Over the years, this topic has been much debated by many scholars, teachers and parents. Again, there is a similar discussion about what to do with very intelligent children, whether to keep them in same class with their age mates or to enrich them with special programs or to put them in special schools or just to push them a class ahead. Opinions have varied with considerations on the differences in the pubic and private school environment. Most western countries have strict policies on this. They enroll pupils in classes by their ages only and maintain same age for each class, irrespective of level of intelligence of the pupils.
This article does nor seek to promote or to condemn skipping classes, it’s only an overview of the implications it may have on a child which largely depends on some circumstances and varies from child to child.
Let me make my input based on a personal experience. I entered high school at 10 years. I was very young, quite petite but intelligent. I skipped primary 6 from primary 5, straight to high school. I guess my parents encouraged that because I was doing very well academically.
My first year in high school was in another state, an entirely different environment. I was a brilliant student still but I could feel the age difference around me. I was not shy or timid, yet I failed to keep pace socially and psychologically. I finished high school at 16, entered pre degree school at 17, was an undergraduate at 18 and graduated at 22. In each of these classes, I was amongst the youngest, still facing same challenge. My classmates were older, bolder, more mature, more exposed and more independent. With time, I realized that I was a bit mentally less developed for my age. I made few friends, associated less with my classmates and felt a bit withdrawn. I missed some school social activities then because I didn’t find them interesting. My focus was just on good grades, that I got but I was socially deprived.
I was a stammerer all through my school years. It was difficult for me to overcome this till after my university days when I was in the labour market and became more exposed. I think part of the reason why I continued stammered for long was because I was not socially and physically mature to freely associate with my mates. I did not go systematically with the regular social developmental steps. I can say now that I lost a social life.
My story may be different from another who graduated same age but was able to cope very well. I am fairly sure that there are people who got to their desired destination so successfully by skipping classes. Many factors like family differences, background and environment make our experiences different, irrespective of our age. Do I regret it? No. Would I advise it? No.
From my experience then and as an educationist now, I can categorically state that there are more sides to a child’s development than merely the intellect. Many people form lifelong friends in high school, and the younger children are likely to miss out on this. Again, a child that skips class is likely going to miss some specific knowledge set. As adults, we have our entire life to work and enjoy adulthoood, so whatβs the rush to get there by skipping classes? Children should be allowed to have a childhood and climb the stairs one step at a time.
However, because circumstances differ and reasons are relative, I would advice any parent who wants to let their children skip classes to be absolutely sure that it is right for them. They should consider the child’s coping mechanism, level of independence, check every other factor that may affect their life like in social, sports, academics, etc. They should also ask if it makes sense for the child to skip class, any cogent reason for the rush? Do they really need the push? Are they physically, socially and mentally mature? Are they prepared to face the consequences if turns bad? Every stage in a child’s development is very critical and is it important for parents to assess the pros and cons of every decision they are making in their child’s life. I recognize that some of these decisions are propelled by circumstances beyond the control of parents but it is very crucial to prioritize decisions especially when a child’s life and future is concerned.
No matter the reason or circumstance behind skipping classes in children, one thing is certain, any child that skips a class by a year is giving away a year of childhood and trying to become an adult a year earlier. No child would take that option by choice. Just like one scholar said, don’t push the river, it flows by itself.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
