Full day kindergarten - Page 2

[lauren]

teachma, I totally respect those who are actually doing this work, in contrast to those of us who just form opinions "from the outside." So I am always willing to be corrected! Anyway, I'm not sure if I was very clear, because your response seemed to be misunderstanding what I was saying (probably because I didn't say it very well!) My main point was just that I wish that for every full day kindergarten option there was a half day option as well at the same school so that parents had that choice for their child. The rigidity I'm referring to (at least at many schools around here) is that there is the feeling that what is offered to one must be offered to all, and sometimes there is an unwillingness, for example, to offer a bus at noon for the group of k-gartners that are half day. There is often not flexibility in budgets or whatever to do this, and I guess I just wish there was.

[teachma]

I understand a little better, lauren, and by no means am I unilaterally opposed to critique of the system. In my public school, a handful of parents do pick up their children at noon. The kindergarten teachers, however, reserve the right (and are actually legally obliged) to hold back students for another year of kindergarten if they do not meet the state standards for graduating from the grade. One thing that is different at my public school is a lack of buses altogether. All students (except the few bused from another town in effort to desegregate) either walk, bike, or get driven by parents to my school. So no special arrangements need to be in place for an earlier pick up if a mom chooses to do so.

[EFmom]

I really wish our district offered full day kindergarten, but they don't, due to some intensive lobbying by an affluent and vocal group of mothers to prevent it when the school wanted to introduce it several years ago. So, instead, they try to accomplish a full day curriculum in half a day and we have to deal with the aftermath. My dd was completely ready for a full day and she has an early birthday.

[BusyMommy]

TeachMa, that is amazing that they encourage you to hold kids back! We have to fight really hard to retain anyone. We fill out a "light's retention scale," conference w/the principal, parents, etc etc. Is K mandatory in your district? It's still optional in ours. We grade them Satisfactory, Progress, or Time needed on report cards. But, we're obligated to promote everyone unless we've done all the work for a retention. They don't even want us to test for Special Ed. until they've turned 6.

Wow. Lots of pressure. Don't know that's really fair since some kids just aren't ready developmentally. Makes it tough for you.

PS: I just had a 4 y.o. girl enroll last month as an early entry but it was simply too much for her. Yikes

[yoga]

I would just like to chime in, here.

I attended Kindergarten full-day and I enjoyed it. I loved school for many years. I still enjoy learning.

If my kids go to school, I have no problem w/full-day kindergarten. As a matter-of-fact, I would prefer it. I don't see the point in sending my kids to school for 3 hours. If they're going to go, they may as well be there until 3pm.

[mojomom]

My dd is in a full day kindergarten program. I was SOOOOO sceptical about it. I went to orientation listened to the mostly pro's of it Talked tot he principle and really came away with another view on it. My dd does get 2 recesses and a rest time, this is the only 2nd year of full day kindergarten in her school. The principle said that last school year they bought mats for the kids to take naps on but the kids just played and most of the parents informed the teachers that their kids gave up naps a few years ago. Now they have quiet time where they listen to music or the teacher read some extra stories. if the kids want to nap they can during this time. I volunteer alot at my dd's school and have really been able to see how her day works. There is no rushing to get thru work, to snack, to specials( gym, music art class) No rushing to get outside then rushing to get inside. Half day kindergarten has to acomplish and meet the same guidelines as full day, in my opnion that gives the teachers more time to focus on a subject the kids are having a difficult time with or spend some extra time with a student. When my dd was in preschool last year and I would volunteer there was such a little amount of transition time for them. Sometimes the teachers would run out of time for projects. We have really enjoyed our kindergarten experience she has thrived in her school program. I will say the childs attitude and their readyness makes a huge difference and she has a fantastic teacher. To be honest the person it has been hardest on is me that probally explains the 3 days a week I volunteer at school Oh also would like to add our school is the only full day kindrgarten program in our area and the enrollment has been full for the last 2 years, so for right now parents do have options in our area, but who knows with budget cuts what is going to happen.: