Yes. And I can remember doing them in 2 week vacation bible school, where we put a round (tube like, only very slightly smaller than a glass or jar) of cardboard in a clear glass of water, slipped the bean in between the cardboard and the glass where it was held against the side, submerged. Then could watch the roots form, and the bean sprout and begin to form leaves. I don't remember planting what we grew, but I clearly remember the roots and seed leaves. Don't even ask me how many years later :)

I've had to make this decision for three of my four kids. It was a different decision each time. Have you talked to her preschool teacher? First child - birthday after cutoff. Meticulous and organized, and (academically) would have been fine starting early. But also pretty shy, and not very confident, so I'm glad she's among the older kids in her grade - I know it has helped her socially. Straight A's and tall for her age, and she sometimes complains that I should have started her early. But I think she's where she should be. Second child - birthday before cutoff. Impulsive and immature, so I would have held him back had he not been reading on his own at 4, and shown some early math skills. I was worried that he would be a problem in class if he were not challenged. I think he seemed immature to me, compared with his older sister, but I worried less after seeing the other boys in his grade, who also tended to be fidgety and less mature. He's doing great this year in school (fifth grade), but we have a lot of problems with him at home. I think he's just a more difficult child. The only place he would have benefitted from being held back is sports, because he is pretty decent, but would stand out more if he were playing with kids in the next grade down. Not a reason to hold a child back, though! Third child - March birthday. What a relief - no decision! So glad he is not any younger, though, because he could not read at all in kindergarten. My older two learned to read gradually, but with him, something finally "clicked" when he started first grade, and he's been fine since. But it was a little frustrating for him in kindergarten that he knew the letters and sounds like the other kids in his class, but was given easier books to bring home since he wasn't reading yet. Fourth child - birthday after cutoff. Started her early (last fall), because she has always played well with the older girls in the neighborhood, and tends to be a little bossy and/or condescending with the younger girls. Loves school, is doing well, and comes home from school, only to play "school" with the neighbor girls. Her teacher says that she fits right in with the other kids, and that she would never guess she is a little younger. So far, so good. I don't think any of us can say what is right for your child. For me it was helpful to volunteer in preschool regularly to see them with other kids. I think a lot of kids with "cutoff" birthdays would be fine either way - they are pretty resilient. Our elementary school screens all incoming kindergarteners and will make a recommendation that they start/wait if you ask. So talk to your elementary school - they will probably be helpful, since they want your daughter to do well in school, too! Sorry so long - this has been a big issue for me. Should have planned better and had them all born in the winter!

What other "method" is used? I distinctly remember the "Palmer Method", and practicing the, "push, pulls, and ovals" (most fun was using the fountain pen contained in the mahogany desk that belonged to my grandfather). Penmanship was considered very important in our home. We were repeatedly told there was, "NO excuse for poor penmanship!". My father ( a "leftie") was actually forced to use his right hand (about 1932) to hold the pencil. He was in tears in second grade when it was time for writing drills. His teacher, quietly asked him if he wanted to try using his left hand to hold the pencil. He repeatedly wailed, "I can't, they won't let me!". His teacher calmed him, telling him it was perfectly OK to use his left hand since she'd been doing it for nearly 50 years. The "trick", she told him, was to TURN THE PAPER AROUND! His penmanship was gorgeous, the envy of many "righties", doubtless! In the time before ball point pens, learning to turn the paper instead of cocking the wrist, made for writing angled correctly WITH NO SMEARS. This forum interests me greatly, and it is one to which I will return frequently, I'm sure. I represent one half of a "child-free" couple. There are a lot of "us" out there. My taxes are sky-rocketing and my frank questions about budgets/curricula are frequently met with derision at local meetings(obviously, I represent the minority!). I hope you will help introduce me to some of the terms/methods/theories with which I am unfamiliar.

It was a tough call and I am glad that I did not have to make the decision... although I am fairly sure it would have been the same as yours... I am sure DS will love kinder. in no time... my daughter told me her second day of pre-k she didnt need me to walk her to class anymore she "could handle it on my own" She trips me out sometimes... aww kids ... they never cease to amaze yeah, ex's comment to husband was utterly ridiculous... apparently adults never cease to amaze me as well ;-)