Wow. So he has to prove he already knows stuff so that he can be taught stuff. Going into college this would make sense, but pre-k?

With the blocks they're actually testing his fine motor skills which gives a clue to how developed he is neurologically/developmentally. It's NSM what he knows but how ripe he is for learning. Also, they're trying to find out how well he'll handle the new social situation and can he pay attention etc. Some kids are young for their age, and others are ready.

Pre-k readiness is mostly about if a kid is ready developmentally to do well in a structured classroom. Some kids aren't, and if not it's better to wait a while than to put them a situation that might be stressful for them.

Eh, yeah, I get this.

But good grief, first there was kindergarten testing (and test prep!) and now pre-k? It all seems...too hardcore for 4 years old.

Woke up with a headache. Stupid headaches. Took painkiller and sudafed, went back to bed. Feeling mildly better, but still headachey. Hoping caffeine will fix me, doubting it.

Next, testing in utero to make sure the kid's ready for the world. If not ... you thought you were done at nine months? guess again!

Jessica, they just look for developmental milestones. When Liv was assessed, they tried to check to see if she could stand on one leg. Little Miss Slapstick pulled a Three Stooges act and executed an exaggerated fall for effect.

She still made it in.

Aims, Liv pretty much wants to direct all imaginary play with Owen and her friends. She sometimes needs reminders to let other people use their own imagination and add to the game, too. Usually, they work it out themselves and I think that's always the best way to go.

Matilda didn't have to get tested for pre-K for what it's worth. But she was assessed developmentally to see if she was on track to go to Kindergarten this coming year. Which was important since she's turning 5 in September so will be youngish for the class.

They want stuff like using scissors, holding pencils in a tripod grip, understanding the difference between boys and girls, etc. They don't even really have to know their numbers or letters or colors--that stuff is the basis of the curriculum in 4K. And learning to work with others and socialize.

When Liv was assessed, they tried to check to see if she could stand on one leg. Little Miss Slapstick pulled a Three Stooges act and executed an exaggerated fall for effect.

Hahaha!

Maybe that 5 minute meeting changed his life, ita. Just accept the gratitude and chocolate as your due.

I have missed my window for working in the front yard today. Too hot.

the parents are contacted and generally it's explained that if the child can't understand the rules or control herself with certain expectations, *that* child would be removed.

Huh. I wonder if this had to do with the fact that my niece is already only attending the pre-school 2 or 3 days/week. They may have decided that it's economically smarter to let her go and let the other girl stay. Which is poor child development, but sound finances. Bah.

Man, came in this morning to find yet another email from someone that My Nemesis said she would coordinate with. Three months ago. I forwarded the email to her, cc'd my boss, and attached the three-month-old email in which she said she'd take care of the issue.

If you insist on getting ownership of all this shit, you have to then do the shit. Sheesh!