Kindergarten Readiness from what was posted in a public school

[sunnydays]

It is funny because I didn't start school until I was 6 and somehow ended up being a straight A student I just think there is way too much pressure too early when it comes to this stuff! When are kids allowed to just be kids anymore? Now we have to start them on their numbers and letters before they know how to talk or walk. Don't get me wrong, I am totally for exposing them to all of this and giving them opportunities to practice skills, but I just don't believe in pressuring them to practice more because they must be able to do it before they start school. Every kid is different and as Playfelt said, boys tend to be a bit slower with things like writing. My son is in JK this year and he is only now able to sort of write his name...very messily and has only been drawing stick figures and faces for a few months. My 2.5 year old daughter, on the other hand, just amazed me this morning by drawing a happy face and writing the letters "A" and "C" and "O"....I never showed her how to write them although she has seen me helping her older brother. I guess it's time to get her writing and I hadn't even thought of it before...just assumed she was too young. So...two kids in the same family and same exposure to reading/writing etc...totally different skill levels. Kids will do these things when they are ready if given a chance.