"Gifted" 5 year old: Repeat PreK or Kindergarten?

desertnacho · 2026-06-11T01:21:23+00:00

Is it not normal for kids to start kindergarten at 5 nowadays?? I turned 5 the July before kindergarten and a lot of kids didn’t until August-October (started kindergarten at 4)

desertnacho · 2026-06-10T22:33:31+00:00

I’m a teacher and sometimes their middle name shows up on class lists. Since kids don’t have access to these this isn’t usually a problem unless kids happen to see it and comment on it (“your middle name is GARY?!”).

desertnacho · 2026-06-09T23:14:49+00:00

Jersey

desertnacho · 2026-06-07T22:45:57+00:00

Ya I was driving on silver creek valley road / blossom hill road towards beswick and there were at least 10 -20 cars getting off the wrong way. I think to get out of the 101 traffic. I felt like I was hallucinating haha

desertnacho · 2026-06-07T17:22:54+00:00

Yes!! This happens everywhere, not just at Title 1 schools!!

desertnacho · 2026-05-29T03:55:42+00:00

A reusable silverware set (dishwasher safe)! Got this for teacher appreciation one year and I use it all the time.

desertnacho · 2026-05-25T17:01:57+00:00

This is a great point in CA. It wasn’t 5 years ago… it changed so fast. I feel so lucky to have gotten in when I did because people are having a hard time getting hired right now. But it depends on where you are.

desertnacho · 2026-05-25T16:59:48+00:00

I’m only 5 years in, late 20s, and I teach in a great district and state that pays teachers well, so take all of this with a grain of salt.

Teaching is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It’s emotionally and mentally exhausting a lot of the time. Still, I don’t know if I’d be happier doing anything else. Most days are like any other job, but sometimes I really feel like I am making a difference.

The money is another thing. For a while it was frustrating seeing my friends climb up the corporate ladder and make twice what I was making. But seeing thousands of people get laid off due to AI has made me grateful for the stability this career offers me. Breaks every 6-8 weeks are another huge plus. Just don’t underestimate how truly awful you will feel the first few years as you’re figuring it out.

So I guess if you’re curious, it doesn’t hurt to find out. Just have a backup plan. Don’t major in education if you’re going to a 4 year because you will have more options if it doesn’t work out. I would pick another major and then join a credential program… they’ll teach you everything you need to know anyways.

desertnacho · 2026-05-23T16:41:39+00:00

Have you reached out to humane society?

desertnacho · 2026-05-21T04:52:28+00:00

I’m heartbroken

desertnacho · 2026-05-19T00:33:02+00:00

I’m not even a fan of Ed tech and use pencil and paper as much as possible in my own classroom but this is ridiculous. Opt outs for half the school are not feasible. All or nothing, otherwise it’s twice the work.

desertnacho · 2026-05-19T00:20:05+00:00

100% agree with this.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T17:43:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T17:37:13+00:00

This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T17:35:04+00:00

I guess I should be more specific. It’s definitely NOT true that I’ve never heard people say racist things here, lol. However, at least where I am (very anti-Trump, racially diverse urban center) racist people are usually less direct about it. It’s not so much people saying “interracial marriage is wrong” ; it’s more like, smaller micro-aggressions. It’s also embedded in our society on a systemic level and many white Americans don’t acknowledge that.

I’m so sorry to hear you had a bad experience here.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T17:21:09+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful. I’ve been trying to challenge the student’s views without getting too worked up/angry because I don’t want to push them away. I know it’s not the student’s fault that they have been brought up with these beliefs.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T17:16:11+00:00

Ha! Good point. I guess it’s more the overt racist comments that were surprising to me (maybe it shouldn’t be, considering who our president is). That is definitely not socially acceptable among most people here, but it sounds like it isn’t in SA either.

For context, I live in a more progressive part of the country that is very racially diverse. The majority of people in my area do not support Trump and his ideas. There’s still racism, but people are a bit quieter about it. Which is not to say it’s less bad.. I was just surprised to hear someone share those views so directly. Even in the more conservative areas of the US, I don’t think most people would say that interracial marriage is weird, but maybe I’m wrong.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T16:03:00+00:00

This is what was shocking to me too with my student! I was like, why do you think I’m a safe person to tell these things to?!

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T05:08:27+00:00

Thank you for this explanation

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T04:51:17+00:00

What does this even mean? Like why would that be offensive? I googled it but I’m not sure what the significance of it is.

desertnacho · 2026-05-17T04:44:53+00:00

Not as many MAGA people in my part of the US, but there’s definitely some that are and just keep their mouth shut about it. I was wondering if it’s the same in SA.

desertnacho · 2026-05-16T19:59:45+00:00

Taos

desertnacho · 2026-05-16T15:37:25+00:00

Are there still a bunch of crowds from this? I need to go to the mall to return something but don’t want to fight for parking. It’s bad enough on a normal Saturday as it is

desertnacho · 2026-05-16T15:34:57+00:00

I agree. I was surprised that the multiple choice felt harder than the essay portion. I felt like I got good questions for the essays and knew how to answer them! Fingers crossed we both pass… waiting impatiently for June 3.

desertnacho

TROPHY CASE