As a parent, you may have heard of the term "redshirting" when it comes to deciding when to start your child's schooling. Redshirting is the practice of delaying a child's entrance into kindergarten or first grade by a year, making them one of the oldest students in their grade. This trend has been on the rise in recent years, with many parents believing that it can benefit their child's academic and social development. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of redshirting and help you make an informed decision.
What is Redshirting?
Redshirting originated in college sports, where coaches would hold back athletes from playing in their first year, allowing them to mature physically and mentally before playing. In education, redshirting involves holding a child back a year from starting kindergarten, usually when their birthday falls close to the cutoff date for admission.
The Pros of Redshirting
Academic advantage: Research shows that older children tend to perform better academically than their younger peers in the early grades. This is because they have more developed language and cognitive skills, as well as greater attention spans and better self-control.
Social and emotional maturity: Redshirting gives children an extra year to mature socially and emotionally, which can help them navigate the social complexities of school. They may also have an easier time making friends and adjusting to the routines of school.
Increased confidence: Being one of the oldest and most experienced students in the grade can give children a boost in confidence and self-esteem, which can help them excel academically and socially.
The Cons of Redshirting
Loss of time: Redshirting means delaying a child's entry into formal education by a year, which means they will spend an extra year in preschool or daycare. This can be costly and may limit their exposure to academic and social experiences.
Limited challenge: Children who are held back may become bored and disengaged in class, as they may already know the material being taught. This can limit their academic growth and lead to behavioral problems.
Peer relationships: Children who are held back may find it difficult to relate to their peers, who are a year younger. They may feel left out of activities or struggle to make friends, which can affect their social development.
Making the Decision
The decision to redshirt your child is a personal one and should be based on their individual needs and circumstances. It's important to consider all the factors, including your child's academic readiness, social and emotional maturity, and their personal interests and goals.
If you do decide to redshirt your child, it's important to keep them engaged in academic and social activities during their extra year. This could involve enrolling them in a pre-kindergarten program, participating in sports or extracurricular activities, or engaging in educational play at home.
Redshirting can have both advantages and disadvantages for children, and the decision to delay their entrance into formal education should be carefully considered. By weighing the pros and cons and taking your child's individual needs into account, you can make an informed decision that sets them up for success in school and beyond.
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
If you're considering redshirting your child and want to ensure they're academically and socially prepared for kindergarten or first grade, we recommend signing up for The STEAM Generation Kindergarten Readiness Assessment session. This program takes a unique approach by using hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art Integration, and Math) activities as the foundation of the assessment. It's designed to give parents a comprehensive understanding of their child's academic and social readiness, including areas where they may need additional support. By signing up for this program, you can make an informed decision about whether redshirting is the right choice for your child. Plus, you'll receive personalized recommendations and resources to help your child succeed in their academic journey.
Don't wait to give your child the best possible start in their education. Sign up for The STEAM Generation Kindergarten Readiness Assessment session today.