To Worry or not to Worry

The other night we attended Ethan's kindergarten open house. I was floored as the teachers explained the curriculum for the year. I can't believe they expect my 4 1/2-year-old so0n to be 5 to be able to read and write three sentences with punctuation by the end of the year along with 25 sight words he has to know and 44 more just for fun. I was shocked! When the teachers finished their presentation I asked Ethan's teacher how he was adjusting being one of the young kids with a December birthday. His teacher explained that Ethan has a shorter attention span and isn't at the same maturity level than some of the others. There are 4 boys in his class that are 6 already. Of course he's not as mature as them. With tears in my eyes, I explained that the preschool suggested that we move him to kindergarten. I felt so badly. I went to bed sick to my stomach wondering if we made the right decision and if he will be damaged by the high expectations they have for these kids. I remember learning my alphabet in kindergarten! I felt so much better after speaking with a friend who gave me some great advice "don't let him see that you are worried" and if he needs to repeat kindergarten tell him"it was such a great year lets do it again."