We are very excited that our oldest son is starting kindergarten this month! August 20. We've got his uniforms, all school supplies (and extras), he helped me weed the garden so he could buy his own "cool" lunchbox instead of the one he already has, we ride our bikes to school and practice locking his bike pretty often so it's second nature when school starts (his idea).
BUT NOW: my brother, his beloved uncle and hero, called me 30 minutes ago to say his whole family is coming here on that very day: August 20 to stay with us a week! This is a very very rare occasion (we see family about 1 week a year, sometimes a little longer than a year) and awesome! Of course Joseph will go to school his first few days.....but my brother wants us to hop a train (the boys would be beside themselves) and ride up to Washington DC (I would be beside myself---always wanted to go, haven't yet) and do the tourist stuff (Smithsonian, see the White House, etc).
It'd be awesome, memory making, fun, it's such rare family time, and very educational. But he'd have to skip out of school on Thursday and Friday of his first week of school; we'd get home early Sunday evening. On one hand I think that we should set the guidelines that we don't miss school.....but this is going to be much more educational and special than anything he'll learn the 3rd and 4th day of kindergarten. Am I being a naughty, naughty mom, or is this the right choice? I told my brother I'd get back to him with our answer tonight...(I wanna do the trip! Both my sons, ages 2 and 5, would have a blast...so would we parents).
At Leah: NO I didn't even know you COULD tour the White House! Awesome idea, thanks for that!!!
Thanks for the thoughts moms. I wanted to think on it, look at some different viewpoints, and prepare my "presentation" to Jeremy before seeing what he thought (haha). Fortunately, no presentation needed! Jeremy thinks it's an awesome idea and will take some vacation to come along!
To answer some questions: NO Joseph won't be riding alone to school. But he tends to think about things as "practice, practice" because of his equestrian lessons, kung fu, and soccer.....he just wants to "practice" going to school, lol. I'll be riding along with him to school but he wants to put his OWN lock on, and I'll be there when school is released to ride home with him. I don't think the school releases children under 2nd grade without someone on the list walking/riding them home.
As for my brother's lack of notice: that's him. Kind of spur of the moment, but always adventurous. However, this is the one time it's not his fault. They were coming for a wedding in mid-October and since he lives 1700 miles away he was going to swing down this way to see us (the wedding is 2 hours from here)....BUT the wedding date was moved up to end of this month, so the travel plans changed too. The lack of notice is not a problem at all to me (but I'm surprised so many were "concerned" at a lack of notice...y'all do know this is 15 whole days away right?): we have 3 extra beds, and a playpen, and a portable crib. I only ask 2 days notice for out of town guests, IF possible. (That's to wash/freshen up the sheets).
I would definitely go. It's only 2 days of kindergarten!! For such wonderful family time!! You would NOT be naughty at all for doing this. Go for it and have a great time. :-)
I think that the first few days of Kindergarten are actually the most important. Actually the first 30 days. Teachers may not be doing a lot of actual "book work", however, they do a lot of "this is what is expected, what is appropriate" type lessons.
JMO...I would maybe take mine out one day but not two.
DO IT!!!
We made the rule that once we hit 2nd grade no more of missing school for stuff like this, but before that and especially on the first week for only 2 days it will be totally fine.
As a teacher I say do it! No matter the age I always encourage traveling and learning! It is about experiences! Have fun!
Frankly, I think it odd and selfish that your brother tells you at this late date (and obviously with no input from you) about his plans. Your son starts kindergarten once. The first few days are special. I wouldn't take him out.
If this were happening in the middle of the year, it would seem fine. But the first few days of kindergarten? I wouldn't do it.
I'd get your brother to move up his trip by a week. Win-win.
I say do it. Really it's K, I bet his teachers will agree that this is a great opportunity. :)
Well, I'm in the minority here. My kids have only missed 2 days EVER (I'm blessed with healthy kids, they are 12 and 9) and we plan all trips when they are out of school. My first thought would be to tell your brother that is the first day of school and ask if he can come earlier. If not, then I guess its ok, but only because its kindergarten. =) Good luck!
Check on your school policy. My child's school has a form you fill out, and they can have up to 5 days of educational trip excused absences per year.
I personally think that kids can learn a TON while travelling - especially to Washington DC! I say go!
As for a family policy for missing school, if you want to think about how to explain this longer term - missing school to do something educational - yes! After all, you wouldn't say 'no school field trip', right? But missing school just for fun - no. We do plan family trips during the school year. But those trips are to places where they will learn something (e.g. this winter we are going to Miami and are going to spend time in the Everglades - tons to learn there!). We don't use school time for amusement parks (so no Disney on this trip).
oh come on he is only 5 :-) and its not like you are missing the first day of school.....I would almost let the kids pick (of course making the DC trip sound like so much fun!) and then specify that normally it is not good to skip school but this trip is more like a field trip or learning experience....
I am sure you guys will have such an an awesome time!!!!!
I say go for it! It is kinder, the most he will miss out on is learning the rules and showing he can write his name. It will not set a precedent that it is okay to miss school. Family is just as important, if not more, so go for it!!!!! And make sure you enjoy and don't feel guilty :)
Just tell the teacher he'll be absent Thursday and Friday. Tell her you are happy to take any work along for him to complete (haha - it's Kindergarten, I'm sure it will just be some coloring pages or a quick worksheet). If it's a public school, they still get their funding for his attendance as long as he takes work with him, so nobody will care in the slightest if he's not there.
Last year, we had family come to visit in September from Italy. We see them only once every couple of years, so I took both of my girls (then 2nd and 4th grades) out of school for an entire week. They did their school work in the evenings after dinner, and went back to school not even skipping a beat. Plus, it was great to get to see their cousins, and we did educational stuff (as it sounds like you will be doing, as well).
Your son won't remember his 4th and 5th days of Kindergarten years from now, but he will remember going to the Smithsonian with his uncle!
as a teacher I feel we can do it now while kids are young. I took mine out of 1st grade for a few days as we had different spring breaks. Like you, our trip included many educational experiences. By the way we love DC don't miss the children's room of the natural history museum, the show at the native American museum and the pandas at the National zoo.
SKIP school it's K now highschool.
My daughter's cousin (who is her second half, and 9 weeks younger) was going to NC for the summer to be with her mom and I emailed my daughters school teacher to ask if she thought it would be bad if she missed 3 days to be with her cousin and she said HECK no! take that kid to see her cousin. Yours is also a learning experience. Perhaps he can do a mini project to show the class?
i'm sure the teacher woul prefer a learning and family outing then having him miss it
Just let them know he will not be in attendance Thursday and Friday that there has been plans set aside for these days wih family they'll understand...Ask them to set aside any work that can be brought home on Monday.
Do it!!! And that is an endorsement from a former teacher! :-) Two days is not going to mess your son up. The first month or so is a big emphasis on learning classroom procedures and such, so he will be just fine. If you were going to do this often and be pulling him out of school-then that is another issue, but sounds like it is a neat opportunity and very educational. I say go for it!
Added: One thing I always suggested to the parents and student from my class that would be traveling during school time is to keep a running journal of their journey. Take pictures and notes throughout the day and then at the end of each day the child can write or dictate to you what they learned/did that day. It is a great way to retain information, gives them a purpose as they are touring various attractions and something to keep for years to come. I often gave a few minutes during class time to share with the rest of the class, so we all gain something from the experience. It really brings learning to life and makes it more fun.
HTH,
A.
Hard choice but I think I would take the opportunity and do it. Yes - school is important but sometimes other stuff is just as important. Check with your school - ours has a rule 1 family vacation per year (doesn't matter if it is 1 day or 5 days) max of 5 days consectively. (Yes - I know my spelling is wrong :). Maybe you can take pictures and have him take them into class to show what he saw ? Make it a little educational ?
Absolutely go on the trip. He will miss NOTHING educationally on the 3rd and 4th day of kindergarten, but will gain LOADS from this trip, both educationally AND emotionally. What a great opportunity to spend time with family AND visit our nation's capital. Go for it...for sure!
Of course do it! Would he be riding his bike alone to school? No judgement but kindergarten is a little young if he is.
I think it's the worst time they could do this. I would wait at least a couple of weeks until your little one has settled in at school.
I have no quibbles with taking children out of school while they're young for educational and family stuff, but I would never do this in the first week of school. Can't your brother put his trip off a week or two?
Life is too short...explain the importance of school and the fact that what is missed will need to be made up (possibly)? Then go on the trip! He has a lifetime to learn...
On the otherhand I would think that over the first week is when relationships are formed...so if your son is outgoing it shouldn't be a problem, however, if he is the quite type you might want to think this through a little more...? Ask the teachers, I'm sure they would support you as long as you communicate with them how important is the family time.
Oh heck yes, go on the trip :)
there's more to learning than just a classroom! And it's Kindergarten ~ not like he's missing his SAT's.
My brother is the same way ~ everything last minute and spontaneous. We try to keep him grounded, but ya just can't. Makes life interesting.
Am I the only that that thinks it's pretty inconsiderate of your brother to just announce a visit, to your home, for a week, and not even consult with you, first? Who does that?!! Does he not care that your son is making a huge transition the same week & it's in his best interest to stick to his schedule?
Can't you have discussion about what time period is good for you & your family? I would have to say no, and ask him to alter the visit so that your son doesn't miss any school. Those first few weeks are a huge adjustment time. Procrastination on your brothers part doesn't mean your son should be affected negatively.
Not to mention, I don't think a 5 year old is really going to care about the D.C. trip or get out of it what you think he will, personally. Nor will the 2 year old. Not to mention, you're basically telling your son that it's okay to ditch school "just because" and when mommy says it's acceptable. I think it also sets a bad first impression with the teacher, who wants the least amount of disruptions as possible, especially in the beginning of the year. You had all summer for a fun trip. Save the trip for the weekend.
It's fine!! Have fun. And going to DC is super educational. Heads-up! If you want to tour the White House, go on their website and get cleared ASAP. Not sure if you can still do this. It takes alot of advance notice.
I didn't look through your other answers to see if someone else said this or not.
ABSOLUTELY GO!!!! As you said this would be FAR more educational, memorable, and fun than 2 days of kindergarten, or any grade for that matter (especially if your child has never been).
go for it!!! We did missed the same amount of time when our kids where in kindergarten to do disney.... 2 days in kindergarten is not a big deal, especially at the beginning of school... Have Fun!!!
I find it a little strange that your brother is giving you such little notice, but that's not the point here!
Anyway, I would DO IT!!!! What a great educational trip you'd be taking. I know the teachers would understand. As far as crowds go, the end of August is one of the best times to come here! (I live about 20 minutes outside DC) There is no one here during this month, so you'll be able to get in and out of all the museums with no problem. Definitely spend lots of time at the Museum of Natural History (or the "dinosaur museum" as my kids call it). So many other fun (but educational!) things to do. Do it, and have a great time!
Tough choice! In general, I think it is fine to miss a few days of school. Honestly do what is best for your family. The trip could be a great experience. I think your son is young enough that you don't have to worry about setting a bad precedent for school attendance.
One thing to take into consideration is how well your son does with changes. My oldest (going into 2nd grade) would probably worry about missing school at the beginning of the year b/c she would want to be getting used to the new teacher, new classroom and classmates. I don't think she would want to miss out on the time to make friends and feel like she belongs. I would have to really think about whether or not she could miss school for those reasons.
Just wanted to say HAVE FUN! I think its a great idea and missing a few days of Kindergarten is not going to change the course of his life (however, seeing DC just might! Maybe a future White House resident or guest??? :)
Do it. Definitely do it. The first week of school is such a mess that not a lot of learning gets done. This trip sounds like a fantastic learning experience as well as a time for some family bonding. Let the school know what's happening and maybe your son can make a diorama or something to share with his class when he gets back.
My son just finished kindergarten and I think it would be fine to miss. Its just kindergarten. Believe me, they won't be learning anything like geometry or British poets of the 18th century the first week. Most likely the class will be going over basics like colors, numbers, writing their first names and learning where the bathroom is.
Will his kids be in school at that time too? Ask your brother if he can do Sunday or Monday through Wed/Thursday instead of Thursday through Sunday. You may have less crowds by doing it during the week as well? If there is no way around the dates, I'd probably go. Talk to the teacher at back to school night and ask if there is any homework he can get before hand, or if you can pick up things to do at home after getting back home. They will start learning right away, but sometimes things are slow the first few days. They may do testing of students to find out what groups to put them in etc. Our kindergarten is only 2.5 hours per day so not a big deal. They do so much testing and easing the little ones into school, that they only go to school a handful of times for the first couple of weeks too as they do testing and also half of a class at a time, then full class to not overwhelm the kids at first. If you go full speed on day one and have a full day of school like 1st-6th, then skipping might be a little harder, but still probably worth it.
I would go but also let family know that a little more advance notice might be nice.
Nope, I am in the minority here. I just would not do it. School is too important to miss for something that just wasn't planned well. Your brother should not expect your children to miss school because he decided at the last minute to come...
You really need to check with the school and their attendance policy. While it may seem great, depending on the policy you could end up in trouble. Kinder is a big deal and its a big change for your little guy. This really isn't the best time for this. I would have him miss just friday. One day okay but the two days? Not so much.
I'm sorry his beloved uncle doesn't respect your son's forst week of school. Have I let my daughter miss a day here and there for trips, yes but very infrequently.
It is such last minute and he disn't even consult with you about his plans. The first few weeks of K is learning the rules of the rules and getting acclimated. I say "No". He is only in school 180 days per year, lots of time to vacation with the family. Washington DC isn't going anywhere!!
