Moving on. We met with a team of 5 from the boys school this week to discuss the results of the boys assessment. Kevin and I both went into this meeting thinking our boys probably did well, but they would still need a year to grow, mature, develop, etc.....BRIDGE! I was up ALL night before our meeting going through all the reasons we should/should not bridge as well as all the reasons they should go on to kindergarten. For months my head has been consumed with this decision....I would remind myself they are 4!!! and either way our boys would be just fine. Or would they? Sigh.
As soon as we sat down at the table we heard the words, "We would like to invite your boys to kindergarten next year!" DO WHAT?!?! Kevin and I both had a look of shock on our face....what exactly do you mean?? Our boys are ready for kindergarten, but we think you should bridge them? Or, our boys are ready and we think you should put them in kindergarten? Both of us started firing off questions, so they quickly pulled out the results of the boys assessment. On a scale from 1 to 9 the magic number is 7! Those with a score of 7 or higher = Kindergarten recommendation.
They began with Patrick's file first.....7.7! My heart heart went from racing to beating with pride and my palms went from sweating to praying hands. THANK YOU JESUS! Our little preemie blew us away with his score! We discussed all the parts of his assessment....he scored a 9 on two parts which is very rare (or so we're told) and impressive. They gave us examples of some of the questions he was asked and answers he gave...Kevin and I would look at each other, "Our kid said that? Our son knows that? He did what? Are you SURE you have the right file?" Smart, no doubt. Inquisitive, absolutely. Performer, not at all. Knows WAY more in all areas then we ever gave him credit for, YES! Of course there are areas in need of growth and development, but that will come with time, practice, and confidence. With out a doubt....he is READY for kindergarten!
On to William. Again, heart racing, anxious, thinking PLEASE don't tell me anything is "wrong" with my son, please tell us you guys see all the good and growth that we've seen?!!?? They opened his file with a huge smile. William is a HAPPY, NEVER met a stranger, loves to talk and tell stories, and full of expression kind of kid. He is something else and so loved by all of us! Oh dear.....
We talked in depth about William's file, all the creative ways in which he answered questions, retold stories, shared stories, etc. He knows his letters, numbers, recognizes patterns, can retell a story, follows directions, self starter, and the list goes on. We shared funny stories, sad stories, and "we never thought" stories about William. Finally, the score.....6.8! The number could have been 7.7, 10, 8, 7.0 but all I could focus on is HE DID IT! He has beatin' ALL the odds and then some! OUR BOY DID IT! I'm sure you're saying to yourself, but it's not a 7! You're right, it's not! But it's RIGHT there and between this assessment and part 2 of the process he made even more growth. If they were to redo part 1 and add it to part 2 he would be at a 7 or higher. Confusing I know, but long story short....HE IS READY, TOO! Does he have some maturing to do, ABSOLUTELY! The boy still sucks his thumb, carries a blankie, and acts just like a little 4 year old. He still needs to develop some more of his fine motor skills, listen more instead of wanting to share every bit of info he has stored in his big ol' noggin, but he's ready!
Every person went around the table and said their recommendation is for both boys to go on to Kindergarten. As they were all talking about this new chapter, I was thinking about the elephant in the room - BRIDGE! They are YOUNG. They would be the youngest in the class! The majority going on to kindergarten were in bridge last year and will be an entire year + older than our boys. Our boys still play with trains, those boys play with mini legos. The may be ready academically, but they still need to grow, develop, mature. UGH!!! They answered a lot of my fears with the following. We don't look at age, we look at readiness. There are kindergartners coming in next year who did not bridge and while your boys will be young, they won't be the youngest. It will all be evened out. Don't look at age. Your boys will mature A LOT between now and next year. All kids are different in learning, playing, living...embrace it! We were told to think about it and get back to them....we could certainly bridge if we wanted to, but were told to really consider Kindergarten. Afterward, I spoke to the Early Childhood director about our boys. I then talked to friends, neighbors, and other moms who were finding out their child's fate. I then called Kevin......"100% certainty, send them on! Patrick is ready and he needs the challenge. William is ready and has 8mths to mature before Kindergarten begins. They will do great! This is what we wanted, we've worked hard to prepare them, we've been told by all in attendance they should go on. NO QUESTION....they are going!" As a mama, you want to protect your babies, always! You want to hold their hand, protect them from hurt, failure, fear, bullies, etc. You want them to be happy, successful, liked, confident, etc. As much as I want to protect them and control the outcome, I want them to GO, GROW, and be challenged! Make mistakes, learn from them. Use their brain, their hands, their talents and push every step of the way. I want them to go to Kindergarten!!
There are skeptics out there who think we're crazy! So I will end with this..
Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
Please pray for our boys! They have come a LONG way. We are SO proud, grateful, thankful, scared, nervous....ready! Ready for this new chapter, yet sad to close the door on this one. Our babies are boys - fine you boys who are making their mark on this world! ANYTHING CAN BE!!
Here's to the class of 2026!!!
