I am curious as to why you would want to wait until 5th grade to begin
home schooling.  I am home schooling a K and 1st grader.  It seems like
it would become more difficult as they got older.
On to your question about starting your 4 1/2 yr. old in K...
My son was 4 1/2 when I began his Kindergarten year. My daughter had
been 5 1/2. I used the public school age cut off date (must be 5 by Dec.
2). My daughter would not have been, but my son would. Many people told
me that I should wait - boys aren't as mature - he's too young - etc.
We will finish this year on Friday and he is doing great. He can read,
add, and write legibly. I am glad I didn't wait. I had determined that I
would go slower with him and if he caught on, fine, if he didn't then
that was fine too.
I can understand his excitement about wanting to go to school. Most kids
are excited at first. If you really want to home school him though, at
this early age, I would not let the novelty of going off to school with
big brother deter me.
I hope this helps a little.
                                                    -Shari
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