KINDERGARTEN SCREENING

My 5-year old just went through Kindergarten screening.  It was a little nerve wracking!  We didn't quite know what to expect and, as much as I'd like to think I'm not a crazy, pushy obsessive mom - there's always that little voice inside your head that can't help but whisper "maybe she's a genius!".

We get to the school and my little girl is always a little shy when in a new situation.  She takes a good 15-20 minutes to warm up to a new place and new people.  The guidance counselor came out to meet us and my little girl did not want to go into the testing room alone, so I asked if I could go in with her and the counselor said yes - then she made a comment about how some kids her age are "stage y".  Of course, my inner "crazy mom" starts freaking out about this (what's stage y!?! is it good?!? is it bad!?! -- what the heck is stage y and what does it mean for my kid!).  All the while hoping my "calm mom" face is on!

Our school district had three psychiatrists/psychologists (still not quite sure what the difference is!) that tested things like colors and shapes, phonics, basic knowledge such as body parts, name, birthday, etc.  They also tested for motor skills like throwing and catching, hopping and skipping.  They checked out her writing and cutting skills and also had her build different shapes with blocks.  She did great!  I was so proud of her!

Afterwards, we went out for a celebration breakfast and I kept telling her how proud I was of her and how great she did.  By the time the last piece of pancake went down into her little belly, she was glowing with pride and a sense of accomplishment!  We had called all her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other various family friends to let them know the good news!  Even the waitress at the diner (who knows my daughter well) gave her praise and congratulations.  My daughter is now extremely excited to start kindergarten in the fall!

by: Long Island Suburban Mom