At this moment, I'm really mad about everything I'm reading online about full day vs. half day kindergarten. Much of the information I find tells me the following:
"Children who attend full-day kindergarten programs learn more in literacy and mathematics over the kindergarten year than those in half-day programs.
"Children who attend full-day kindergarten spend 30% more time on reading and literacy instruction as well as 46% more time on mathematics than children in half-day programs.
"The full-day advantage in literacy amounts to slightly more than one month of extra learning and the advantage in math is slightly less than one month.
First of all, the "benefits" of full day kindergarten are not on my "to-do" list for my boys. I am not sending my kid to Kindergarten to learn math and reading! Jasper is already beginning to read and he does math constantly when out counting sticks or leaves, or doing multiples of two's while playing legos. 
Kindergarten originated from the words "children in the garden" (http://www.froebelweb.org/) where kids learned about socialization, exploring the natural world, learning about the true nature of work through play, etc. Why are we, as a society, mainstreaming our little ones so early? Why are children in kindergarten expected to have reached certain academic "benchmarks" by the end of the school year? Why are these benchmarks more important than fostering imaginary play and self-guided exploration? Why are 5 year olds having to worry about "success" and "achievements" in kindergarten today? All of this actually makes me quite mad! I think it's all a bunch of garbage! I think all this pressure we are putting on the young minds of our children is stifling creativity and will ultimately lead to early childhood depression, anxiety, and other health problems. I believe that the children who grow up to become highly successful adult are those who had a childhood full love, nurturing creativity, imaginary play, and learning the value of hard work.
Okay, so I need to be talked down from the high horse people. I'd love for some feedback. I'd love to hear from all of you what you chose for your child(ren) and why. Even if you don't have kids of your own, I'd love to hear your personal opinion and ideas about this topic.
15 comments:
They do full day kindergarten here and it did seem like a very long day at first. I felt a lot better about it when Ella LOVED going to school though. She had 2-3 recess periods a day and she was beginning her Spanish two-way immersion program, which I was thrilled about. I think I will probably home school during middle school, but I personally just don't have the patience to teach those early skills so I knew I couldn't do it for kindergarten. I was able to go and help in the classroom a lot (it was hard for me in 1st grade to not have as many opportunities to see her during the day) and that was fun for us both. I think it is a very individual decision. But I will say Kindergarten for us was a lot of play and creative time...which could be used as an argument for it or against it. Our harder transition was to 1st grade when they actually had spelling tests and a more structured "learning" day. You just need to look at what the program is where you are then make the decision that you feel best about and that will make Jasper most happy. Ella was counting the days to go to the big school, and Addie is as well, but who knows how Preston will feel at that point. Kindergarten was right for us, even with it being a full day and you are an amazing mom and teacher so I know you'll do what right for you guys.
I'm 100% with you!!! When we were still in St. Louis, and lived in an area with full-day kindergarten, I was determined to just take Ruby home at lunch every day (computer lab & afternoon activities be damned! ... don't tell Woo I wrote that ...). Thankfully, we moved a couple months before she started, and they only half-day here. Part of me is kind of sad that she goes full day now in first grade ... she's totally exhausted, and we miss her!
Part of me would love to homeschool, but I also don't send my kids to school just for academia. And it's probably good for me to let go :). We have friends here that homeschool. One is a family with just a kindergartener. They found some online curriculum they're following (not that you'd have any problem with that), and they seem more than satisfied with it.
Chelsey
Having just reread your post, I'd also like to say that I believe that home life is ultimately more influential on a child's academic success/values, and I think that your children will have NO problem being creative or interacting with the natural world or learning about work through play. Simply because of the kind of people you and Rob are. I don't think you need to worry about that :).
Oooh... I have opinions on the matter. Sofia is in full day kindergarten. The only reason she is in full day is because we chose to put her in spanish/english dual immersion, and those are the only two days with full day. Sofia was exhausted for the first couple of months, and she still goes to bed at 7:00. She now loves is and is adjusted, but I wouldn't say that I am. Some days around 1:00, I just want so badly to pick her up. I told Chris that I may just start doing that on occasion. I wouldn't do that in 1st grade, but I wouldn't feel bad about doing it every once in awhile now.
The other thing that made me feel okay about it is that both Sofia and Gabe are fall birthdays and older for their grades. Sofia was almost 6 by the time she started kindergarten, so I felt a little better about her having a longer day.
I love Sofia's teachers, and she is already picking up so much spanish.... but I have to admit that seeing how kindergarten is now depresses me. Worksheets, little play time, very little art projects.... it kills me. When I complain about these things to Chris, he reminds me that she is really happy and loves school, and that is important.. so I try to remember that. I love the idea of homeschooling, but I don't think I could pull it off with a demanding baby!
I feel pretty strongly about this but hesitate to comment because (as with every parenting issue) it is hard to explain your side without seeming to attack the other side. Every family does the best they can for their family. But ask me in person how I feel. :)
Sara! I'm totally feel the same way and agree that kindergarten is not what it used to be and that children should be able to run, explore, socialize, etc in Kindergarten without the pressures and benchmarks you mention. I think kids need to be kids as long as possible :)
There is no choice here in Alabama, Kindergarten is all day. So I was hesitant when I sent Grant, but he loved it and had a great experience. What I did not do is put him in formal preschool prior, nor do I plan to with Grace (we do it with friends). Preschool and pre-k here are HUGE and kids get on waiting lists since they are born...I've had conversations with people here and they are appalled I don't have Grace in preschool asking me how she will be ready....ready for what is my response? Kindergarten in my mind IS for getting ready in a fun environment for those upcoming years in the primary grades.
This is more preschool related but when I took Grace to her 3 yr check up the dr. asked if she went to preschool. I said no, we do it with friends and do our own things, etc. end of conversation. Later in the appt. without me asking he brought it up again and said, you know-just my personal and professional opinion... loving your child and answering their questions is the best thing you can do for them. In my professional opinion I don't see that the kids who do preschool are 'better' socially or academically then children who don't go. Good job, just love her and answer all those questions her little mind has.
Good luck, you'll find what fits for the both of you :)
Half Day.
Half Day. He has the rest of his life to go to school full day.
Sara, thanks for articulating some of your concerns...I think whichever fence we sit on we all do! For me, I am really struggling because Sawyer is only just 3.5 and I am already feeling like I have to decide when he will enter kindergarden - at barely 5 or wait a year. It is a HUGE debate here in this city as the trend is to send boys with summer (even late spring) birthdays at 6 rather than 5. I have such mixed feelings on the matter! I also think it depends where you live and what the school district is like. I think a lot of it (from what I've been reading) is based on funding from the government. A read in an article that a former kindergarden teacher of 10+ years moved up to teach second grade and then 5 years later went back to kindergarden, this was a couple of years ago - and she said, because of the testing requirements they were now teaching things in kindergarden that were formerly required of the second graders! I know when I went to kindergarden it was a half day of coloring and playing - learning the ABC's and 124's etc., more like early preschool is today. At least how Sawyer's preschool is (Creative Arts for Children in Magnolia - it's old school and I love it!) Not to mention that here in Seattle full day is I believe becoming a requirement and we have to pay $260/month for it! Yikes! We figured out one night that if we sent Sawyer to preschool for two years and then pre-k and then kindergarden in this city we would spend well over $10,000 on his education before first grade. Ridiculous! Anyway, I have strong emotions and opinions and lots of questions about this subject as well. I have heard of something that interested me just a bit: getting together with a small group of like-minded friends and hiring your own teacher for a small group for a year or two. You have much more say in the curriculum while she/he makes sure they learn what's on the state "check list" as well. In the end it probably costs just a tad more than kindergarden in this city, only with much more control and a shorter day and more flexible schedule. We are hoping/planning to move in the near future and I hope that there isn't quite as much academic pressure in the new city we move to - and I also hope there is a half day option. After having my mom home school a few of my siblings, I'd really rather not go that route. And now that I will have two other little ones I just don't think I could devote the time I'd want to. I've largely tried to simplify our lives this past year as I also feel like too much outside activity takes away from kids being able to explore their own home/nearby environment and build stronger family/sibling relationships that always being on the go to playgroups and playdates etc. etc. Not that they're bad at all, but I just want my kids to have a teeny bit of room to be "bored" even to spring their creative play at home from time to time. And it has certainly worked! Anyway...I'm up on the fence as well and thank you for starting this conversation. I know you are wonderful and you will figure something out that will be best for sweet Jasper and not make you crazy :) Good luck! And keep us posted!
I can only speak second handed on this subject. Here in Yakima the school had to go down to 1/2 day because of budget costs. They offered a full day for an additional cost for those interested. From what I understand the difference btwn 1/2 day and full day here is the 1/2 day kids don't get art, PE, recess and other 'extra' courses other than the standard math, reading, etc... And of course they don't get to have lunch at school which is a really big deal to my nephew.
From a teacher's perspective, it all boils down to No Child Left Behind, which is one of the worst things I've experienced as a teacher. If it was focused on growth, maybe I wouldn't be so opposed.
As for Kindergarten, I prefer 1/2 day. That's what Audrey has and I think it's plenty for her. Oregon (at least in our city) only has 1/2 day and as far as I know always has. It has seemed like the best thing for us. And, it allows her reading, math and lots of other creative outlets at the same time.
I would want the option of either - even if that means some kids just get to leave early. They could separate the half/full day kids by classroom even. It would be easy. I would like to try full day and if it stressed her out - just switch. I'm terrified about her going to school already. We did not take her to a preschool (they all seemed more like over-priced daycares to me) and she is NOT used to having to listen to anyone who is not Me or Shane. She has a hard enough time in primary :/! I have been putting off even looking up her school because I'm in denial that she's old enough but it's time.
Hi, came across your blog through Pinterest, and this is a subject I'm currently struggling with myself. My son is very advanced academically, but need to work on his social skills. He is very active and learns best by doing and talking through things - two things that aren't really encouraged that much in school these days! I think full day would be a very long day for him, and he doesn't need it for academics, but since he is an only child I wonder if I should have him in full day just so he is around other kids. Plus, my husband wants me to work full time, so that also factors in. It is such a difficult decision. We all just do the best we can for our kids. I hope you make a decision you and your family are happy with!
Seattle school does have a half day kindergarten option. Maybe you can look into that? Whatever you decide, I know you'll make the right choice for your boys. You know in your heart what is best.
I've learned from what Max has taught me that he very much wants to attend a full day program. That's been a little hard for me to accept, but I know it's what is right for him.
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