Parent to Parent: Transitional kindergarten

Sarah Gore, mother
"If she didn't move on to a slightly more structured environment, she would get bored and start disliking school."

So Mom decided to try something different: a new, transitional kindergarten class at the Lesley Ellis School in Arlington.

Transitional kindergarten is a fast growing educational trend. Created for kids, who are either too young or not emotionally mature, it provides an educational experience somewhere between daycare and kindergarten.

Ann Norris, Lesley Ellis School
"We've slowed the pace a little. We've really looked at the age of these kids and their needs."

The curriculum is structured like a regular kindergarten class, but there's an easier pace with more playtime and room for creative expression.

Sarah Gore, mother
"They have a lot of activities. She does Spanish three times a week, [and] they do yoga in the class, which is great."

Ann Norris, Lesley Ellis School
"It really gives them confidence and allows them to feel success in an environment where there's really no pressure at all."

For example, the class is currently studying homelessness in social studies. They read a book about it, drew pictures and even visited a homeless shelter to deliver canned goods they had collected.

By offering this transitional year of schooling, educators hope to help children get ready to face the pressures of the year ahead.

Ann Norris, Lesley Ellis School
"So when they enter kindergarten, they're feeling a lot more confident, socially and academically."

So whether your child doesn't meet the age cutoff for kindergarten or just needs an extra year to mature, you might want to consider transitional kindergarten. Chiara's mom says its worked wonders for her daughter.

Sarah Gore, mother
"She couldn't be happier. She really loves it."

There are transitional kindergarten classes starting up all over Massachusetts. Here are a few schools that offer programs:

Lesley Ellis School, Arlington
Creative Corner, Winchester
Bowen Cooperative Nursery School, Newton
Humpty Dumpty School, Reading
Shamrock Elementary School, Woburn