Taking kids out of school for the first week of term ...

[roisin]

My boys' cousins are both (two separate families) on holiday this week. They are both quite young - yr1 and yr2. But I must admit I'm quite surprised. Although strictly speaking you might say not much "work" goes on in the first few days back at school, it is a crucial time IMO for teachers and students and school getting to know each other; introductions to topics; and getting an overview of the year ahead.

Would you do this?

No I wouldn't. Definitely not.

Yes if the children were young enough and the school was happy about it and if it was going to be the only holiday we had in four or five years. I wouldn't begrudge kids two or three holidays in their childhood. I wouldn't do it every year though.

As it happens, my dad (from Calif.) is visiting this week & ds (Yr 1) will miss school on Friday.

Will also miss first 1-2 weeks next term. We r going to California 2 see family; it's 2 far 2 go & not stay at least 3.5 weeks. Xmas is when my family gathers, when I most want 2 b there...

DS didn't miss any school due 2 hols last yr, though.

One of the girls in my dd's class missed the first two weeks last year (yr 3). She had a hard time finding her feet when she got back - the others had already formed into little cliques. I personally would only take the kids out of school for a day or two for family events like weddings, etc though if we were ever to visit my brother in NZ I suppose I would have to in order to make it worth going such a long way ( unless we went during the summer holidays when it would be wnter there.)

No, I wouldn't (under most circumstances..) Because of the social re-grouping more than the academic impact. Friendships re-sealed, groups re-formed. Too easy to be left out or behind, or feel 'out of it' when you eventually get back.

Ideally don't hold with kids being out of school in term time...but do understand certain compelling circs.

any other time is OK I think but NOT first week back. They find it really hard to settle if they miss it ime as a teacher

I really feel the children would feel left out - so much goes on the first week and it's giving the wrong impression in my opinion.
I often disagree with the silly way things are done in school but we really need to make our children feel part of the class if they are to do their best.

Whoops! Using a different computer so using a name I haven't posted in for months. Might change back. I like having two personalities.

well school seem to think its ok to place my lad on work experience the first week back whilst his friends will be doing friendy things.

if there was a choice i would prefer not to use the first week back becuase of learning schedulers and getting books etc in secondary school

in infants they will be making friends so its not ideal.

however they will benefit from a lovley holiday and am sure things will work out