Elementary or Middle School?
Dec 5th 2008 | 4:02 am
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,498
From: My Old KY Home!
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
my dilema is slightly different. my son is only 4 but if we were back in blighty he would be in infant school now. Here we put him in pre school (just 3 mornings a week) as he isnt really eligible until next school year to start Kindergarten. However the pre school teacher is telling us he is one of the youngest she has (some are a year older) and he has trouble concentrating on set subjects for the needed time and is quite immature (not a surprise!). She seems to be recomending that we maybe hold him back and start 2010 instead of 2009. I can see the logic in it but part of me think he will then be 2 years behind his english peers and if we do go back for any reason when the visa expires in 2010 (ie we dont get a renewal or a GC or DH is made redundant etc )then he wont have actually been to any proper school at all and will find going into a third year (not sure of correct english term for that year) of peers quite tough. We dont have to decide now (can even apply and leave it til the day school starts) but its weighing on my mind a lot.
I know I was quite disruptive at that age, and have a few report cards w/ comments from teachers to prove it - and there was no talk of holding me back as far as I know. For me, it wasn't a lack of maturity, it was about me being bored by the subjects or simply not interested. Maybe you have yourself a child genius that is bored by pre-school?
We don't have any children yet, so things could have changed since I was a child. There was no such thing as Head-Start and pre-school wasn't an option for my parents since they didn't have much money. I went to Kindergarten when I was 5years old, and there were plenty of other kids the same age. I remember that it was a bit uncommon to have kids that were a year older than me in the same grade; it was often the case that if they were older, it was because they got held back a year for failing a grade, or because of what time of year their birthday was, not because of a 'maturity' level.
Dec 5th 2008 | 4:30 am
#17
Thought is free.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,116
From: Dallas, Texas
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
Oh what a dilemma....I can only speak of my experiences. To cut a long story short I have daughter whi has just turned 12 and is in 7th grade and a son who has just turned 14 and is in 9th grade. Both of them are the youngest in their year but have always fitted in and coped well both academicaly and socially. My son is very mature for his age and a bright, but lazy student! My daughter is less mature and although she's fine in her grade if we had our time again I might have put her in a grade below.
I think if I was in your situation I would aim to put them in the higher grade (MS rather than elementary) and see how they cope as long as you explain (which you seem to have done) that if they're not comfortable they can stay in that grade for an extra year.
I think if I was in your situation I would aim to put them in the higher grade (MS rather than elementary) and see how they cope as long as you explain (which you seem to have done) that if they're not comfortable they can stay in that grade for an extra year.
Also, as Jerseygirl said, play up how exciting school will be. I did this with my daughter and it helped a lot.
Goodluck Clarissageo, It can all seem a bit overwhelming at times but it will all come together eventually
Dec 5th 2008 | 4:42 am
#18
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,043
From: Ohio
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
So now the visa's have finally approved, the nerves and worries about the big move are kicking in, especially about the kids 
When we went over for 3 months (ok, 87 days) between June and September to sort the house etc out, we paid a visit to the local elementary school and met the principle to discuss my UKC boys.
They had completed year 5 at their school in England, and were both 11 in October, so they would have been in Year 6 in England if we were staying here.
Twin 1 - very bright, mature, fairly outgoing once he gets to know people
Twin 2 - Has LD, an IEP from his english school. Pretty immature, very sensitive
As you can see - total opposites.
Now, when we went to see the principle at the local elementary school, she set us up with an online system called Study Island so the boys could study at home whilst we were in the UK waiting for the Visas. We didnt want to confuse them by sending them back to the English school after they had already said their goodbyes, and learning to put U's in everything, so we have been home schooling them whilst we have been there. They were given Year 5 work to complete.
Twin 1 has steamed through it, passed everything first time, with grades A's and B's.
Twin 2 has struggled with alot of it, but has put in vast amounts of effort.
Now we're worried, that when we enroll them in the school in the US, that they will fail grade 5 because they will have only been there half the school year, regardless of what grades they get. We're concerned that Twin 1 will get excellent grades, but end up being held back because of attendance.
What do you guys think - is it worth us putting them straight in middle school, knowing that they could have to repeat the grade because they have only been there half a year, rather than end up having them repeat grade 5 again next year, which will make them around 2 years older than the rest of their classmates?
We've discussed it with them and they can see the pro's and con's of going to either school, they are not too keen on still being in elementary school when they are 12 going on 13 though.
They are both worried about the usual things - being different, being considered dumb because they are behind, making friends etc.
As far as passing the grades go, I know that twin 2 will end up with an IEP regardless of what grade he goes into, and possibly twin 1 will struggle a little with grade 6 work, but if he goes into grade 5, there is a chance it will be too easy for him and he will end up acting up because he gets bored so easily.
oh..... and we really don't want to split them and have one at middle and one at elementary
Any ideas / opinions?
When we went over for 3 months (ok, 87 days) between June and September to sort the house etc out, we paid a visit to the local elementary school and met the principle to discuss my UKC boys.
They had completed year 5 at their school in England, and were both 11 in October, so they would have been in Year 6 in England if we were staying here.
Twin 1 - very bright, mature, fairly outgoing once he gets to know people
Twin 2 - Has LD, an IEP from his english school. Pretty immature, very sensitive
As you can see - total opposites.
Now, when we went to see the principle at the local elementary school, she set us up with an online system called Study Island so the boys could study at home whilst we were in the UK waiting for the Visas. We didnt want to confuse them by sending them back to the English school after they had already said their goodbyes, and learning to put U's in everything, so we have been home schooling them whilst we have been there. They were given Year 5 work to complete.
Twin 1 has steamed through it, passed everything first time, with grades A's and B's.
Twin 2 has struggled with alot of it, but has put in vast amounts of effort.
Now we're worried, that when we enroll them in the school in the US, that they will fail grade 5 because they will have only been there half the school year, regardless of what grades they get. We're concerned that Twin 1 will get excellent grades, but end up being held back because of attendance.
What do you guys think - is it worth us putting them straight in middle school, knowing that they could have to repeat the grade because they have only been there half a year, rather than end up having them repeat grade 5 again next year, which will make them around 2 years older than the rest of their classmates?
We've discussed it with them and they can see the pro's and con's of going to either school, they are not too keen on still being in elementary school when they are 12 going on 13 though.
They are both worried about the usual things - being different, being considered dumb because they are behind, making friends etc.
As far as passing the grades go, I know that twin 2 will end up with an IEP regardless of what grade he goes into, and possibly twin 1 will struggle a little with grade 6 work, but if he goes into grade 5, there is a chance it will be too easy for him and he will end up acting up because he gets bored so easily.
oh..... and we really don't want to split them and have one at middle and one at elementary
Any ideas / opinions?
And, they will not be penalized if they have not been there the entire year. It happens all the time. The only thing to worry about is them passing the 6th grade proficiency test that Ohio students have to take (and another one in the 10th grade), but since they're in grade 5 I wouldn't think that would be a big worry.
Personally, I would put them in Grade 5 (10 & 11 year olds)...being with kids their own age is huge at this time in their lives (esp. boys). You'll probably be amazed at how well they adjust.
Last edited by tamms_1965; Dec 5th 2008 at 4:52 am.
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:15 am
#19
Flaky Red-headed Goodness
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
From: Lexington, KY (ex-Derbyshire)
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
Thanks for starting this thread - we're in a not dissimilar position with our girls.
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better
).
I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better
). I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:17 am
#20
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,498
From: My Old KY Home!
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
Thanks for starting this thread - we're in a not dissimilar position with our girls.
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better).
I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better
). I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:22 am
#21
Flaky Red-headed Goodness
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
From: Lexington, KY (ex-Derbyshire)
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
It's driving me nuts already, never mind them! I know that I should be starting to Americanize (
) my spelling but have an inbuilt resistance to it that I just can't get over! OH just rolls her eyes at me in despair...
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:30 am
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,264
From: Vermont
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
My daughter was 10 and went into 5th grade when we moved, she's pretty bright. The things she found most difficult were, not knowing lots of US history, being penalised for English spellings, not using cursive writing as much and the biggy not knowing imperial weights or measures only metric.
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:45 am
#23
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,043
From: Ohio
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
Thanks for starting this thread - we're in a not dissimilar position with our girls.
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better).
I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
DD1 will be 12 (it's her birthday on Monday), she's just moved up into Year 7 here, which would be Grade 6 (I think?) in the US.
DD2 is 8, she's in Year 4 here, Grade 3 in the US.
Both girls are really bright - especially DD1, both have pretty much sailed through their education thus far. They've done massively well in their SATs and are both performing about 18 months in advance of their present age group. They're keen students, and easily motivated in school.
Our primary concern has been that they might be under-stimulated by effectively going back a year and we did consider the possibility of putting them into Grade 7 and Grade 4 to ensure their academic advancement BUT have pretty much arrived at the decision that it's probably best for them to stay with their age group (particularly the eldest - she's very mature for her age and the longer we can keep her out of the clutches of boys the better
). I think this means that DD1 will go to middle school, DD2 to elementary?
Anyway, we're anticipating some teething troubles as they settle in to their new schools - even simple things like struggling with the accents of their teachers and fellow pupils - so are hoping that by keeping them in their age groups we'll give them a bit of a cushion to settle in. After that, we'll worry about where they are academically. Besides, OH is a Professor and her family are all in teaching so I figure we can pick up any slack, if necessary.
Anyway, thanks again for this thread - it has been really useful to OH and I to read the advice given.
I love this site
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:53 am
#24
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,043
From: Ohio
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
My daughter was 10 and went into 5th grade when we moved, she's pretty bright. The things she found most difficult were, not knowing lots of US history, being penalised for English spellings, not using cursive writing as much and the biggy not knowing imperial weights or measures only metric.
And to the OP, the accent may not be an issue depending on the school they attend. I have students from Norway, India, England, Jerusalem, Israel, and Brazil this year. Your kids' accents will probably fade/become American very quickly, so be prepared.
Dec 5th 2008 | 5:59 am
#25
Thought is free.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,116
From: Dallas, Texas
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
My daughter was 10 and went into 5th grade when we moved, she's pretty bright. The things she found most difficult were, not knowing lots of US history, being penalised for English spellings, not using cursive writing as much and the biggy not knowing imperial weights or measures only metric.
Dec 5th 2008 | 6:00 am
#26
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,043
From: Ohio
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
We had the opposite problem with cursive writing. My daughter had been taught only how to write in cursive from reception year back in England, she is now 8. However 2 months into the first term of her school here, she came home really upset and told me that her teacher had said that cursive writing was not being taught just yet in her year and that she had better learn to write in non cursive. Just as she got used to writing without joining up her letters, they started to teach cursive writing in her class - aghhh! - like the kid didn't have enough adjusting to do
Dec 5th 2008 | 6:04 am
#27
Thread Starter
Dizzy Blonde
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 964
From: Cincinnati, Ohio.
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
We had the opposite problem with cursive writing. My daughter had been taught only how to write in cursive from reception year back in England, she is now 8. However 2 months into the first term of her school here, she came home really upset and told me that her teacher had said that cursive writing was not being taught just yet in her year and that she had better learn to write in non cursive. Just as she got used to writing without joining up her letters, they started to teach cursive writing in her class - aghhh! - like the kid didn't have enough adjusting to do
I wondered why, until DH explained that his 10 year old hadn't learnt cursive yet
Dec 5th 2008 | 6:38 am
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,264
From: Vermont
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
Believe me, the American kids do not really know metrics either. They get it every year starting in grade 5 or 6 (in Ohio anyway) and when they have to actually use it in chemistry they're clueless. . . so I teach them again.
And to the OP, the accent may not be an issue depending on the school they attend. I have students from Norway, India, England, Jerusalem, Israel, and Brazil this year. Your kids' accents will probably fade/become American very quickly, so be prepared.
And to the OP, the accent may not be an issue depending on the school they attend. I have students from Norway, India, England, Jerusalem, Israel, and Brazil this year. Your kids' accents will probably fade/become American very quickly, so be prepared.
Dec 5th 2008 | 6:58 am
#30
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,043
From: Ohio
Re: Elementary or Middle School?
That should help her in high school and college (where it counts). Being a scientist, I don't see why metrics never caught on here. I think it is a much easier system.
