Small vs. large barnehage groups – impact on social belonging in 1st grade?

[u/semiopenmind]

Hi everyone,

I’m a bit worried about my two kids (ages 2 and 5). They’re currently in a small barnehage with around 9 kids in total. Compared to the bigger barnehager, this feels very few.

I’ve been hearing stories that children who come from very small groups sometimes struggle socially when starting 1st grade—things like not having an established group to play with, or even ending up playing alone. And how does this translate further down the line (on the higher grades levels)

To parents and teachers who have experience:

• Does being in a larger group in barnehage help kids “find their place” more easily in 1st grade and further down the line?
• Have you noticed differences in how kids from small vs. large groups adjust socially?
• What were your own children’s experiences like?

I’d love to hear your insights. Thanks in advance!

[u/missThora]

Hi there

I teach 1st grade, and it doesn't matter that much.

While it is beneficial for kids to at least know a few of the other kids when they start, most social groups don't last through 1st grade anyway.

We work at social skills and getting to know and play with everyone in their new class all year and they often (usually actually) end up playing with totally different people by the end of the year then they start out with.

As long as they have some peers of the same age to practice social skills with and as long as they have normal social development, I wouldn't worry.

You can find out what meet and greets next years school starters have at the school they are going to be at and try to make sure the 5 year old goes to those this year.

[u/Northlumberman]

Good question. My son and daughter both went to a small barnehage. It happened that both were the only ones to go up to the school in their year.

This wasn’t good for my son, and he struggled to make friends in the first year at school because the other children had already formed groups of friends. He was pretty socially awkward and found it difficult to get into the existing groups. But he found his own friends eventually, basically teamed up with some other misfits.

On the other hand my daughter is very sociable made new friends within the first week.

So in my experience it depends a lot on the child.

[u/tuxette]

Does being in a larger group in barnehage help kids “find their place” more easily in 1st grade and further down the line?

Usually, but not necessarily.

Have you noticed differences in how kids from small vs. large groups adjust socially?

No. However, kids who never went to barnehage tend to adjust poorly compared to those who did. Especially kids who don't speak Norwegian. This gets better after some time in most cases.

[u/AnitaH2]

I would not change the kindergarten if I was satisfied with it otherwise. At least not for the eldest. But I might want to look into other venues for bonding. Around here in the south several congregations / menigheter have "knøtte-kor" (tiny people choir) and other meeting points. As a non christian this was not a thing I knew of or would want my kids exposed to, but it would have made a social arena to meet neighbouring kids at. The youngest participated in gymnastics for half a year and switched to ballroom dancing the next, but none of the friends she made there ended up in her class. Being open for visits and playdates have been the most important for us. We live close to the school and the soccer field, and were the nearest toilet. 😅