribute his success solely to his age, I believe it hasn’t hindered him.
- Advice from Educators: All six educators in my family advised against rushing her into kindergarten. While research may indicate minimal differences, their collective insight has reinforced my confidence in our decision.
Ultimately, we feel good about our choice. I don’t anticipate any negative consequences from her starting school a bit later, and I hope it will only heighten her enthusiasm for next year. Every family must navigate these decisions based on their unique circumstances, and this was what felt right for us.
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In summary, redshirting is a personal choice influenced by various factors, including individual child development and family circumstances. Our decision to delay kindergarten for our daughter was made with careful consideration and an understanding of her unique needs.