Do you put the kindergartener with the reading group that is at his academic level, or leave him where he is?

My son goes to kindy every other day. On his off days, we spend about an hour reading and writing (I have a teaching degree). His teacher tells me he is the top reader in the class, however, the other students that are close to his level are very bossy and not always nice. My son is not strong socially. He is quiet and sensitive. His teacher was nice enough to ask my opinion, but I'm not sure if he should go to the top reading group. I can meet his academic needs at home. What do you think?

Answer:
In kindergarten, I think the social adjustment is just as important as the academic needs. Since he is fine academically, I'd leave him with the socially appropriate group. He'll be happier there!
he needs to be socially involved. if you have the tools, let him be in his class and get him involved into something else, such as soccer or something. or you can still upgrade his level and he can still try to evolve with the kids.
It is kindergarten. There is no need to rush things if it could set him back socially. I'm worried he may have less confidence if having to deal with the other kids and maybe not concentrating on his reading. Use his being the best reader in his group to build his confidence.
My daughter, who is now 11, has always been advanced for her age. It actually drives me crazy sometimes, but that's another story! I'd leave your child where he is and continue to work at home. He is learning social skills and could be leading by example. Sometimes getting help from a peer is less stressful than getting it from a teacher.

And, if you're really worried about making this decision alone, you can contact your pediatrician to see what they think.
As the kid who was bored out of her mind in kindergartin, and spent first grade with legs swinging below a giant size 3rd grade classroom desk, I would suggest that you put him in the top reading group. Kindergartin sucked, and 1st grade was great for me because of that. It's not fun to be bored, and may change his opinion of school. Social adjustment is important, and this would be an opportunity for the teacher to work with the bossy kids to stop being like that, as well as helping your son be more assertive.
LOL ummmm Well if I would have put my daughter with her reading level at age 5 she would have been in about the 4th grade. So that would have been a bit difficult...For me I'd have my daughter in the higher reading level because reading below her level would have just bored her and she would loose interest in reading and I didn't want that to happen.

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