Hello and thank you for writing to Just Ask!

It sound like you have a very bright kindergartner!  However, in my opinion, kindergarten is not only about attaining academic skills but being able to socialize with others.  Perhaps you would like some professionals who work in the school (i.e. the School Psychologist or Guidance Counselor) to assess your son's overall profile of skills over one or two observations. They can then judge if his "joking around" and other skills/behaviors are due to reasons such as boredom, social immaturity or a combination of explanations.

As a parent of a child who was one of the youngest in her kindergarten class I must tell you that when she became a high school student there were some challenges. For instance, some of her classmates were driving before she turned 15.  Also, the maturity level between her and her older classmates was much more noticeable and the peer pressure more intense then if she had been with age mates all along.
This was just our circumstance, but perhaps food for thought!

Regards,

Louise Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Owner of Signing Families

Hi there,

Thanks for using JustAsk!

While social skills are a significant part of what kids learn in kindergarten, it sounds like much of your child's inappropriate social behavior may be stemming from his boredom. If he's continually excelling at academic subjects -- and just as importantly -- possesses the social skills to interact, empathize, and engage with kids his own age, it may indeed be the case that he's ready to move onto first grade.

I'm including a link below to a frank discussion about the benefits of skipping a grade, that also includes some guidelines that will help you determine whether your child is prepared.

I suggest scheduling a meeting about the pros and cons of skipping a grade with your child's teacher and principal, before making up your mind.

Hope this helps!